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?
Loved Cristina. Won’t watch it anymore. She “made” the show fun!
No longer watch show after Christina was fired.
I loved Cristina on the show. I have watched couple times since she was fired. I don’t like the show with out her. I wish they would bring her back. I don’t find myself watching this show any more. What a shame they ruined a good thing.
Very disappointed when they let Christina go. I have given Debbie a fair chance but she just tries too hard to be funny. She has even tried to take over the one liners Mark has been doing for years. Debbie is always looking at the camera to make sure its on her. Please bring in someone more mature.
Absolutely someone that’s not so self-centered! !!
I will never ever watch it again!!!!!!!! Love you dearly chris! There BIG loss!!!!
I’m done with the show after they replaced Christina. I loved it and recorded it. The show is dead to me now. Good luck with that Hallmark station.
Well now that I know what went on, I’ll not watch it anymore……..Debbie just isn’t right for the show……What’s age got to do with replacing her?…..they all have to do what the writers tell them….so, age is what booted her out?……for sure I’ll not watch it any more…..Don’t care who’s their guest….. I’m outta here….
I love this upbeat show. It’s light and refreshing and a rare find in daytime talk shows. I feel bad if Cristina was let go because of her age. Age is an attitude I think it’s more about the energy a person puts into it and puts out there to their audience.
I liked Christina, simple as that…it is a different show now….not my cup of tea..so I will look for a new “home”. Good Luck
Cristina was a pleasant staple of the show. Whole different vibe now and not for the better. Sad, the ageism issue.
I think Christina was a better choice. Its not the same..so I sadly stopped watching it..the end..
Rita,he’s the one who fired her!!!!!!!!!
It would be great to see Cristina & Steve Edwards together again doing a morning show.
Christina was a bright light and a very special addition to the show. I am sorry that after all those years she was canceled so quickly, a sad way to end someone’s hard work, dedication and passion for her work. We miss you Christina!
I believe firing her was a “Age ” issue, originally show was for older adult women with Mark. I believe Mark should have been fired!
You could see his resentment for Christina mothering him.
I have STOPPED watching show. Not appealing to me !
I won’t watch it either. I turn hallmark off after golden girls. . Because I hate watching Debbie and Mark and their stupid smiles at each other. I love the rest of the cast!!
She needs to have her own show. She is the best.