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 very disappointed in Hallmark Channel’s decision to replace Christina Ferrare on Home and Family, and I truly believe that it was a huge mistake. Please bring her back. Christina was the core of the show with her warmth, personality, great recipes and her wonderful ability of being able to relate to and connect with not only the guests but also with the audience and viewers. The show just isn’t the same without her, and it never will be.
The show is not the same without Christina….she was the main reason I watched it.
What a bad decision. I will never watch Home and Family again.
I have been trying for days to find out why Cristina was missing from the Home and Family show as I was afraid she was ill. Now I learn she is OUT? What a terrible decision! Now, more than ever, the people on the show go overboard pretending to be SO enthusiastic and are just plain LOUD! The “anchor” is missing, folks. The ship is sinking. What a bad idea, and poor way to present it to viewers. People could associate with Cristina, and sense her caring heart and LOVE of family and friends. Hallmark execs YOU will have to… Read more »
It is so sad not to see Christina on Home and Family and even sadder the way it was done, pretending she was on vacation then the almost afterthought way it was announced that Debbie was going to be the new co-host. Whoever made that decision not only did a disservice to Christina but to your audience as well. I’ve tried watching and not only is Debbie not cohost material there seems to be a disconnect and uncomfortable air when the entire cast is together. BAD, BAD MOVE.
I have been a fan of Home & Family for the last 4 years…It was Christina as a host that made me a follower. She was a natural for co-host. Her warmth and honesty made the show. Debbie is good as a guest on the show but definitely not a co host!!.. I have tried to watch the show several times, as I know you have to give change time, but its not the same at all!!!!..Will not be watching the show at all…Hallmark execs…you made big mistake……
Hallmark – Woody, etc. just made a huge mistake! They took the ‘home’ and ‘family’ out of the show! Christina was the matriarch, soul of the show! She brought a calmness, kindness, grace and maturity!!! to the show. Can no one see that Debbie (while good in small doses) is hyper-active and too aggressive.. to everyone..You’ve removed the calm, easy to watch tone of the show! Now, only 30-somethings (or younger) are mostly represented on the show! Way to go with the trend of fake blonde and young stupid representation! Of course, Woody won’t bring her back – egg on… Read more »
I think Hallmark made a big mistake letting Christina go. I don’t care for Debbie as co-host so I will no longer be watching the show. Cheap shot letting Christina go the way they did. Shame on them.
I believe the show should be cancelled. Christine was the main family member with Mark being the second. It’s not nor will it ever be as good with out her. I no longer will watch the show. And I plan on, as well as have been talking to family and friends and anyone else that will listen on how I hope they feel the same and will also no longer watch the show. I have had a number of people say they agree and also have decided to stop watching sence I’ve started talking about it.
I think after all the years that Christina has been there, that was pretty low & dirty on Home & Family’s part to do that to her. I will never watch this show again. And I’m sure they could care less. That Debi is ok, but too much sometimes. Boo on Home & Family & Woody!! And Mark also!
The replacement for Christian was not a good one don’t care for Debbie much and I think this decision will make for a cancellation of Home and Family as it will not get the ratings.
So sorry to see Cristina leave! She was warm and welcoming to the show. The energy is just not the same!
Dear Hallmark Channel Executives, I was shocked and saddened to realize Christina left “Home and Family”. Think you made a big mistake in letting her go. She had the perfect personality and warmth to carry the show, so please bring her back. Christina had the “IT” factor and was the core of making the show become so popular. Sorry to say, my interest is already waining. I can not imagine the reason for the change and if you think Debbie is an improvement, you are wrong. I do like her but I loved Christina. I think time will prove you… Read more »
I dont do facebook so I cant watch Christina with Maria S. I hope she’ll be doing other things. The show isnt the same without her. 🙁
I am not on Facebook either but if you google “Cristina Ferrare” an article will appear about Cristina defending Debbie as the new cohost. If you page down you’ll see a picture of Maria and Cristina – just select it in the middle of the picture and you should be able to watch the video. It really is very good and gives us some insight into what happened. I hope this helps!
I am sooooo sad and disappointed if anyone should be fired is Mark Steines