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?
Christina was a lovely person and I enjoyed watching the show when she was on it. I am very disappointed that she has been replaced although I find Debbie to be a charming person I will miss Christina terribly! I loved tuning in and seeing what what she was wearing and her different hairstyles! She will be greatly missed!
I like the home and family show but I truly loved it when Christina was a Co host. Debbie is nice but it felt more real and more like a family when Christina was there. Hallmark has done itself and it’s viewers a sad disservice by letting Christina go. I no longer look forward to watching like I used to. I don’t make it a priority like I used to. I would love to see Christina come back for season six. Please bring her back. Sincerely, Christa Holmquist Selmer, Tn.
i like it betterr16LY
I also have not been watching Home & Family since Cristina was let go last year, just isn’t the same.
I will not watch Home and Family anymore. I love Cristina Ferrare and will miss her sweet smil
I will no longer watch. Have followed Cristina for years and the show is just missing something without her. Never liked her replacement.
I no longer watch home & family because I miss Cristina its not the same. I feel that she could inter act with any age group. I think she should have been given a chance to explain what happen and not left every one in the dark. As for the new co-host I am not crazy about her and I feel that someone could have been a better pick. Good luck Cristina hope you find something new. I agree with the rest of the e-mails I have read on line.
Miss Christina’s warmth always watched the program not the same I no longer watch
I haven’t watched the show since Christina was so abruptly let go, without an explanation or warning to the viewers. I check every so often hoping that maybe Christina has returned. Sadly, she has not. Until that day, I will not watch Home and Family.
It sucks she was great on that show why couldn’t they keep both of them we love them both for all the different things they both do on the show
She was so warm and friendly. I think she connected to young and single, but also to the older moms and grandmas because she was “motherly”. She was well loved, funny, smart, beautiful inside and out. BIG MISTAKE HALLMARK. I no longer watch. But to Christina, their is something better in store, and I will watch.
I miss Christina. Although Debbie is so personable, I miss Christina’s warmth. Wish she were back.
I don’t have the same interest in the show as before. Even the Hollywood steals don’t seem to be as good. I only watch periodically thinking it will be better, but am still disappointed. I miss Christina. She was the heart of the show!!!!!!
Christina made the show so enjoyable.
No longer watch. Cannot believe she is no longer with the show!
I just can not adjust to Debbie in Cristina’s place….Sorry, but Hallmark has made a BIG mistake!!!….I love the Hallmark channel, but not Home and Family any longer!!
I have tried to watch, but it just isn’t the same. How I miss all the information, DIY, food segments, etc. I really miss Christina more. Sorry home and family you lost another viewer.