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?
Christina will surely be missed.I like Debbie but she’s no Christina.I think someone made a mistake here.I watched this show when it was on many years ago.She was so family orientated which is what I thought the show was about.Big mistake people.
When I read the news of our Dear sweet Cristina was lets say, “LET GO” from Home and Family I was not Happy!!! She was the most genuine person on the show. Yes , they all have their on personalities but Cristina was the HEART and the one that kept it all together. (even over Mark!) I truly believe that a big mistake was made by Hallmark and the producers of H & F! Change is good but not in this case! Cristina should have been given the opportunity to make the choice herself. I have prayed that it wasn’t… Read more »
Very disappointed that Christina will not be returning. I have been fast forwarding thru much of the episodes as although the “new” cohost is nice, she doesn’t have the natural wisdom and calm and in charge …..leadership that Christina brings. The new Co host seems scattered and too orchestrated. Mark is constantly helping her. Do not enjoy at all!
I think this is so disrespectful to Cristina. Her warmth and sincere joy will be missed. She is a wonderful co-host. The chemistry between she and Mark was so genuine. The Hallmark Channel will regret this decision. There was no beautiful send off for her, just to show appreciation for all of her hard work.
Christina was the heart of the show….such a warm, caring and spiritual person. I am so disappointed in this decision and knew there was something
going on. I taped this show every day so I could watch it in the evening. I really didn’t watch the whole show lately, because I missed Christina. Debbie is a sweetheart, but nothing like Christina. So sad and Woody I am really disappointed in you for not seeing what an asset Christina was to the show. Bye all and very sad that I will no longer see Christina and the show.
I’m just curious to find out why Mark extended an invitation to Cristina to,”…come back at any time.”
i was wondering if they were leaving an opening for her to comeback..if this change in co-host didnt work out or if they got too much “heat” from the viewers..or is that wishful thinking??
Very upset! You lied about Cristina being on vacation only to replace her. Even Matt got a send off. Big mistake Home and Family and Hallmark. Deleted and won’t be watching Home and Family or Hallmark. To bad Cristina so called friends on the show didn’t support her. Not interested in season 5 anymore. Besides how insensitive to announce it like it’s no big deal that you fired Cristina. Cristina was the heart of Home and Family
Sad, I love Debbie too. But feel it’s pathetic that they made a change like that…POLL your audience for goodness sake….age related???????? If so then Boo on Hallmark!!!
Home and family has lost another viewer. Biggggg Mistake ! Christina was home and family, no need to watch it now that she is gone
You have just ruined the show! While I have nothing against Debbie, she is not Cristina. I looked forward every day to this show, but no more. You were great, now you are “run of the mill”, nothing special. Some people just can’t stand success, and they think they can improve on an already good thing. Bad, bad decision. What were you thinking????????? Cristina made the show. She has a natural grace and class that can’t be taught. You took a fun time out of my day Shame on you!
I just reprogrammed my DVR. With Cristina no longer on it I will no longer be watching the H&F show. I am one of the older viewers and many times tried products that were promoted or advertised on the program. I always felt H&F appealed to every generation. Years ago when Cristina was first on TV I used to watch the program with my mother and was so happy when Cristina returned to TV. A year ago I talked my niece into watching H&F. Today you have lost her as a viewer, also. If Cristina was let go because of… Read more »
Big mistake hgtv, you lost out with your new choice.
It’s horrible! With friends like Mark and Debbie, who needs enemies. I CANNOT stand Debbie. She’s immature, annoying and super conceded! Horrible move from Woody, a horrible produced and man…if I’d even call him that!
I will miss Christina soooo much! Debbie is ok but I never cared much for her on the
View either. Mark and Christina are worlds apart better than Mark and Debbie
I used to dvr the show while I was at dialysis three days a week but I won’t bother anymore unless I see someone
who I would like to watch coming on.
Hire Christina back, Hallmark!!!!!!!!!!
Really miss Christina. Very sad. I like Debbie but she is not christina. Christina, added a special light to the show.
Those of us who are regular watchers of Home and Family were hoping Cristina was, indeed, on a much deserved vacation, but felt that was probably not the case. Cristina was the heart of the show, kind, caring, loving, talented, funny, and most of all, “real”! The last two and a half weeks, I tried to watch every episode, but fast-forwarded through most of each one! This is a HUGE mistake on Woody’s part, and everyone else who took part in this decision. Debbie’s segments were “OK”, but as co-host – not so much. I so looked forward to Home… Read more »