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’m am so sad to hear that Christina was replaced. She did an amazing job and she Mark were wonderful together. I think it’s sad that she was let go. I think you will find many of your viewers not watching. I’m just waiting now for you to let Mark gone. I am not sure I’ll be watching
I no longer watch the show due to the letting go of Cristina Farrare.
I am so disappointed in Home and Family. I loved this show, but now it is not the same. Cristina brought something to the show that can not be replaced by Debbie. I’m sorry but Debbie is to fake acting to me. I don’t want to be rude or hurt anyone but this is so wrong. I have tried to watch the show since Cristina has left and I simply do not like it. Debbie seems to dwell on wanting all the attention on her, I don’t like that.
Yesterday, I realized Cristina was either sick or not coming back. I’m so sad! I watched the “old” Home and Family; I was elated to see it back on again and have been watching faithfully. Debbie is doing a great job but she is not Cristina. Has Home and Family taken the Family out of the show?
She was the only reason I started watching the show, I no longer watch the show this is what you call age discrimination!
I loved Cristina. I will NOT be watching any longer. I will miss many of the other hosts, but I have no respect for this show anymore. They sure got lots of press related to this, did they think we didn’t care? There had to be a classier way to do this.
I began watching Home and Family because of Cristina and have “unfollowed” their facebook page. I have chosen other show options at that time and don’t plan to return to H & F.
Yes, I am very disappointed that Cristina Ferrarre was fired, and I will no longer watch the show. She was talented, funny, smart and someone with whom I could identify. I’m sure the age demographic has something to do with the decision to have a younger, “hipper” co-host, but guess what folks; there are a lot of us out here in the older age demographic that you have alienated by this change.
Home and Family will not be the same without Cristina. I am so disappointed Hallmark is letting her go. I have watched Home and Family when it aired many years ago. I was so happy when Cristina returned. I will not be watching it any more.
I enjoyed watching the show now that Christina is no longer a part of the show I will never watch again shame on you hallmark thats not what homes and families do to each other
Loved Christina! The show is hurting. I will definitely stop watching it. Executive blunder to the nth degree!!
I am so disappointed in a network that appears to focus on the love and respect of family and than does this to one of its own.. With Christina gone; I am no longer watching home and family and will NEVER look at Hallmark in the same way ever again. Hallmark has lost a faithful viewer.
i thought Cristina was on vacation until i noticed she was gone awhile. she brought a great deal of sunshine to the show. i always liked how her and mark interacted together. she will missed a lot. 🙁
Hallmark is suppose to be the heart of TV. Watching home and family use to be so great. We truly felt that everyone was a family. Cristina forced departure. Is heartbreaking. Her spirit, heart and even beautiful prayers are irreplaceable. I feel sorry for the rest of the cast especially Mark. He must truly miss his good friend. Hope God blesses her in the future.
I started watching Home & Family because of Christina, I’ve tried watching, but just not the same for me anymore. I wish Christina much luck.