Yesterday, Hallmark Channel announced that host Cristina Ferrare would be replaced as co-host by regular contributor Debbie Matenopoulos. The cable channel didn’t specify when the change would take place.
Today, co-host Mark Steines made a quick announcement that Ferrare had left the show and that Matenopoulos would be replacing her, effective immediately. Ferrare hadn’t been on the show for two weeks and didn’t return for a send-off.
Fans of the show have been concerned if Ferrare was sick and have been wondering if the decision to leave was her decision. On her Facebook page, Ferrare confirmed that she is not sick and essentially says that she was fired. She wrote:
Okay here goes, I feel it’s important to finally step up to the plate and let you know what is happening.
First may I say that my family and I have been so thankful and appreciative for all the love, support, prayers, and good wishes you have been sending me on a daily basis for the past three weeks. It pained me so that I was unable to let you know what was going on out of respect for everyone on Home and Family and the Network. I was asked to wait and I have but now I feel I should out of respect for YOU let you know.
It’s really very simple, Home and Family will have a season 5 which I am so happy for and the Network decided that they want a new co-host and that will be Debbie. She will do a great job!
You can still reach me here on facebook and we shall continue honoring love of family and friends. I truly LOVE you all. You have been my rainbow!
What do you think? Are you sorry that Ferrare is no longer a co-host on Home & Family? Will you continue to watch? Should the show be cancelled or, is Ferrare’s replacement a good idea?
I used to watch since I am retired – especially at the holidays. I won’t be watching since Christina has gone!
I think you should of left her as host.She made the show. Not watching anymore. Was loyal watcher.
Do not like Cristina’s replacement (Debbie). She’s a ditz! The show is not the same. I choose to watch something else at that time. So sad!
I really didn’t watch the show that much but would enjoy the occasional guests and I have to say that it saddened me to see Hallmark change the role of Hostess so suddenly and without warning. I love the Harllmark Movies but when I suspected the reason for the change, it really was a decision to stop watching the show. Nothing personal to any actors, just have to say that this was done in poor taste and some of us relate to the more experienced Hostess and love when networks don’t cater to Hollywood’s idea of what’s in and acceptable,… Read more »
I feel the Network could have handled Christins’s exit more gracefully if anything respect to Christina and her fans.
However I do feel the show needed a change to keep the fans to keep watching. Maybe have Christina back for a guest appearance .
Debbie and Mark have a great chemistry which has given the show a new pop. It’s a great show and will continue to watch.
Christina should not have been pushed off the show just because the other two got marrief
The show won’t be the Sam without Christina. I liked her from years ago when she and Michael did it together. However, I do like Debbie also. Mark Steines should be replaced; don’t think he offers much
miss christina, hallmark you made a big mistake. i do not like the show as much anymore. Christina made the show. will not watch as much now. Sorry Debbie you are great as a contributor but not as good a host as Christina
My husband and I do not watch nearly as often. Christine was one of the main reasons we watched the show. It is lacking the warmth of a family now.
Wow. Talk about not knowing the pulse of their base audience. It’s like a deep emotional hole was left that tiny little Debbie cannot fill. She should’ve been left as a wonderful complement to Christina and Mark. Dear Hallmark, you released a gem back into the universe and she will shine elsewhere. Looking forward to Christina’s next venture!
Big Mistake, BIG MISTAKE. This new woman can’t even begin to replace Christina. Good luck with that Hallmark.
Sorry to say show is not the same. Was this an AGE thing Hallmark, it wasn’t talent. Tuning out now.
It is ok now
So sorry that Cristina is no longer on Home & Family. I liked her so much with Mark. Since she was let go I do not enjoy the show that much….Debbie is good but I think she is to flaunty .
I will not watch the show anymore. The chemistry between mark and Cristina was unmistakable. It is just not the same. Shame on you.
Shows not the same
Please bring Cristina Ferrare back on the show. She is why I watch the show. I haven’t watched it since she was dismissed.The show just isn’t the same. What a mistake you made!!