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 show! My Mother told me a women sets the pace in a Family and Cristina with her knowledge and cheerful attitude set Home and Family pace. Debbie needs years in order to begin to know what Cristina does! 18 months old baby she is too young and not the Motherly type! God gave Cristina that gift! I was waiting for her return! Sad!
HOW MUCH MORE TERRIBLE NEWS CAN OUR COUNTRY TAKE THIS MONTH?? What a sad week in history for so many viewers to finally be told the truth about Cristina Ferrare not returning as the host of H&F. CRISTINA – no one can EVER replace you, you’re the best! 1. Hallmark – you advertise as having family based shows/movies. Such a terrible way to treat one of your “family members”. It’s time to take a reality check! 2. Hallmark H&F show – wow, YOU LIED EVERY DAY to all of us viewers about “Cristina’s fake vacation” for so many weeks. A… Read more »
I really don’t understand why they fired her. I love her she and Mark made the show fun and funny . Debbie she is okay but the chemistry between Mark and Christina was special and sincere don’t think I will continue watching the show without Christina .
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This is very sad news, Christina is the heart of the show, why in the world would you want to do this.
Lost a fan
Why is having genuine warmth and class not an option in TV shows anymore? Christina is a vision of loveliness that made me watch the show. Hallmark has made a giant mistake. What’s left? Hallmark is jumping on a bandwagon that will lead to more uninspiring TV viewing that our society and culture get enough of on other channels. To bad that you don’t stand out above all the rest now that Christina is gone. I don’t think you have any idea what you just did. Message received: you don’t care about a wholesome image OR your viewers who are… Read more »
I was shocked and saddened to see this tacky announcement today on home and family. Why would I Want To Waste My Time Watching Debbie show off for two hours? Christina made the show what it was, no thanks !!!
cristina was why me and my family watched and we will never watch again!!.the way you did cristine is deplorable and replacing her with a no talent loud mouthed hack is sick!!!!..saying goodbye we will never watch this show or any that turncoat woody produces!!!..we love you cristina get a new show quick and we will watch!!!!..we love you!!!
Wow! What is up with you people? Nothing against Debbie, but Christina made your show. She went far beyond what was needed! My wife and I are loyal fans, hope it continues. Ron and Bee Kidd.
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I am so disappointed in the Hallmark channel along with home and family. Christina was the heart and soul of the show with her grace,kindness and great Christian values. This was a show that was so refreshingly enjoyable to watch because of Christina. Debbie was OK in her role as contributer but definitely not as cohost. Watching 2 hours of Debbie each day would be a little nerve grating to say the least. Don’t think I’ll be wasting my time unless Christina is back.
Christina was someone I could relate to.. She always was very sincere and honest..To be honest she was the one that made the show and I looked forward to seeing.
I could not agree with you more Linda. Cristina WAS H&F!
Christine was the reason I watched Home and Family. I cannot imagine why she would have gotten fired. I loved her cooking segments. I won’t be watching home and family any more and quite frankly, there are too many DIY segments. She made Home and Family. I am glad she is not sick. I taped it every day so I would not miss the show.
I to have watched from time to time. There was no reason to fire her. The show just wanted someone younger.
I’am so sorry about the new change of co hostess. I will not be watching the show from now on! You made a big mistake Woody. I thought there was more to you than this!
No, replacing her was not a good idea. What reason is there except ageism which I find needless and offensive since I am an over 50 gal as well. They need to bring her back. You know the saying if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. They are hoping to cater to a younger crowd which doesn’t makes sense since a lot of people work during the day. It’s the retired people who watch it more often. Christina reaches audiences of any age with her genuine honesty and classic style. The new co-host, not so much. I have no plans… Read more »
I am disappointed with the way this was handled. It was disrespectful to Cristina and to the viewing audience. I thought Hallmark was better than that. I will not be watching Home and Family any longer as I did almost every day.