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 think she and mark had the best chemistry. When i first started watching showbi thought they were married. I couldnt wait for her to get back off vacation. Now i am devastated she wont be back
I think it is awful how they treated Cristina. I will no longer be watching Home and Family.
So disappointed to see Cristina go. Big mistake. Everyday this week I tuned in to see if she would be back. Will definitely not watch as much if at all. She added such warmth and class to the show. Debbie is ok but every day ??? Don’t think so.
I’m very disappointed. I watched the show because of Christina. I was closer to her age and could relate to her. I guess Home and Family is going after a younger audience – like everything else. Sorry, but won’t continue watching.
That’s what I said. Sad they let her go.,
In my opinion there is no home or family with Cristina mia. She gave her heart and soul to the show by sharing her own family and her unbelievable creativity. She educated and entertained us and made us feel like part of her family with her incredible personability. The way her departure was handled reeks with deception. I miss her dearly and am on the fence whether I will continue to invest my time in watching this show that has been gutted by the management.
Personally, I think the show is nothing without her.
& they won’t get how angry loyal the viewers are, if
you keep watching, after they literally dumped her.
I already deleted my dvr of their program.
If Debbie had not been trying to usurp CF, she
would have said she would not railroad someone
who had taught her a lot. Guess the almighty $$$
motivated her way more than loyalty.
CF will be fine, I predict no future for H&F.
I think Kym Douglas would have been a better Replacement if they HAD to replace her! Her Personallity fits better! But I will miss Cristina a lot!
It is awful how they’ve treated Cristina. I will no longer be watching, I hope it gets cancelled.
Cristina was the reason I watched the show. She gave it class, grace and a heart. I will not watch it without her on it. The way they handled her leaving was deceitful and disrespectful to her and her fans so I do not trust this channel.
Ridiculous Christina was the best. I’m guessing it is age discrimination they want a younger cohost. I admired the show for including a host with more experience. Don’t know if I will continue to watch without Christina, Debbie is a little too pushy and loud. Christina is a true lady with tons of class.
Agree 100%
If that is the case, big lawsuit in their future!
Producer seemed clueless today when announcing
DIY winner.
I have watched Home and Family since it first began with Cristina and that was in the late 90’s it was brought when it originally started! Cristina came in 2012 Woody started the show again and the rating were lloe! He asked Cristina back to replace a hostess who wasn’t really able to carry the job! Cristina in four years with Home and Family brought rating up immediately!she brings much love, joy, class, and graciousness to the whole show! She has such devoted fans in age grouplike stay at home mothers and dads, retirees and an older group! They are… Read more »
I’m very sorry this has happened! I like Debbie but Christina was the more mature influence needed in the show! Why mess up a good thing! Quit blowing it Hallmark! First Cedar Cove, now this!
I agree with Sherri, Christina made the show…..and Not everyone wants a younger co-host. I thought She and Woody were friends but I guess Debbie rooted her out. Debbie is a bit agressive, too competitive and wears too much make up. Yes, and why take off Cedar Cove, that was one of my Favorites. We like Hallmark because it’s different….so quit following the crowd!
I looked forward everyday to watching Home and Family show on Hallmark, mainly because of Cristina. She seemed so friendly and loved and enjoyed the show, I felt like she truely care about us ( the viewers ) she is caring and honestly filled with love that came through the screen! And a great role model for women’s behavior ( like a mother figure, a leader) I would say perfect for Hallmark which she seemed to always protect. This has changed the whole feel of the show! I would have payed her anything to stay! I won’t feel the need,… Read more »
Christina was really great. Whose ridiculous idea was it to replace her? The replacement was really handled poorly. Was looking forward to Christina to return to the show, not being replaced. Bring her back if she would accept.
Agree
Cristina was the glue that held the show together. DEBBIE is cute and funny for segments, but not the host. I have watched, recorded and enjoyed this program since the original show. I am sorry to say, I will no longer be watching or buying anything Hallmark.
Very disappointed about the sudden departure of Christina. Just loved her. There was great chemistry between Mark & her. She made the show in my opinion. It’s sad that there was no goodbye send off. I love the show but you lost a fan.
I am personally very disappointed in how this situation was handled. You just don’t treat someone that way. Cristina was the main reason I watched the show…again. Good ole Hollywood, out with the old in with the new.