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 loved watching the show because of Christina! She’s so down to earth and I felt like I was watching a friend. She made the show. I was waiting for her to come back only to find out she’d had been fired. That is maddening and a very poor decision. I watched daily to watch her. I’m not going to be watching anymore!
Dear Cristina, For weeks we were told you were on vacation. We waited for your return with anxious anticipation. Then that awkward announcement came out. What? Why? What’s this all about? So we’ve been fed a whole bunch of lies, And you’re just gone with no thank-yous and good-byes?! Why was there no forthcoming explanation? I’m in a state of confusion and frustration . H & F no longer means Home and Family. For me, it means Hate and Fury. I Hate what Hallmark did to you. Loyal fans have unleashed their Fury too. So unceremoniously dismissed, You are sorely… Read more »
I am very sorry to hear that Christina will not be coming back. I have had my dvr set to record H&F for years but will not be watching any longer. The way the network handled the situation was very disturbing. Do they not have any respect for someone who has done so much for their show? Very sad and I hope that Christina finds a wonderful new opportunity that she can share with all her true fans.
It thrilled me when H&F came back on the air since I used to watch it all the time back in the ’90s when Cristina and Chuck Woolery co-hosted together. It saddened me to learn that Cristina left the show since I thought she was just on an extended vacation. The show is not the same without Cristina! I hope she gets another show soon. Everything about her is good, kind, genuine and talented! Mark and Debbie are okay, but, not the same and actually, kind of boring. Therefore, I will no longer be watching since there is no reason… Read more »
I as well watched the show every day. Even when busy I was still listening. I have always loved the show and the home feeling that it had that is now gone. At this point I don’t need to go into any, why ,where, or how Hallmark came to such a drastic mistake as this. I am just a few short years older than Christina, and like Christina I carry my age very well. I only praise God for that. I have been in Broadcasting and some television and radio. I would love to get back in the field……BUT……we are… Read more »
Sorry I spoke into IPad so there were misspellings . But my comments still stand . Christina is an honest,funny, beautiful host on Home and Family. She puts the Home in home and family. Stop putting younger hosts in for the sake of being YOUNGER. Christina has a natural knack, she’s good at what she does! BRING HER BACK!! Debbie was fine in her area of expertise. But no one can replace Christina
I enjoyed the show because of her she was honest open fun and I don’t watches as often anymore I wish you would come back! To me she did put the home and home and family❤️
Home & Family should be ashamed. Christina made the show, I likeDebbie but for the whole hour. You have ruined the show. Be G.
Very bad move on Hallmark Channel’s part Christina was the glue that held that show together and the interplay between she and Mark was amazing. I like Debbie, but she does not have the personality or warmth of Christina . I think time will prove to Hallmark that this was a mistake and will probably lead to the end of the show. You’ve definitely lost a viewer here!
We really do miss Christina a whole lot. She was a terrific co-host and great person, loved her and Mark together. Debbie is too much of a show off, she thinks she is really good looking and great, well SHE WILL NEVER REPLACE Christina.
I really liked Christina on the show and I normally never sit down and watch more than 5 minutes at a time. She and her co-host seemed to have such great rapport, I enjoyed everything they did. I will miss her because I don’t care to watch anymore. Debbie is okay but just doesn’t have the charisma that Christina has. Perhaps she will after more experience. I really like all or most all the other parts and parties on the show.
I wish Christina was still co-host. debbie was irratating enough in small segments. I won’t be watching Home and Family. Shame Hallmark.
Miss Christina. Her maturity and background added to the show. Not putting Debbie down. She just isn’t there yet.
I miss Cristina; she added depth to the show. Debbie is nice, but she’s a light-weight, & the show has lost a good co-host. Please bring Cristina back! Young folks aren’t only ones watching this show! 🙁
I watched on occasion & although I have nothing against Debbie M., I don’t see her carrying the Co-Hosting as well as Christina did. Christina was talented on many levels. .. Debbie was fine as a “personality,” but NOT AS A CO-HOST!
And to FIRE her…..was despicable! Why not wait until her contract was up, or let her “retire” gracefully. …As, she was a graceful personality! Goodbye… “Home & Family”….
I like both Christine and Debbie . they have differant personalities but , they are very good.