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 no longer watch the show. What you people did to Christina was unforgivable. She made the show what it is. Sad sad sad , shame on you writers. I am finished with this show.
I don’t like the show without Christina and have quit watching it.
Watch out Mark….you are probably next. Apparently they want a younger generation hosting the show. So they will lose the older, stay at home folks for what? The younger generation is too busy to be loyal daily watchers. I’m no longer a viewer. I could relate to Christina, but don’t particularly like Debbi. She is too self absorbed.
I meant shakey, not snarky…..sorry
We are very upset we liked Cristina she will be missed. My mom says she’s gonna quit watching the show now.
I personally noticed that Christina had been a little more snarky & fumbling her words a bit. She is a very nice lady, but I think just maybe not for TV anymore…….however, I don’t agree with just making her take time off and not give her a goodbye show. I wish her the best in her ventures, perhaps her cooking.
Cristina Ferrare made the H&F show! She is a beautiful, kind & truly funny woman. I felt like she was a good friend I had coffee with every day. Cristina spoke to all women of all ages, race & economics. I’m deeply disappointed in H&F & Hallmark channel. I won’t be watching anymore.
I was always disappointed when I tuned in and Christina was on vacation and the time she was sick. So now that she is gone permanently I just don’t watch anymore. Now instead of co-hosts it feels like one too perky host and a small guy sitting beside her.
I miss Christina and will no longer watch the show…..I am not a big fan of debbie
No I will not watch again although I like Debbie she was good at what she did Cristina was an excellent host and fit great with Mark. She is funny and just made the show fantastic I think what you did to her after her making the show what it was to fire her is the cruelest thing I’ve ever heard of but I won’t be watching it anymore so good Lu k…
Anonymous • 2 mins ago I was Heart broken when i Heard The news. No offense to The Other Cast Members. But Cristina made The show. She Bought The Love The laughter & talent. I use to see the Show everyday With My Family To watch H&F. There’s not that feeling of wholesome anymore or comfort without Cristina she was a natural funny & real. There’s no word to express how sad & disapointed my family & I are. We wish Debbi,Orly,Kym,Sophie,Shirley,Ken,Matt,Paige And all the rest of the cast im sure you are great people. We wish you all the… Read more »
I was a great fan of the show primarily because Cristina and feel this is a Hugh mistake. She brought class, elegance and warmth to the show. Why fix was what NOT BROKEN. Hallmark made a mistake a few years ago when the cancel MARIE and now firing Cristina. I just deleted a week of the show and will not watch.
Your show is now hosted by a bunch of silly children desperately trying too hard to keep it together. I feel like I am attending an eight year old’s birthday party, and hoping it will soon be over. Woody!!! You blew it and destroyed one of the few decent shows left on TV; one which did not depend on filth and innuendo for ratings.
Amen to your comment.RH3D6
I find it difficult to believe that Hallmark has done this, They have finally been doing programming hat fits with family values. Family oriented show that are enjoyable to watch and shows the kids can also watch. Cristina did not deserve to be treated this way and I cannot believe that Debbie’s polling is better. She does not have the talent or strength of character to carry this show. She will probably set the kitchen on fire if she does cooking segments. Mark will not make it without Cristina either. Why would Hallmark mess around with something that works. I… Read more »
I don’t like the show without Christina and have quit watching it.