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 am so saddened by the absence of Christina on Home & Family. Her simple, pleasent, funny & creative spirit in a world with so much chaos brought me joy evey morning. As I like Debbie’s segments, she can not possibly fill the shoes of Christina. I am 44 & but remember watching Christina when she was on The Home Show…..loved her then as well. I will continue to watch Home & Family. Hopefully I, along with all the other viewers will adjust to the change’s.
I am so sad to hear that Christina Ferrara has left the show. She is an amazing woman and has a very nice sweet calmness to her. I will not be watching Home and Family any longer as I don’t agree with Debbie being the co-host. She doesn’t fit the part of being a co-host I see her as somebody who’s not funny and not real. The show seems to be going downhill as some other changes has been made. It is not the same goodbye Home and Family
SO, SO sad and disappointed to learn that Christina will not be hosting H&F anymore! She was the HEART AND SOUL of the show, and it will never be the same without her. Christina was so warm and genuine, it was easy to see what the H&F show meant to her. The other regulars were truly her friends and her family, and that is what kept me tuning in each day. She made me feel a part of that. What’s more, Mark won’t be, CAN’T BE what he was without Christina. She brought out the best in everyone and everything.… Read more »
i think it’s important to note my age based on the comments from other people here who think that just because you’re younger, you only want to see younger people. I’m in my early 30s. I don’t just relate to women my own age. I relate to women of all ages. I loved Christina. The show is not the same without her. While I like Debbie as part of the show, she is not my favorite as host. I feel there are so many more awkward moments between her and Mark. Christina had grace, kindness, compassion, and she was fun,… Read more »
I so agree, I just found the show this past year and just loved the chemistry between Mark and Christina. Because of the two of them together you felt the entire cast and crew were family. I love Hallmark and am very disappointed they did not value what they had in Christina. Christina you will be missed tremendously!
“Home and Family” has been one of my favorite morning shows to watch on a regular basis since Cristina joined 4 years ago. The fantastic natural chemistry that she and Mark share is so entertaining and quite comforting during these times of bad news and chaos in the world. Unfortunately, NO LONGER. I was so disappointed to hear that Cristina will not be returning and was let go. Disbelief at first more than disappointed. Why would Hallmark shoot themselves in the foot like this? It’s beyond me. I’ve been watching some of the shows with Debbie cohosting, trying to be… Read more »
AMEN TO THAT!!!!!
I will no longer watch home and family without Christine. Big mistake.
I am VERY VERY sad that Cristina will not be hosting H & F. While I like Debbie, to have her replace Cristina is devastating. I can relate to Cristina and always looked forward to seeing her on TV—her beauty, charm, frankness, warmth, and fun were something that brought me to watch H&F. I’m not sure if I will continue to watch the show. I’m disappointed in Hallmark for this decision. Bring Cristina back in another better show.
I think Cristina was the absolute best on the show. Debbie is alright but she isn’t Cristina. So disappointed and probably won’t be watching very much with her not on it.
I will miss Christina and hope that the network will bring her back.
I was absolutely shocked to find that Christina has left the show. What in the world are the big guys thinking. Christina was absolutely fundamental to the show. She possess’s so much class and is completely genuine. She relates to everyone. There is no foo-foo about her. The show just lost its ratings with this decision.
Just learned today that Cristina was replaced with Debbie. In the past couple of weeks, have been wondering where Cristina has been. Was concerned that she was ill and went searching today to find out what was going on with her. Was shocked when I read that she had been fired. WHAT???????? She was the backbone of this show and she is what drew me into watching this show. Her faith and genuine kindness was a comfort to me. I have recommended this show to so many friends because of her. She was funny, beautiful and such an asset to… Read more »
I was absolutely shocked to find that Christina is no longer co-host. She is why I watched Home and Family. She is a “real” person. Very down to earth. No foo foo’s. We need her back. Please.
I too am saddened that Christina is no longer with Home and Family. Christina brought so much to the show,:, her knowledge of decorating with flowers, her cooking skills, her hospitality, her way with people, . She was the best of the show along side Mark. She brought warmth and what home and family means. No t meaning to cut Debbie down, but she does not possess these skills. She was better at what she was doing. I have tried to watch since Christina has left, but it just isn’t the same and does not appeal to me at all.… Read more »
I think it was a bad idea to change to Debbie. She is doing alright but I like Cristina more. I imagine they were going for a younger set but as much of the show is about not being age or “beauty” discrimination but this is an age discrimination
I started watching the show a year ago and Christina made the show. I noticed Mark taking the stage away from her and couldn’t figure out why. Well now I realize and I believe the network made a terrible decision. I won’t be watching any longer