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 am just sick over this injustice done to Cristina. I found Home and Family 2 years ago after my husband passed away. Since then it has been on the Hallmark station ever since and Home and Family has been programmed into my DVR. After I heard the announcement that Cristina was to be replaced I canceled my recordings. I no longer want to watch a show that spouts family and caring yet turned on one of their own so viciously, not even allowing her the chance to say good bye. Shame on you Hallmark and Home and Family.
I can’t believe that Christina was fired from Home and Family she was such a sweet upright wholesome lady who always brought great joy and happiness to the show. I am so disappointed, I though maybe she was ill or on vacation but with no explanation it’s awful. I don’t think I can continue to watch this show in support of Christina.
Gail T.
Just learned that Christina will no longer be hosting. I’ve been tuning in every day looking for her and after not seeing her for so long, decided to google her. I am so very disappointed to learn that she will no longer be a part of the show. You had a good thing, everybody worked well in the roles they were in. Your core seemed to be strong. Loved Debbie in the role she was in, but not liking her as the new host. No disrespect to Debbie, just think she was given impossible shoes to fill. I never write… Read more »
Christina was the “mom” of the Hallmark Home and Family. It is though this family’s matriarch has passed away and they will never be the same. She was the heart and soul of the program. Hallmark has made a grave error. Rest in peace Christina. Hope you can reinvent yourself once again.
I am so sorry Christina is gone from the show. She was the reason I liked the show so much. Do not have any reason to watch it now.
This should have been handled in a much better way!!!! It sounded like Christina left on her own and now everyone knows she was fired!!!! WHY????? Younger!!!! WHAT???? Seems like you are reaching for something but to able to grab it. I like Debbie but I’m not sure she is able to handle this role. I just don’t understand what is the purpose I’m sure ratings where good – how are they now? I’m sure not sure this is going to do it
I am very disappointed and saddened that Hallmark and H&F terminated Cristina. She was a delight to watch everyday on H&F, with her warm, true, sincere personality, no one can fill her shoes. She was replaced by a younger female, Debbie is very self involved. Debbie wants nothing more but to have the cameras on her as much as possible, as well, she has no connection for most of the viewers in Cristina’s age group. After having watched H&F for many years, I have deleted it from my life. I can find plenty of DIY, cooking/recipes, and anything else I… Read more »
Love the show and love Cristina. I also like Debbie and totally adore Kym. The only complaint I ever had was that, at times, Cristina could be a little chaotic and talk over people a lot, which I noticed Debbie doesn’t do. But it just doesn’t feel the same without her.
You apparently haven’t watched shows where Debbie is on!
No! Mark Steines made a comment ” Christina, Woody wants you to know the door is always open”. WHAT?????? They let her go, made it sound like it was Christina’s idea. That’s the day I deleted H&F from my DVR and pm’d my circle of friends that watched the show.
Home&Family are looking for a younger demographic, good luck with that your going to need it!!
I’m heart sick to hear Christina has been replaced. She was a class act
and had a heart of gold. I will no longer watch Home and Family. It’s not the same.
What a mistake! Loved Christina!! I am very disappointed in Hallmark and will no longer watch the show. Seems like age discrimination to me.
It is a SHAME that Cristina was fired. I am no longer watching, and am so disappointed. Debbie is a talented person but her forte is entertainment interviews, not co-hosting. With Christina gone we baby boomer women are not represented anymore. Noticed Kym is not on much anymore either, will they give her the ax now too? Hallmark management – BIG mistake, I see Home & Family going down the tubes and I am sick about it.
I think the show should be about all ages and can be. It’s Home and Family…for all ages!!
I am very upset that Cristina is not on the show. There are a lot of seniors that watch this show and was glad to have a mature women on the show. So, guess it is time to chance channels. Loved you Cristina.
I am very disappointed in the way Home and Family handled the situation. I have been watching a few of the new episodes and I am sorry to say that as much as I like Debbie she does not have the same zest as Christina. I am not sure I will continue to watch the show. I am now finding it somewhat boring.
I rarely publicly express my opinion (use the call-blocked button on my phone quite often) but I cannot quietly stand by when a sincere and talented person with a good heart like Christina is treated so badly by a supposedly “caring” network. Your marketing is obviously aimed at the younger generation. Home and Family? The network is not living up to the name! My husband and I will no longer be watching.