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’s warmth and charm was the reason the show was one of my favorites. I tried watching it without her but it has lost its appeal. I have always disliked the way Mark constantly interrupts everyone. I am no longer recording the show.
No I will no longer be,watching the show. Nothing against Debbie. But I liked wAtching Cristina. SHE IS IN MY AFE GROUP. I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU REPLACE HER WITH SOMEONE YOUNGER. MOST YOUNGER WOMEN ARE AT WORK WHEN SHOW COMES on. Wish Home and Family the best.
Cristina was Home & Family!!! Without her, you have nothing going for yourselves. So long!
I will not be watching any longer. Christina
Was the reason I watched. Mark is a idiot and now he has his matching host.
a great response! I am kind of shocked anyone was impressed by Kym. To me, just one huge ongoing infomercial. Peddling so much garbage. You know those
products paid the show to hock their wares. The best
part of the shows were Cristina’s cooking demo.
I bought and love all her cookbooks.
No I will not watch anymore, they are very unfair to let a person like Cristina go for someone younger. I will continue to watch the movies but will not watch home and family.
I really liked Christina on Home and Family. I do not like Debbie,as a cohost. I thought Mark and Cristina were perfect together. I won’t be tuning in to watch the show anymore.
I am VERY upset Christina is gone!!!!! I’m actually shocked !!!!!! I watched her years ago when the show was first on and was so excited to have her back. I like Debbie but she can’t replace Christina. I DVR the show daily cause I work, but I will now delete this show from my record list. Please reconsider and bring her back!!!! I feel like crying.
Home and Family no longer my favorite morning show! Big mistake to take her off! Debbie needs to stick to Entertaiment shows…new crew not my cup of Tea…
Cristina’s contract was not renewed. Although not quite the same as being fired, the result is the same. She will be greatly missed.
Sorry to lose Christina Ferrari. The show won’t be the same without her. I won’t be watching anymore!
I will no longer watch I think it was very insensitive that they think only young people have something to give to the public. I hope that the powers that be on the show act as graciously as Christina when they are given the axe.
I will no longer watch H & F. Not fond of Debbie and Mark. The show has turned into DIY and Mark’s game shows. I do not like game shows. Good bye H & F. Will look for Cristina elsewhere.
I can’t stand Debbie. I recorded the show so I could fast forward through any of her scenes. She is , like Mark, full of herself. With Christina off the show I’m done with it.
Woody , what’s wrong with you?
Debbie is young but annoying to me. In food and cooking demos she gets ahead of the guest and the guest has to move the plate from her and finish his demo. She rushes them.
Again the network makes a bad mistake. My family and I are so tired of disgusting programming and Home & Family was a joy in all ways including hearing Christian viewpoints. I’m sure Debbie is a nice person and I enjoyed her in the small part she had originally, but the longer her spot grew the more I began turning the station. She is very loud
and gives me a headache. Without Christina and all of her qualities you have lost another viewer.