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?
Boycott Hallmark!
I have as of today.
Age discrimination, plain and simple. Christina is terrific and the chemistry between her and Mark was great. I like Debbie but she obviously doesn’t have the experience and knowledge in the kitchen that Christina has. Very disappointed. Bring Christina back!
I will not watch, it is age discrimination. Debbie is fake, no warmth.
Always loved Cristina…I even named my daughter after her! Cristina Ferrare is “Home & Family.” Her sense of humor, sharing her personal recipes & cooking them on the show, her down to earth interviews with all guests, deeply and authentically caring for people and animals…I MISS HER! WHY Hallmark did you replace Cristina?!?! It’s not the same without her. 🙁 You lost a loyal viewer to the show. Shame on you for firing her!!!
You know its just not the same Christina related to all ages .Her daily appearance was like Chicken Soup for the soul . Soft spoken and quiet in speaking . Debbie is good but kinda loud and usually talks over everyone . I mean let’s face it she was use to dealing with celebrities most of them ignorant and in a short time on the show she does . Debbie really is not a hour long host . Hallmark I always thought you made a mistake getting rid of Martha Stewart her show was beautiful to watch . And now… Read more »
I don’t like Debbie….there is nothing warm and fuzzy about her….just phony. She does not epitomize Hallmark and “Home & Family.You lost a viewer. She will never replace Christina-
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I watched the show to see what Cristina was wearing and because she is so gracious and kind. Its not the same. Debbie is cute but I watched it because I liked Cristina. Good bye Home & Family.
I admit I am just an occasional
watcher and have wondered what was up regarding her sudden disappearance. My immediate gut feeling was age discrimination with woman which obviously occurred here! I am outraged with Hallmark and will no longer watch. Disappointed to say he least.
I believe what you all done was wrong when she was there with mark they were a awesome team you should wish she come back you all are losing lots of fans including me not that we all count just saying ..Debbie was cool before but not she done this ta a friend so wrong .
I have watched and loved Home and Family and although I love Debbie, the show is missing an essence that was Christina. No matter the age, that cannot be replaced. I’m not as drawn to watch as much since she is not there. Sorry…
Just not the same.
Ain’t watched it since
I miss Christina, the show is not the same
I will miss Cristina very much. I have been unable to watch for a while and when I came back I thought she may have been on vacation. So very sad to learn she was let go. As far as Hallmark Channel, they provide some of the best seasonal movies. If I find it to be true Cristina was let go due for market goals and/or larger demographics, you will loose me as a fan. Personally I feel that would show a Hypocritical Image on your behalf professing to be a family channel.
I will not watch the show anymore!!! Ferrari was on it years ago when if first aired I believe and to fire her is outrageous to me!!!!
I no longer have a desire to watch Home and Family now that Christina is no longer a part of it. She was truly the face of the show. I’m very disappointed.
11/17: I just discovered on Mon 11/13 that Cristina is gone &, on a personal note, I think what Hallmark did to her is real chicken – s*=#! This most definitely was NOT professional nor mature!! From a legislative standpoint, what Hallmark has done to Ms Ferrare is not only ILLEGAL – its UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Aparently, in “Hollywood”/”show biz,” when a woman hits 50, begins menopause or gets a wrinkle, these, & oh-so-many other SUPERFICIAL reasons are both perfectly legitimate & logical grounds for termination. So …. “kudos” to the “entertainment industry” for both finding & consistently taking advantage of the… Read more »
I am very disappointed in Hallmark. I thought they wouldn’t be like other big name companies and discriminate. Not the same without you Christina.