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?
Cristina was the heart of this Home & Family show. Mark repeatedly shows us his lack of interest by interrupting various segments with totally inappropriate banter, and guests of the show. I’ve removed this show from my scheduled recordings on my DirecTV Genie service. I have no interest in watching anything on the Hallmark Channel, or Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Cristina was fired because she is ‘too old’. This is completely unacceptable. I will no longer support anything connected with the Hallmark brand or name. The Hallmark Channels do not represent the high standards I’ve always connected with the Hallmark… Read more »
Way to go!! I notified Hallmark, who sponsors the show, that this kind of thing leaves a bad taste in your mouth for Hallmark products, and I too will no longer purchase anything Hallmark again. I just can’t.
I stopped watching. Christina added a much needed balance that is now lacking. Debbie is fine, but did a much better job as a regular rather than a co-host. I have stopped watching except when Hallmark Movie folks are on. Bad call on the part of Hallmark! Why do networks always have to fix what’s not broken! Maddening.
Cristina, We have missed you and am so happy to see you with Maria Shriver. You have a lot to give and you will continue to go far and inspire all of us. We love you and have loved you for many, many years even before you were on the show with Steve Edwards.
I have never responded on a site like this but am so disappointed with this decision. Christina brought so much wisdom, grace, humility and heart to this program. She was truly the center that everything revolved around. I too will be done with it. After reading what happened I turned it off. One of the reasons the show worked was the mix of ages and styles. Good luck attracting only young people. I doubt it will work with the current staff.
I originally started watching Home and Family because of Cristina Gerrard. I found Debbie M. really corny on her prior segments and is is now even more difficult to watch as co-host. Hallmark you made a large mistake. I don’t watch very often now.
Just cancel the show. It will never be the same. Debbie is overbearing, belongs on those Access Hollywood shows. Christina added class and sophistication to the show. Just cancel it.
Shame on Hallmark, will no longer watch.
I’m really sorry Hallmark decided to treat Cristina, Debbie is too hiper for me. She cannot replace Cristina and I will no long be watching the show starting today.
I’m a bit shocked about the firing of Christina. I love the show especially the DIY segments, and when Christina was in the kitchen. I do feel Christina and Mark were a great duo. She added that motherly aspect to the show ,not to make her seem old , but because of her caring nature. She, as a former supermodel, was very stylish and added that as well. I like Debbie, and she should not be vilified because she’s just doing her job, but Hallmark has made a big mistake by letting Christina go. I hope that the fans push… Read more »
So sorry that Christina is no longer on the show. Cannot watch Debbie. Not a good choice to co-host. Christina was such a kind and gracious person. I will no longer watch
I really can’t believe you would let Cristina go!! She was the heart and soul of the show!! It makes me sick that Woody would do this after the long history that the two of them have! I’m really disappointed about this!!! Rebecca
I was so sorry to hear Cristina has left the show. I have watched it this week and it is not the same. She and Mark had a great connection on the show and she will be missed by me. She is a classy lady. Good luck to her in the future.
I have always taken what the Hallmark channel represents to heart: wholesome, FAMILY oriented entertainment. Their behavior regarding Chritina’s “disappearance ” is not my definition of wholesome treatment & if this is how they treat someone in their “family”, what a pathetic group of pea-brains they are. Their “replacement”. Is a far cry from all that Christina was. I am so done with Home and Family. Shame on all of you.
Terrible choice for new co-host. Not vey nice way to treat family. Christina gone – I am gone
Debbie is fantastic and will continue too watch the show which I enjoy so much