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?
Cristina Ferrare is already missed. Debbie is sweet, but something is missing that Cristina’s personality filled. I’ll give it a try, but it’s not looking good…
So very disappointing. I will not be watching in the future.
Won’t be watching anymore. Debbie can not replace Cristina.
It’s very sad you have let Christina go. I don’t enjoy the show as much nowork as I did when she was on it. I don’t think I will be watching it much longer.
I didn’t watch it because of her. She was always taking attention away from everyone like a know it all. I will watch again and hope it’s better.
No longer record the show! Cristina Ferrare IS home and family without her it is so boring!!
After being out of town and not watching for two weeks I was shocked and disappointed that Cristina is no longer on the show. I like Debbie, but whatever happened behind the scenes, I’m sorry they couldn’t at least do a proper farewell especially considering Cristinas history with the show. Not sure I will continue to watch. I wish Cristina the best.
I also will not continue to watch Home & Family because of the dismissal of Cristina. She was such a beautiful, gracious lady who brought class to this show. Debbie is obnoxious & silly. No substance to her. Good by H&F.
I am so sorry to see Christina leave! I feel that the majority (of your audience) of viewers are in their 50’s, 60’s and up. We just don’t connect with the younger, first time Moms! I definitely don’t enjoy the “new format”! Sigh- I guess I’ll be watching The Price is Eight now!
I loved watching Cristina as she could relate to the more mature audience. I loved the fact that she shared her Christian yes on the show. Hmmmm…could this have been the problem? If so, she will reap the rewards. Rest assured!
Why did Hallmark’s Home & Family let Christina go?? Debbie as a replacement is not a good choice. I agree that Mark, the naracisst,should have been let go. Hallmark keep an eye on your ratings plummet. This is the end of a once worth while show to watch that offered so much.
Very strange and again feel like really it doesn’t matter what you think, it’s done. Cristina very sorry if it was an age thing, particularly for the course right 🙁 We will miss your lovely face and wisdom. Start your own show, you have a very loyal following 🙂
That should have said par for the course
Nah. I always liked Cristina. She made the show. Another hallmark blunder
I am to very disappointed in Hallmark. I loved watching Christina and Mark, have been watching the show since she left and it is not the same. I like Debbie but it’s not the same dynamics I truly will miss Christina, what a beautiful person you had on your show with her .
I will not watch Home & Family now. Nothing against Debbie, but I loved Christina and get very bored with the skinny blonds in skin-tight dresses. Sorry.