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 was very disappointed to hear of Cristina’s leaving.. She was the heart of H&F. I won’t be watching anymore,
I started watching Home and Family when I saw that Cristina was a co-host, it’s not the same without her. Cristina is such a gracious women, that she is asking viewers to continue supporting the show, I will try, but I won’t miss it. Bring back Cristina.
I will no longer watch this show. Not the same without Christina!!!
For me, Christina was an integral part of the show. Debbie is entertaining in small doses, but not as the main host. I probably won’t watch the show much from now on.
I really liked Cristina Ferrare – loved that she was a mature lady – sweet and lots of fun. She was very personable and real. While Debbie is good – I feel she is not the best person to host Home & Family. Another personality would be better.
Bad decision on the part of Home and Family to replace Christina with anyone. Debbie is great but she isn’t Christina.
Will never watch again…big mistake Hallmark and have removed all Hallmark shows and channel from my lineup!
Love Christina, she gives such a delightful vibe to the show. Debbie is nice but too much over the top. No more home and family watching for me!!
Very disappointed. I may watch the show occasionally (or have it on in the background while I do my housework) but it isn’t the same. Not sure if the choice in her replacement is the best, either.
I will not watch any more. So sorry the network made this bad decision. I have nothing against Debbie. Just really enjoy Christina.
Will no longer be watching this show. So disappointed.
Christina was one of the main reasons I watched the show! She’s charming, gracious, beautiful and exudes warmth and comfort! Debbie is doing a fine job but why replace Christina?
Nope, it’s a ridiculous and horrible idea. I’ll never watch again. Goodbye.
Very disappointing and a big mistake!
No longer watching.
I will not be watching Home and Family. I like Mark but find Debbie
to be a snob. It is all about her. Nothing genuine about her. Sorry but
I won’t be watching the show. Christina put the heart in the show.