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 have watched this show because of Cristina. Since she is no longer on the show I am no longer watching. I thought Hallmark was a family show, and this is no way to treat a family member. And if you continue Handling your family members the way you did to Cristina then you will be forcing me to discontinue watching your 2 hallmark channels
I also stopped watching. To do that so abruptly was under handed. I honestly think Hallmark is trying to bring in the younger crowd and squeeze out the older more mature (Grandparents) crowd. Well congrats! You got what you wanted. This new hostess looks like she had to force things, nothing comes naturally and that all judging from the commercials. I look forward to time of day when the movies start. Home &. Family is a total waste of this gramma’s Time dinner Christina was fired. Bad move Hallmark!!
I feel it is unfortunate the way home and family decided to give Cristina Ferrare the boot. They really could’ve and should’ve handled that in a more diplomatic way and with much more respect. Also i did like Debi previously but now don’t care for the way she just seemed to step in with a little too much joy in the wake of Cristina’s departure. I do watch home and family less now.
This is really a disheartening revelation to a show and channel that is supposed to espouse family values.
I soooooo miss Christina… I agree with Ramona word for word, you lost me as a regular watcher also
I miss her very much. she was so warm and fun.
Hallmark needs to shut Home & Family down. Wasting their money
My wife had essentially stopped watching since Cristina is not on any longer.
I watch once in awhile Christine is the best I do miss her
I used to be a faithful audience to the shoe but no more. Just not the same without Christina. She was the mother, the grandmother, the big sister friend on the show. Nothing against Debbie, she just isn’t this person for me
I miss her. She added a genuine touch that no-one else can copy. I rarely watch any more
I think that is a very shallow reason for letting someone go. I commend you Cristina, for being so Christian and gracious about it all. You brought true elegance and the heart of nurturing that truly goes into the home and family. Who is hallmark trying to find for their following.
I just found out why Cristina left, so sad. I won’t watch it any more! She was the best!!!
I stopped watching home and family when Cristina left, too. It isn’t the same. I have watched a few episodes recently and have to turn it off, because of the lack of substance. I’m not sure why Mark is still on the show.
When I learned that Cristina was no longer on Home & Family I stopped watching the show. She was a beautiful asset and her demeanor added an adult smoothness to its occasional noisiness. Cristina always interviewed guests without interruption. I enjoyed the show until she left. Since that time I do not view it. Yes, I am over 50.
I have tried again to watch the show, but still not as interesting. So disappointed on my day off (I’m 67) I can not watch a show that I use to love to watch. Even taped it to watch later. Watch a couple of times last year to see if I could like any better after a while. Just not the same vibe without Cristina. Sorry
The day they announced she would not be back is when I stopped watching. She did so much for that show and I am sure anyone over 50 stopped watching. They are so two-faced.
Cristina was good for her time on the show.
Time was now time to move on.
I will contine to watch Debbie is great.
Almost time to lose Mark
his “It’s Thoissssday!” is extremely annoying!!!
I guess Hallmark has no use for older hosts, unless it’s a man. I loved Christina. Debbie is over Dramatic. She interrupts her guests, she’s a know it all, and has too many fake tears. Christina was an excellent cook, was a true lady, and always was interested in what her guests had to say. Debbie, is shallow, and loves the spotlight. I seldom watch anymore. I sometimes watch for holiday ideas. The last one, (the close pin Christmas tree, wasent anything I’d make, or display in my home. I wonder how many men, that are Christina age get the… Read more »
The one with the really beautiful child was Tanya Memme. I wonder if Debbie got rid of her because Tanya and her daughter were so much better looking?
Yes that’s exactly it, almost as if its forced many times. When Debbie was part of the group, she was much better. I only sometimes watch, but usually turn off when it gets irritating.
I agree with Elaine. I didn’t really dislike Debbie until she took over the whole show. In a group she was easier to take, but she was always so competitive with everyone. Maybe that’s because she was so lacking in the natural grace that Cristina has?
I stopped watching the show. It is not the same without Christine. She was the heart of the show. Now it is looks like people trying too hard and not succeeding at being warm and inviting.