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 will not be watching without Cristina, she made that show. Bad move Home and Family
I think she was forced out because the network wanted a younger co-host to appeal to younger viewers.
I think Cristina was the show, not the same without her. She started the show back in the 90’s when it began on the Family Channel.
Please bring back Christina,. Do not like her replacement!
I really miss seeing Cristina Ferrare on the show. It is really not the same anymore. See is very special!
Firing Christina. Was bad move. I am 75 and only watched because of Christina I think you have lost many seniors with this decision. I will no longer watch!
I never understand networks that decide a host we had grown to like is as quickly let go as the previous host. Why what did Christina do that you wanted Debbie to step in. Christina appealed to your more mature audience.
The show just is not the same without Christina. She brought class, charm, warmth and heart to the show. Nothing against Debbie, just not as enjoyable to watch. Christina is DEFINITELY missed.
Sorry but I miss seeing Christine, she was the show.
Not much of a show when Christina was there, but even worse now she’s gone Why hasn’tshow been canceled
I will continue to watch. Sorry Cristina is gone. And wish her the best. Nothing surprises me about TV personalities anymore.
The Christmas Movie season has been spectacular even the repeats were welcome. However, get that Home and Family off or keep your movies. They stink and are on tooooooo long.
She was the “heart” of the show. There is a giant something missing from the show. The change was a big mistake.
I loved Cristina and stopped watch after she left! She was down to earth and I liked that! I just can’t watch with Debbie as host !
Be open minded. I just started watching the show, only because I’ve been home sick. I’ve seen so many ideas, recipes, and interesting people. Try the show again.
I’ve tried, but it’s lost all it’s magic and I can’t take Debbie for 2 hours. She’s in every segment and it’s just to much.
Sorry she was replaced was great at her job so natural. One felt like she was directly talking to you!!! Mistake to let her leave
Once again, out with the “old”, in with the “younger”, as TV routinely does. Why do networks perpetuate the notion that we are of less value as we age?
I was shocked when Cristina was no longer on the show. She is elegant, classy, “real,” warm, informative, knowledgeable and made an excellent partner for Mark…she smoothed out his rough edges, his impulsiveness and made him seem more palatable. The fact that she was let go in such a way sends a most negative message to us. The new hostess has “calmed down” a bit and is not over talking and shouting Mark as much; however, I no longer watch Home and Family…it is not the same and will never be without Cristina!
You have said everything I felt. Sorry it’s not the mark and Debbie show no matter what they think.