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 stopped watching it Debbie annoys me and the whole show seems different it’s not worth watching for me anymore. I still love the other shows and movies on hallmark though just refuse to watch home and family now! I loved it when Paige Davis was the host then Cristina came and she had that same fun attitude now it’s different. Don’t like it!
The change I believe was the call of her co host. He made faces at her. On screen. I guess the cameraman decided to shoot him doing it. It was obvious he wanted more power and prestiage I can’t watch the show. I’ve tried. But now I see only betrayal and a very small minded little boy
Host. With a less threatening female co host. I’m disappointed in the HALLMARK NAME. WHICH I ALWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH. LOVE AND TRUST AND ALL THINGS GOOD
I so agree with you Sandy!
I always disliked the mean things Mark said to Kym but then pretended it was a joke. He is full of himself. It never occurred to me that he was behind all the great people losing their jobs. Wow, your probably right! I never liked him.
I too think Mark is the reason she is gone, and wonder why he has so much power on the show. Looks like the show has lost a lot of viewers because of him. Isn’t the head office paying any attention at all?
You got that right… Small spiteful little boy. He really has an oafish personality. With Christine it could be overlooked, now it sticks out so you can hardly ignore it. Not watching that
I don’t watch the show anymore. Older women had a connection. What you have now is a bouncing off the wall non stop talker. Couldn’t take it. Too bad too.
It’s been awhile since Christina left the show. I liked her as a cohost older n mature.
I prefer the “classic beauty” more mature host. Christina’s life experience made the show better New host is just another cookie cutter of every other show.
Debbie can’t hold a candle to Cristina ‘ s beauty.
I am not here to bash the show because I do love it, but I really loved it more WITH Christina Ferrare. She was so true to the show, her calling, very down to earth, especially true to her fans and did Gods work. She is amazing and I miss her!! Debbie is ok sometimes, but when there is a guest on the show and they are talking or showing something (after she asks them a question) she ALWAYS interrupts them and talks OVER them, they don’t finish what they were saying or showing!! That is one of my biggest… Read more »
Cristina is a class act!!! I miss her and the show I don’t watch anymore!!!
I think that stinks. Have wondered why she was gone. Debbie is nice but I like Christina better so I’m not watching it any more.
I dont watch it anymore, I liked Christina, cant get into Debbie-she makes me think of toothpaste commercials
I will not watch Home & Family any more…I never did like Debbie…She has that Marie Osmond attitude….me..me…me…
I loved watching Cristina on Home and Family. She is an individual that seemed so genuinely honest and classy. She will be truly missed. For us “older women” she was a beautiful representation of someone aging gracefully! …Not sure if I will watch much anymore. I prefer to see someone like her who can be sophisticated and yet so beautiful in her own way!
I honestly think its for the best, and will be deeply missed. However, you can see she is struggling with some health issues. At times her hands would shack and seem to be lost or that glossy look over her, like a lot of Parkinsons patients do. I hope she is taking care of herself.
She is well. I think what you may have seen was when she knew she was being let go and she was distracted. Like in Dollywood when she was a bit off. It’s hard to be up when you know that your job is ending.
thank you for this reply, I was hoping she is ok.
I do not agree. It was her co host who struggled He wanted more power. He wanted her gone. It was so obvious. He even made faces at first I thought. Maybe he had a facial tick or turrets or maybe not too bright. Then I realized he was making fun of her. The camera man got him on camera doing this. He got his way Probably got a huge raise and he is host mr top banana. I hope betrayal. Feels good wearing it to bed everynight
Well I find it interesting they still name me as co-host! Sorry it came down to this for everyone involved.
When you come back to TV you’ll already have an audience that loves you! I hope your return is soon.
@Cristina Ferrare, it IS very interesting that they would still be naming you as the co-host of that show…actually its BAT **** CRAZY if you want to know the truth?!! Clearly, the only way they can be considered “relevant” by the mainstream public, is to USE YOUR LIKENESS to do so!! I find it rather conniving!! They fired you [for being ‘too old’] and betrayed thousands upon thousands of faithful fans, yet they continue to use your image to “sell” their “Home & Family” FACADE which is exactly what it is!! I LOVE YOU and know, just as EVERY FAN… Read more »
Thank you for the Facebook link to support Cristina .
Really miss seeing you! Maybe another show for you? Please???
Really you Christine?….MISS YOU SsssOooo much. You were the only reason I watched and put up with Mark and his moronic disrespect. Took out the wrong half of the Duo. Hugs and best wishes
I don’t watch it now that she is gone
Have not watched since Cristina’s not on the show .. Don’t like Debbie .. so fake !