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?
Really disappointed in the show now, Christina was an asset to you. I have stopped watching H&F because I do not like the new co-host, kinda annoying. Bring Christina back and I may start watching again. Epic FAIL Hallmark!
Hallmark so disappointed !!! I taped the new show hoping to see Cristina but no 🙁 I wont tape ever again!!!
the show is boring now that Cristina is gone, I dont watch it any more…
I have not watched home and family since Cristina left and will not! I don’t like her replacement! Too bad you ruined a really good show that I enjoyed!!!!
Please bring Christina back. I haven’t watched the show since she was let go. I don’t like to say negative comments about anyone so I won’t about Debbie. She was fine as part of the cast, but only as part of the cast. I’m wondering how far the ratings have dropped. Bring Christina back.
Ugh. I am now even fast forwarding past the commercials for Home and Family or muting. Debbie is unbearable.
I did that for a while, but then you see that Debbie is in every segment. I really miss a lot of the Family members, but I just couldn’t watch the DEBBY SHOW another day, even with the fast forwarding and muting her voice. I sometimes stop by the show to see if by chance Debbie took a day off or is on vacation, but she is always there when I check.
I use to enjoy the warm, friendly and genuine interaction between Mark and Christina. Debbie is like a bull in a China shop or at least on too much caffeine. Maybe she is trying too hard to be liked, not sure. Frankly I lost
interest a while ago. It was a great show with Christina but now….It’s not.
I for one, will not watch without Cristina Ferrare on the show. She was definitely a reason I tuned in.
I am a Fan of Home and Family because of the Crafts and regulars on the show. However I am totally disturbed at how obnoxious Debbie is and just cannot enjoy her as a host. I do enjoy Mark. Debbie seems to think she is the star of the show It appears. Continually makes negative or smart remarks to Mark, interrupts guests who are there for a segment. She seems to have to always interject her ideas or what she thinks about their topics they are there for. Her drama is about nauseating. Her oh’s , and fake emotions and… Read more »
So agree Bettie.
Yes, Bettie, TOTALLY AGREE. Do the Producers read all of these comments? Makes one wonder what the heck is going on.
At first I thought I could watch and fast forward through any parts with Debbie, but there is no escaping her! She’s the major presence in every segment. If they ever just do reruns with Cristina as the host, I would watch them.
I would love to watch even the reruns with Cristina. I miss the show. But can not tolerate Ditzy Debbie.
You hit the nail on the head..this is a lot of people’s opinion. Including mine. It is a shame they took a wonderful warm show and turned it into “Debbie the Dip”. She apparently “knows” someone to get that gig.
This change has not improved the show. Cristina was replaced because she was ‘too old’, plain and simple. I’ve stopped watching. I don’t like the style and mannerisms of the new woman and that she was chosen because she was younger. Unfortunately she is not smarter, kinder, more knowledgeable about home and family issues and interests and covers it up with a lot of hair tossing and hand waving and giggling. Bad decision to replace Cristina, period.
I completely agree!
Ditto!
I do not watch the show anymore because she was the reason that I watched it I am sick of them removing older people just because they’re older she did a great job
Miss Cristina, it’s not the same. Tried watching the show but can’t the rapport between the hosts isn’t warm. I didn’t like Debbie on the View and I sure don’t care for her now. Sorry Debs.
So sad to hear that ..I thought Cristina was funny…kind .smart ..witty…..I could relate bcause she isnt 30ishhh early 40s…idk..seems like every station is taking out the seasoned people n replacing with someone YOUNGER ..it’s sad ..cuz it is not REALISTIC !
So agree with the age thing. Don’t producers realize thatntherenis an audience out there that enjoys a mature face……one we can relate too. Those fufu women don’t make the list of what we mature women want and need.
Don’t like the replacement have stopped watching the show. Not as “heartfelt” as Christina
I was very displeased to see Christina booted from the show. She complimented the show. I dislike the replacement, I have stopped watching it after the first month, and won’t return. I’ve found other shows to substitute.