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 Christina, because she is my age and I could relate to her. Getting older is hard enough, but keeping company with Christina, made it easier. MY age group is watching this show. Debbie does a nice job, but Christina did it better.
What in the world are you thinking Home and Family?
With all that talent, why on earth would you release Christina. Just not interested in watching anymore!
Hallmark let go of the wrong person should have been Mark Debbie will never be a good host
She was relatable, and I thought the anchor for whole show. Really sad she left, tried to watch new hosts but it isn’t the same. I’m done with home and family.
I’m so sad that Cristina Ferrari is fired. She was the show. Her kindness and loyalty to home family will be miss .I personally love how she made ever one feel like we the viewers is part of the home and family .The show is not the same. When they lost her they lost me to .They did not show her the respect that she deserved. Shame on you Home and family .And Mark you should of fight for your co-host Cristina . Shame on you to Mark.the high h family value went with Cristina.She is well loved .
Sad loved the show as it was. I like Debbie but love Chrustina. Guess I will be working not watching
I’ve only watched this show for a short while since I’ve lost my wife but I have thoroughly enjoyed it with Christina there. Still it feels I’ve lost a friend. I won’t be watching anymore. Thank you Christina for the short friendship.
Sorry for your loss Jay. Yes, so many of us feel as though Cristina was a friend and part of family that we seen each day.
I am so surprised to hear Cristina is no longer on the show. Debbie is ok in the small part she had played in the show, but she can be very annoying at times and she too into herself. I think she doesn’t have the home style of a personality that Cristina has. Shame on you Hallmark channel you gave up a great host. I will be taking Home a Family off of my DVR, I will no longer watch the show.
without Christina there is No reason to watch the show!! She was the perfect hostess. This show will fail without her. Bring her back Now!!!!
I wondered where Christina was and will miss her. Even though I liked her, I like Debbie just as well and will continue to watch.
No one will ever fill Cristina’s shoes on H&F, try as they may. Hallmark, what were you thinking!? Apparently, you weren’t thinking of your viewers – the people who made the show enormously popular. You had such a winner with the pairing of Mark & Cristina. Please rethink your decision and bring Cristina back for the next season.
They don’t think of their viewers, i.e. Signed, Sealed and Delivered. That was a great show also until they moved it to a channel you had to pay extra for.
What a mistake. While I love Debbie, she is not the warm, sweet Christina. The chemistry is not the same and it shows on a daily basis. Others who have posted are correct when they says Christina had a life experience that is missing. Not enjoying the show like I use to. Mark and Christina were a team that was hard to beat.
Why are you not listening to your viewers??? Your viewers are saying no to Debbie and yes to Cristina!!! What are you not understanding??? Repeatedly your viewers have voiced their opinions and repeatedly Hallmark has chosen to ignore what their fans want. Your fans want Cristina!!!
Huge mistake getting rid if Christina. Boo!! Have no interest in show now
Disappointed,love Christina’s energy charisma and ability to connect with the audience. Debbie is cute but not in the same league. Will be going back to the main networks for am tv. Christina was the reason I watched the show.