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 missing Cristina on Home & Family, one of my very favorite shows. I record it daily but am disappointed in Hallmark and the cast for not sticking up for Cristina. I like Debbie ok but she isn’t Cristina and never will be.
I think Hallmark made a horrible decision. Mark and Christina had a chemistry that is totally lacking now. Debbie was my least favorite on the show. Christina always seemed authentic and caring. I won’t be watching this show or the Hallmark channel anymore.
Though Debbie is sweet, there just isn’t the same “spark” between Mark & Debbie as there was with Cristina & Mark. I think Cristina should be brought back, either for her old roll or in some significant capacity! I’ve been waiting for Cristina to return, now that I know she’s not returning I’ll be viewing less often!
Please bring Christina back. We will never watch the new show ever. Christina was the Star and brought warmth to the show. Goodbye Hallmark Channel you made a huge mistake.
Bring Christina back if not bring two entire new people -will not be watching Hallmark again….not the same! Christina was the strength of the show! Not anymore….Goodbye Hallmark Home and Family -you did Wrong!!!!
This truly saddens me, WHY did they feel they needed a new co-host?? I agree with the majority, she’s missed. Bring Christina back!!
Cristina made the show, you felt comfortable with her and she always said things that made you believe she did have a Hallmark Home. I certainly do not get this Hallmark Home feeling with the old and new hosts of the show. You would be better off to run movies in this time slot,
I am sorry that Cristina is gone~ I am sure the show will go on~ But I feel there should have been a beautiful send off to this beautiful woman who made the show in my opinion~ As for me~ I will no longer be a viewer~
I really think that this is unacceptable. I will not watch the show but I feel bad that this affects Mark and others that work to make the show a success.. Executives really really messed up!
I, too, kept waiting to see when Christina would be back from vacation. The show is not the same. I won’t be watching anymore, either.. What a shame.
I’m so glad to see someone finally used the word vacation in re to Cristina’s absence as I was sure I heard announced on the show that the reason for her absence was she was on vacation..They even commented on her probably having fun in the sun knowing her…something to that effect. As I was only half listening I started to doubt what I heard..so thank you! ..though it’s a bit disappointing to be lied to by a ‘family type’ network.
I had no idea. I kept waiting for her to come back. Cristina and Mark made the show. Nothing against Debbie, but it’s not working. It just doesn’t have the same feeling and I doubt if I’ll watch any longer.
I loved Christina and she was the heart of the program Home & Family. She is a down to earth sweet person that made everyone feel welcome and made it feel like it was a home with family members. Debbie can’t hole a candle to her. She maybe nice but she is into herself and more about fashion and trying to be the main person-more like a Miss Showoff. Christina was like the Mother to all the young people in the family and kept everything together. Now I have tried watching and it is hard to watch. I tape it… Read more »
What a crappy thing to do to Christina. She made the show. Not sure if I will continue to watch the show. SO-SO Sad
I miss Cristina – I won’t watch any longer. She was real. Shame on you.
So sad that Christina is gone, she could have carried the show alone!!She was so genuine and someone I could relate to! I love Ken, Kym, Dr JJ and Orly! Mark is a good co-host, but sometimes too much!
Hoping Christina comes bach with another show to watch.