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 had not watched the show for a while, and when I did tune in and didn’t see Cristina I wondered what happened, hoping that it was not because she was sick, or worse. when I read she got fired I was shocked.!!!!! the show does not have the same appeal for me ( being over 50 myself ) aging is one thing you can’t get away from. JUST REMEMBER– what goes around comes around, and some day the staff themselves may be over 50 . I for one will not be watch the show any longer.. Debbie sure does… Read more »
I thinks it’s horrible that the powers that be decided Christina should be replaced by a younger woman. My daughter and I refuse to watch the show any longer. I hope the show folds.
I used to watch faithfully when Christina was hosting, but now it is not the same. I rarely watch. Debbie is fine, but too bubbly, seems to act in the spotlight, but not have the maturity and stableness to keep on topic smoothly transitioning, whereas Christina was more professional in speech and dress and was welcoming and complimentary to all. I really miss that type of interaction which made it feel like home and family, now it just feels like young people talking with no finess, life experiences, and gracefulness. I check in maybe once or twice a week, but… Read more »
I will miss Cristina, what a great lady! I don’t care for the new co host, sorry it’s just not the same anymore, so I won’t be watching. I wish Cristina the best, and hope that she will be back on TV soon.
I will not watch this show anymore after the way you dismissed Cristina.
After seeing your response to Lesley, Cristina, and finally knowing what actually happened, I am so disheartened to think that someone about 20 years older than you was responsible. He needs to retire! How cruel and heartless and to think all the times I saw his wife, Noreen, on the show with the cancer programs….and you pouring out your heart on those segments. What a sham and to think Mark and the others were likely given an ultimatum. I cringe when I see the ads with Debbie flirting with Mark and all the show as she performs and her drama.… Read more »
It’s so sad Christina is gone because of her age. I thought discrimination was illegal. Not only Hallmark’s loss, it is also Hallmark viewers’ loss. This show lost most of its warmth and gracefulness when Christina left. I can’t stand watching the new host. She’s feisty and has no charm for a family show as Christine did. According to all the remarks I’be read on this page, you’ve lost a lot of faithful viewers.
I don’t watch the show anymore. The network shouldn’t have fired Christina. It was better with her on the show. Now the same not worth watching.
I personally will not watch the new show now that they have replaced Christina. I really liked her! They obviously replaced her because of her age. So disappointing.
I just hope that Hallmark will see these comments and realize their mistake. I will come back when Cristina does.
Debbie is No Cristina. Cristina is so unique and brings a child like fun quality that no one else can offer. I, too, quit watching after many years. Sometimes “new” is just not “better’! And her explanation of why she left seems so stilted. (Wish we could hear the real reason she left tho)
Hello Lesley, Thanks for your kind words and support. To answer your question, I didn’t leave I was fired. The explanation I was given by the powers that be, “I was old” and they wanted to bring in a younger demographic. Very direct, extremely hurtful.
Just not fair! You were the BEST! Don’t like the new co-host. I won’t be watching anymore. Younger is not ALWAYS better. You brought an “air” to the show that she can’t replace. I really miss you! Praying they will bring you back. If not, best of luck in your future endeavors AND, if you are hired by another show, I’ll be watching!
Cristina it’s delightful to see you responding tonight. I picture you tonight in your beautiful kitchen preparing, cooking and garnishing! I bet the smells are incredible! I pray your Thanksgiving is as full of love and happiness that we the viewers have for you! Snort away Cristina! Be your lovable, classy and beautiful self! Just which we could continue to see it all!
I personally am disgusted with the message that home and family sent to their viewers to trade you in for a younger version of you. Even their commercial has your replacement posing exactly the way you both posed together. It sends the wrong message! Not a message of acceptance or family!
Cristina, Mark and you had a chemistry between the two of you. I was so surprised to find out you are my age. YOU DO NOT LOOK IT! Chin up they will see that people will want you to return to Home and Family. You gave that show life. Sad… sad to see our world throwing away good people because of their age.
I do not watch Home and Fsmily anymore. I love watching when Christine was on there but since she is off the show , i do not like it as much.
No Cristina, I’m out.
It really sad that Cristina Ferrare is no longer with the show, I really love her as co-host. I still love the show and it will not doubt be different without Cristina I will miss her so much, God Bless her in whatever she will do next. Love you Cristina Ferrare. Good Luck to you and your family. Larry
I love Debbie, personally, but I won’t be watching “Home and Family” any longer. Christine WAS the show.