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 love the Hallmark channel and did watch Home & Family until they fired Cristina. I have not watched the show since and never will again. Debbie is not relatable. I never did care for her, and her better than everybody attitude. Cristina got a knife in the back and it was not right.
I really like and respect Cristina and I hope she is happy. I know that you can lose your job at the drop of a dime or thousand dollar bill, so I hope Cristina finds something else that fills her life-sometimes that is what happens-you find a door opening to you and it is even better than before. Cristina is so gracious in saying Debbie will do great and happy that the show is still on. Thanx!
I WONDERED WHAT HAPPENED. I THOUGHT MAYBE SHE RETIRED OR LEFT TO TEND TO HER PERSONAL FAMILY BUT TO FIND THAT SHE WAS FIRED UNBKAOSECOMING HALLMARK I TRIED THE NEW SHOW MORE KAOS THEN , LESS ENTERTAINING, LESS …………….
It’s been six months that Christina has been off H&F. Sad to say, I was right, though the show is still very good, it hasn’t been great, her personality was warmed & taught many generations love, comfort, graciousness, good humor, hospitality & kindness. And, she just plain IS MISSED!!!!!
Please consider having her on part time or for special segments, if she desires. SHE was my first & best impression of H & F. It would also be nice to have more of Shirley Bovshaw.
Thank you.
It will be 2 years in June since Cristina left the show. That’s how upset we all are about her being let go, and we are NEVER going to get over it, and we are never going to accept Debbie as a substitute for Cristina.
It’s not the same without Christina Ferrare. I don’t really care for Debbie.
I still watch Hallmark Home & Family. I was shocked about Christina. I Loved her & I miss her on the show. The media talks about being fair in show business, etc. Well, firing Christina because of her age is discrimination, & should NOT be allowed. Debbie M is ok, but just seems to be a little fake at times, and tries to hard. I hope & Pray Christina comes back on her own show some day… She is awesome! Miss you C.
Cristina has not missed a beat in living a full life and continues to encourage, educate and give back via other mediums. She has adapted to the change, so others should embrace it as well. Best wishes to all.
Of course we embrace Cristina and her happiness. However, we should NEVER accept the injustice of age discrimination. Life is valuable, period! I appreciate those who are still speaking out and I hope it continues.
We also should not make assumptions it is age discrimination.
Cristina was fired because of her age. She has already confirmed it.
I no longer watch home and family. I only watched because Christina was so funny. I don’t care for this new girl. It’s hard to change things when your as old as me.
So much for “Home and Family” whats the message if your old or even sick you disguard? I havent watched since!
I do NOT like Debbie and never was fond of Mark. I’m trying to watch but they both irritate me. I agree with another comment….I think her being replaced had to do with her age. And it appears that the comments are pro Christine !
I despise corporations, businesses that treat their employees with such disrespect, disregard to not only the employee but their family as it does affect them no matter the employee’s salary. The devestation to their emotional, spiritual and mental well being especially with little notice to no end. So Cristina replaced by a “YOUNGER” woman? HMMM!!!!! I’VE NEVER CARED FOR DEBBIE as a host if anything, she’s missing the “home warmth” connection. I’m sure she’s a very nice lady but she is “career tv” connected. Hopefully HGTV will see the same and bring back Christina. Did Mark have any particular of… Read more »
Home and family is not the same…christina had a warmth about her that made us feel so invited. Although Debbie is good…the show is missing a real warmth. Feels as if h and f is looking for a younger audience. I am almost 62…i used to watch daily…nowadays maybe once a month. My friends and family say the same. I do love the hallmark movies and mysteries. I definitely miss Chrstina, she had a genuine heart and made a difference when hostessing the show.
I love Cristina. I haven’t watched Home & Family since she has been gone. What in the world were they thinking? She made the show. Without her, it is not worth watching. I don’t care what happens to the show, because I won’t be watching.
A poor way to honor someone who was faithful and genuine to Home and Family show…Cristina was a class act….a shining gem…the show is not the same and I no longer watch….
I seriously think Christina Ferrari was a better fit for a show called Home & Family. She was much more of a mother to the show and the house. She took pleasure in what the house had to offer and how it was presented. I used to watch the show every morning and now I find myself gravitating back to Kelly Live. I was once lured away from Kelly to Home & Family by only seeing Home & Family once. I really liked the show. It was so different. I like Debbie but unfortunately she could be anyone and still… Read more »