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?
So sorry Cristina is no longer on Home& Family! I’m finding the show flat & boring without her. Don’t think I’ll continue to watch & think Hallmark made a mistake.
One more comment, I don’t think that Mark and Debbie have what it takes to make this program what it represents. Christina did. I do not appreciate Mark’s remarks towards Kim. Why hasn’t the network corrected this instead? Talk about “bullying”!!!
I would like to say that the show is not the same without Christina. I like Debbie, she had her own place on the show and did a good job. However she is not Christina and cannot replace her. I so admire the cast as they are putting on the show against all odds. Can’t say if I will continue to watch. It may take sometime to adjust.
Love the show and loved Christina but will still watch the show.. Just would love to see her on it once in awhile…. Love Hallmark so much. Thank you…
Will not be watching the show anymore. I really enjoyed tuning in to see Mark and Christina together along with the other cast members. Nothing against Debbie but – COME ON – what’s wrong with you guys!! Christina is a “class act” and brought so much enjoyment and knowledge to the show. I think you will regret your decision in time!!! Sorry, you lost a viewer.
Home & Family is just not the same without Christine Ferrare. I will no longer be watching.
I am not happy with this change because to me, Chrisitina Ferrare was “Home and Family”. She brought an elegance and family sense to the show. Her knowledge and experience are irreplaceable. The show is not the same without her and I do not know if I will continue to watch it as such. Age should not be a factor to determine that someone is capable. The show seems forced and fake.
I like Debbie, but I feel she is trying too hard. No one is that happy about everything. Christine is real. she is a good match for Mark (heavens, please do not change Mark) I will miss Christine. Few very few of us like change, but I guess we will get used to Debbie.
I am shocked over Christina’s leaving, and the way it was handled. I agree with many others here who believe this was a big mistake, and Christina did not deserve the way it was handled. My opinion of Hallmark is drastically lowered. I had already started turning to another channel while I thought I was just waiting for Christina to come back. Hallmark, pay attention to these 74 and counting pages of remarks (and votes up) that are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with your decision, and even more so with how you handled it. Do you have enough class left to admit… Read more »
I am very upset that Christina is no longer on the show-agree with most other comments. Woody-she was the family matriarch-shame on you-is this the way family acts?
Avid fan , no longer. Was great having someone on tv in my age category. Nothing against Debbie, but done with your show.
I loved watching the show and Christine brought a perspective that no one else could she controlled the Mark and made him softer, Debbie is to harsh for the show. She has too much energy and is over the top, it does not give you the warm and fuzzy feeling waiting the show anymore. I will not be watching until you change it back, I loved the segments and now it deems like it is all about entertainment and not about the home and family stuff. Your advertising dept has missed it’s mark. Too bad, Christine we love you. So… Read more »
I think what the did to Christina is not right at all. I will never watch the show again. I Debbie is the wrong replacement, I do not like she is a phony. If anything they should have gotten rid of Debbie and Mark. Another lost viewer, I hope the show goes off the air.
I have decided that if Hallmark can live without her I can live without Hallmark.
Whenever I get a day off work, I watch the show. I just like wholesome tv shows and Cristina was a big draw for me. I am so sorry if they asked her off the show due to age. I am actually Debbie’s age and truth be told we’re getting up there too, as we are past 40. I will no longer tune in on my off days. I always liked Debbie as a contributor, but Cristina was the heart of the show.