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?
The show will never be the same .Cristina was the show . I will no longer be watching unless Cristina comes back.
Bring Cristina back, please!
I agree with the comments that have said that Christina was a plus on the show. The chemistry that her and Mark had is not something you find that often. There was such a true sincerity in her. I think you should bring her back, maybe she’s not the super thin, young co-host you got now but not always is that important, in fact I would go to say it rarely is in the minds of the fans or viewers. IF that was the reason then shame on you!!
Well, many people keep sending me this link. It keeps growing and growing everyday. Now that it is over 5,000 I’m getting more messages to read the responses. I am overwhelmed, humbled, and appreciative of all the kind words. I’m not sure the executives at Hallmark even see this but I do and I thank you sincerely. Cristina Ferrare
Nothing is the same without you Cristina.Your beauty and wisdom is missed . What a talented woman you are and The flowers on the set just have no pizzaz!! You were the reason i watched . Iwill no longer be watching H&F Happy Holidays and God Bless you and your family .
Trudy, I so agree with you. The show that we loved left with Cristina.
It still makes me ill that the “Execs” messed up such a great and just plain happy show! I miss Tanya too; her little daughter Ava just made me smile! And Cristina your cooking segments you could feel the love! I DO hope the powers to be are reading these because it’s going to explain to them from us the viewers why ratings dropped. I am praying that you get your own show so I can watch you daily again! You are one classy act! ❤️
Cristina, I have not watched the show since you left and I’m angry at hallmark for that. I looked forward to all the holiday episodes and they have taken that away from me. I wish you well.
Christina, I’m glad to see that you posted a response , although mine did not post until the 16 Nov (if it is posted), so I hope you will keep checking because I primarily made a post to let you know that you are missed, supported and most importantly that you are in my thoughts and prayers. While my main priority was to show you support I also felt it important to let Hallmark and H & F exec’s know that we didn’t appreciate what Hallmark did or how it was handled, and more important how they treated you……one would… Read more »
Still very disappointed ! Debbie is no replacement for Christine. Please reconsider and bring Christine back
I’m very dissapointed Cristina is no longer there, please bring her back, frankly she made the show, nothing personal with her repacement but maybe if you want her create her a new show for her. I will no longer be watching unless Cristina comes back.
What a bad decision for the Home show to let Cristina go! Please bring her back. She was great with Mark & her personality fit great with young & older viewers that I know watch the show. I always enjoyed watching Cristina when she was on other shows then able to see her everyday on Home. BIG MISTAKE!!! Gave it a chance but not as enjoyable anymore! Debbie is ok but no Cristina! Way too many young women! Do they really think only young people are home watching, they are working or out partying! BRING CRISTINA BACK! Will not be… Read more »
Bring Cristina back
Hallmark you made a mistake now correct it
I miss Christina! I watched the show because of her and now I feel it’s all young woman on the show and no longer a variety!
C’mon Hallmark…wake up. You made a mistake…fix it and bring Cristina back
I’m with Colleen…without Cristina, I’m out
I miss Christina. She is elegant and just right for the show. Hallmark you made a big mistake. I agree with Kiki below, don’t want cookie cutter – boring. Christina is special.
I watch Home and Family for Cristina I will NOT be watching w/o Cristina!
It is obvious that they wanted someone younger to complement Mark. BIG MISTAKE !!! She is why I watched, she had such great presence !! The attempt to have cookie cutter, young, pretty people is extremely boring !!! She is elegent, has charm, and WAS the perfect complement to EVERYONE, including guests !! I have not turned it back on since finding out. BIG MISTAKE.
I MISS YOU CRISTINA. I hope you get your OWN show.
I’m truly saddened about the loss of presence of Christine Ferrare……Her work as host of home and family was truly dazzling !