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 didn’t get to watch Home and Family in the beginning. I worked and then I didn’t have the Hallmark channel. Anyway, I was wondering where Christina was. I loved watching her on the show. I still watch the show when I can. It is not Debbie’s fault Christina was let go. Who knows the workings of the minds as to who makes decisions to do what. I also saw an attachment for a YouTube video with Christina on saying she was diagnosed with a (non-fatal) blood disease -After she was let go. By the way, she said she was… Read more »
I wish Cristina was back on Home and Family. Debbie is too silly and lacks the charm and charisma and style and elegance of Cristina. I am no longer an avid viewer. Cristina made the show what it was and it is unconscionable that Cristina was treated this way.
I miss Christina, she provided the show with a lot of class which is missing now. Debbie is nice, but just doesn’t hit the mark as far as class goes. Sorry Home and Family made this decision. I only tune in now and then now while before Christina left, I didn’t miss an episode.
Hallmark Home and Family has lost a viewer!! I really loved Christina she is my age and I could really relate with her…. But now I wish nothing good for Hallmark or Home and Family’s poor decision!!!!
I saw where Mrs. Christine does in fact have the awful C let’s just pray for her and wish Debbie the best.
Christine was a great cohost , I do enjoy seeing Debbie. Both are very special ladies and hope the best for both. I do find myself watching more that Debbie is hosting, not sure why maybe I do like the combo better. At any rate love Susan Lucci’s and Helmut this week, they need to be on more. Susan got lucky he is a very handsome, funny gentleman. And the rest of the regulars are also amazzzzzing love this show now.
I love Susan Lucchi. I’ve been a fan for the past 50 or more years. I don’t watch the show since they let Cristina go. I just can’t take Debbie in doses that big. I’ll check it out today, but if Debbie’s there, I’m out.
I think Cristina added a certain flair and dignity to the show. She was Beautiful, and truly made it feel like you were invited into her actual home! She was truly a “Class Act” that will be hard to replace!! So sorry to see she’s not there! The show doesn’t seem the same!
I was wondering what happened t Christina, I would click on every so often to see if she was back. They have lost me, watched the show with her as Host and enjoyed her so! The show is so all over the place, it has LOST IT and another viewer.
I used to watch everyday faithfully Christina really made the show since she’s been let go I change the channel when it comes on. I truly believe she brought the love that makes a Home and Family.
what is susan lucchi doing on the show, she’s 71 years old
Why bring age up she is still beautiful and funny, I also enjoy Helmut on as well. I love them being on. Don’t hate please this is a loving show and that was a mean remark!!!!
It was meant in favor of cristina being fired for being 66, I like Susan Lucci
BIG, BIG MISTAKE!!!!!
Christina IS Home and Family!!!!!!
I remember watching her with Gary Collins, you may have changed the name of the show but not the heart. Home and Family no longer has its heart and I will not be watching in the future!!!!!!!
Christina embodies home and family. I was impressed with the show to have a host with true integrity. She did not always fit the mold. That’s what makes her so special. Not interested in the show now. It has lost it’s heart and integrity.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KiofLjuulnE go to 4 1/2 minutes in to this video for her announcement about her cancer. She’s going to be ok. God bless her sweet soul.
So very sad to see Cristina has been replaced. What a joy she was to watch! I loved that she was so very real! She had such a gift in relating to others. I don’t really understand this move?