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?
Christina made the show great. I am the last year of the baby boomers. I believe most of the people that watch the show are about the same age. Debbie is younger and cute. Still can’t compete with Christina. Won’t be watching anymore. Huge mistake hallmark and Home and family .
I love Christina. I am the last year of the baby boomers 1962. I think most people who watch are as well. I think Hallmark/Home and Family made a huge mistake. Debbie is cute and younger. That is it. She does not come close to Ms Farrare. Beauty and brains. Done with show! Tired of Twinkies!
I believe along with the age difference Christina is a Christian and was not ashamed to pray or testify of her faith. These days people don’t want to here that. But I do bring back Christina!!
Debbie is not how cute as you say she is…just a money grabber. And camera hog!
I stopped watching the day Mark announced Debbie was the new Co Host. Too spastic for me. I really believe that this will be the last season.
I never write comments about such things as this but I am so upset about Cristina Ferrare being replaced as co-host on Home and Family. I don’t believe the network realized just how many of there loyal fans happen to be in the same age group as Cristina. I am sure that they thought she needed to be replaced with a younger person. They as so wrong. Part of the beauty of the show was the interaction between she and Mark. The perspective she brought to the show was so thoughtful and brought a stability that is not there with… Read more »
I have been watching Home and Family for about a year and a half. I have watched everyday and Christina is the heart of the show. This is a very bad and sad decision because I now don’t care to watch anymore.. Debbie is a fine gal but not as the co-host. She rambles on and crys way too much.. So sad. Also there is no chemistry between Mark and Debbie.. Well goodbye H & F…
Really miss Christina. She was the only reason I watched the show! Do wish they could bring her back. Hopefully someone else will realize her worth and create a show just for her. Love you Christina!
I loved her, probably won’t watch as faithfully anymore
If age was a factor in the dismissal of Christina, then it stands to reason that Woodie should be retired as well.
Shame on you Halmark and the exc. produces, don’t you know when you have a good thing.(a good person as co host, no comparison, Debbie just doesn’t have it, to giddy. Thank you for letting me post. Blessings to you and family. Will miss you. Home and Family no longer has my support.
It saddens me that Crisrina is no longer on the show, she was very gracious and mature. I will no longer watch the show. Maturity and poise is very important for a co host,and she had it ALL.. God Bless you Cristina, I truly miss you.
I have enjoyed this show for four and a half years and once Christina was gone for those a two weeks I have not enjoyed it. Therefore, I will no longer DVR it even though I will miss Mark, Shirley, Ken, Kim, and most of all Christina. I am sure this terrible decision will cost you many, many viewers besides me.
I’m very disappointed that Home and Family took Cristina off the show. As far as I’m concerned she made the show. She added a touch of class to it. I’ve been watching it for almost a year now. I also noticed Tanya Meme isn’t on any more either. It won’t be the same without Cristina. I like Debbie, but she’s not Cristina. Thank you Cristina for brightening my day, I wish all the best for you.
HUGE mistake, I will not watch. Cristina was the draw. Horrible how you treated her exit!
I really miss Cristina. I was looking forward to her coming back to the show and now I found out that she was let go. The other cast members are nice in their own way, but Cristina gave the show a dimension that only a person of her age and experience can give. When I was in college, surrounded almost exclusively by people of my own age, I missed seeing older people, middle-aged people, and little kids. A diversity of ages makes life more interesting. I don’t think I’ll be watching the show much any more as I have lost… Read more »
It saddens me to hear that Cristina will no longer be on the show. I am very disappointed with the decision to replace her. Cristina and Mark clicked as co-hosts and together they did a great job. I also like Debbie, however, I do not think the co-host position suits her. It is not the perfect fit. Shame on the execs of Hallmark for a very bad decision. I will no longer continue to watch H&F unless Cristina comes back. Loyalty and integrity are important qualities and I do not believe H&F execs have those qualities. Too bad, I enjoyed… Read more »