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?
Will NEVER watch Home and Family nor Hallmark Channel again. It is disgusting what they did to Cristina!
I miss Christina. The show is not the same without her. I hope she comes back or gets her own show!
I do not understand the thinking in all of this! I’m believing that Cristina knew when they were with Dolly Parton what was going to happen and yet she handled things with such grace and class… In my opinion it was evident something was about to happen because there was way too much talk about how they were ‘family’…. I feel disappointed with Mark as he seemingly was in Cristina’s home often and was considered family by her. Debbie was good in her segments, and I personally think she needed to stay within those positions….the program was good in the… Read more »
I’ll bet anything that sneaky Mark had something to do with that.I never felt that he was on the up and up..Just dirty …Cristina made the show.Goes to show you better sleep with one eye open at all times
I really enjoyed this show! But without Christina? No! I won’t be watching! Especially because of how it was handled! Christina deserved a proper send off, a party of some sort, respect at least! Christina and Mark, together, made the show! Debbie as co-host? Bad idea! I like her, but she cannot replace Christina! Better to keep her for the singing games and fashion segments. –I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for those who are truly Christina’s friends, such as Kym!
I have looked for days & days to see Cristina on H & F but have not seen her since the starting of the visit to TN with Dolly Parton. So when I did not see her for too long I begin looking, googling today 7/4/16 for answers. There must be a reason & I am really upset with H & F for keeping this from the public who watch the shows, who buy the products advertised, who should have been informed earlier. Cristina & Mark worked so well together; were the best team for an entire show; Debbie did… Read more »
Yes Christina was a soft yet strength this show NEEDED!! Hallmark just screwed up and I refuse to watch or support their decision.
I wIll NOT continue to watch Home and Family now that Christina is no longer the co-host with Mark. She brought so much class to the show with Mark and am so sorry you decided to replace her with Debbie.
Hallmark and Home & Family made a mistake on how they handled this all. They have been silent all this time. First a number of viewers were brought to the show by Cristina and were willing to move forward with her on the show. Cristina was the heart of the show who had chemistry with all of the family members…….We love other family members and feel its better for us to follow them off of the show on their own pages and sites. We have stopped watching the show and no more DVR series recording or watching the repeats daily… Read more »
I will not be watching the show now. Christina was a warm, caring co-host. Just not the same without her.
Afraid home and family will not last. christina was the reason I stopped and watched . S H E IS also is the reason I have stopped watching . Mark took all his cues ftom her and it just won’t last. I am angry because I’ve lost a show I had really enjoyed with Christina
No way will I still be watching. Debbie is just OK but every time a camera is anywhere near her she hams for shot and is too busy being a ‘selfie’ to host a so-called family show. Christina made this show, I’m not even that fond of Mark to be truthful. Way to mess up and fix something that wasn’t broken Hallmark. This stinks and so did the handling of this. Hope Karma comes around to bite you in your ratings.
I have lost interest in Home and Family since Christina is no longer Co-Host. Christina was always so pleasant and brought a sense of calm and true commaraderie that is now missing. I loved her face style and pleasant manner. I will no longer be a faithful of this show.
I am disappointed that Hallmark too Christina off as I found her to be someone that people over 45 could relate to. I love the show but It seems it is now geared to only the people with young families. I don’t want to only talk about breast feeding or what is the best high chair or making your wedding album. Sorry but I feel Hallmark need to make change.
Bring Christina back … She is Home and Family.