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 have tried watching, but it is no longer the same show where guests were center stage and everyone was equal. Now, Debbie is center stage, and everyone else, including featured guests, are pushed into supporting roles. Before, it felt like I was joining my family in the Mir hen and living room… Now I feel like one of the co-hosts is being shoved down my throat. The promo page says it all, with her front and center, taking over and her co-host placed behind her. So sad that a wonderful show has been ruined.
I’m sorry some of my comments didn’t read correctly
She does not seem like a Family Oriented person, and that’s what I see.
Will not watch anymore, but I do wish her well.
Christina was great on the show, I don’t care for the new co-host, because she doesn’t seem Humbled enough and strike me as a Family oriented person.
Sorry that’s just my deferment of what I see.
I never watch now that Christina is gone. Just can’t take Debbie.
I no longer watch the show, I think its blatant age discrimination. Not right at all!!
I no longer watch Home & Family, Cristina is what made the show special. Not much of a family if you discard a member due to age or whatever. How stupid.
It’s so unfortunate that Christina is no longer on Home and Family. If she were a man, the show would have never replaced her with a younger cohost. Sounds like age discrimination to me. Home and Family should reflect age differences because families have a range of ages. I hope that Christina is asked to return to the show.
I have no interest in watching the show now that Cristina is gone. Bad decision to replace her with Debby
I still don’t understand y she was fired.
I watched because of Christina. No offense to Debbie though. I might no longer watch.
Loved Christina not fond of Debbie at all. Won’t be watching any time soon. Very sad for your viewers!!!
Christina Ferrare was the “show” as far as we’re concerned. We won’t be watching anymore.
Christina Ferrare was Home and Family. Debbie is terrible. She does not have the appeal that Christina had. I am sick of people thinking older people should be replaced with a younger person. That is what it comes down to. When the older person is doing a great job that is ridiculous.I do not tape the show anymore because I work. Whatever stupid young executive made the decision to get rid of Christina should have his head examined. Younger isn’t always better experience and chemistry counts. Debbie does not have chemistry with John Steines. Christina did. Hallmark wise up and… Read more »
I have tried watching the show with the new host. I don’t enjoy Home and Family any longer and will not be watching. Mark is not as good without Christina.
I quit watching Home and Family when Cristina left. She was a genuine breath of fresh air on the show. Best wishes to Cristina and her family. Hallmark you made a bad decision.
Im very dis-appointed to see Cristina gone from Home and Family show. Definitely a mistake for Hallnark. As many others have stated she was genuine and natural, not “putting on” the Hollywood image or “public image”. She was real!..Best wishes Hallmark. God bless you Cristina. Happy New Year. God will open new doors .