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?
Would not watch it ever again. Not a home and family show anymore . Just a bunch of liberals.
I did not enjoy the Christmas special. Cristina was a large part of the show. There was chemistry. I don’t feel it now. I no longer enjoy watching the show. Debbie is ok but does not have the level as Cristina. As far as I am concerned you should have left well enough alone
I just tried to watch the Christmas special. Just not the same without Cristina. When they let Cristina go the heart of the show went with her.
I have not watched H&F since Christina left. What a big mistake. BIGGGG.
Figures the big guys think we want to always see young people. Very bad move. I don’t watch anymore.
I’m sad that TV constantly get rid of people and replace them with women who they think will be better when there was nothing wrong with the original woman on the show. Christina F.was funny and made the show. I don’t care for the new gal. Its so cruel!! Shame on you Home and Family. I won’t be watching.
Thought the network wanted truth, cancel the show!
Personally, I did not watch because of her. Now that she is gone, I can hopefully enjoy the show. I think the idea was a good one.
I like watching the show now with Debbie, she is refreshing and much more of a bubbly personality. Christina seemed nice b very boring and blah.
Christina was very gracious in her explanation of leaving Hallmark. However let me just say that the Network is not fooling anyone, there is an age issue here it sits out like a sore thumb. As much as I agree with change, replacing her with Debbie was the worst thing they could’ve done. No offense Debbie but as pretty and as young as you might be, you don’t and can’t hold a candle to the charisma Christina possesses. Wishing you well but I am losing and have lost a lot of interest in Home and Family, call me crazy but… Read more »
I couldn’t Agree more…get your act together Home & Family…Christina’s class & fun attitude can’t be surpassed by some younger woman no matter how “cute” she just doesn’t fit the bill! Christina you can’t be replaced, H&F big big lose!!! Wishing Christina all the happiness you gave us thru the years♡♡♡
I am very unhappy about this I love their holiday shows but I’m not going to be watching now. I could relate to Cristina.
Well so much for the “Family” title of this show. Christina was the matriarch of this ‘family’and she was tossed aside like nothing. Debbie doesn’t have enough life experience to take on that role. I am sure she will be a cute, pretty hostess but you have lost me as a viewer. Saw the true colors here. It’s not “Home & Family”… it’s the bottom line at any cost. Sad. Thought this was one program that had it right
Cristina is very personable & down to earth.
Marketing never appreciates maturity in television which is sad in this day & age. Her great personality far & away , exceeded anyone else’s on that show !!!. Hopefully she will find a similar show where her talents & age are appreciated. If she ever does that I would watch it. God bless & good luck Cristina.
Christina always made me want to watch the show. Truly miss her and the decision for Debbie Mantanopolis to take over, big mistake. Women are very comfortable with Christina. Wish her the best and Christmas will not be the same!
I have not watched this show since they took Cristina off. This was my favorite show to watch. I miss seeing her so much. She made the show, not Mark. I hope it is canceled.
I loved Cristina and home and family is not the same with out her.I won’t be watching it anymore.