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 too like most fans thought Christina was just on vacation. The show lead all of us to believe her absence would be temporary. After not seeing Christina for a while I found this to be a permanent situation. I can’t even put into words how hurtful and disappointed I am in the show and network. For a show called Home & Family to handle this the way they did is a disgrace. Christina put so much of herself into this show, to not recognize her or for the cast not to give her a proper send off speaks mile… Read more »
I was surprised to hear Cristina was not coming back to Home and Family. I’m sure she will be missed by many. I have followed her since the 70’s when she was married to John DeLaurien. She added class to your show as well as talent. She really can cook, craft and is a mother and probably a grandma. No offense to Debbie but she is not at all interesting and Mark has seen better days. Cristina represents my generation with class and knowledge. I will probably not be watching. Thanks for your time.
Have not watched Home & Family since Christina left. Christina and I are in the same age group and I very much enjoyed and related to her. I do not need to watch someone half or one-third may age telling me what I need or should. Besides, she is not very believable. Very disappointed in Hallmark. Always thought they were a cut above. Hope Christina finds her way back to TV. Thank you.
Hallmark, what are you thinking. Cristina and Mark have such good chemistry together. Cristina has such a soothing effect on the show, sorry but Debbie dose not. Cristina and Mark have such fun together but still so professional. I have watched the show from the beginning but like everyone else I am out. Cristina has such kindness about her and her faith in God has what has made the show.Please rethink your decision or there want be a Home and Family show for long
What a great disappointment !!!!! I was so hoping Christina was just on vacation. I think you made a grave error in letting her go. Debbie M. is a wonderful girl I’m sure but the warmth of the show has gone. Christina related to so many of us. There was just a special warmth and friendliness about her that you don’t find every day. Also, she and Mark seemed to make the perfect host and hostess playing off each other perfectly,their timing right on. you lost more viewers from this household. We will go back to regular TV for those… Read more »
So sorry to see you go Christina. Since I have retired I enjoyed watching the show every morning. I am happy you are NOT ill. Happiness to you on your next adventure❣❣❣❣
I’m MAD as fire that Christina is no longer on Home and Family!!!!!!!!! What in the world??? First it was Tanya Meme and now Christina!!! No more recording the show or watching it.
I really enjoyed the show with Christina and now, sorry to say, I will not be watching the show any more. Debbie cannot bring to the show the warmth that Christina did. Debbie is very fake.
Don’t know why things always have to change to be new. This was my go to show because it had all the family values I like. The best cooking segments with Christina. I loved her! She was soòoooo funny. Sorry you let that one go. Seemed sad today.
Will not continue to watch the show. Christina was the reason I watched the show. Her and Mark had great chemistry together.
I suppose if Home & Family had given Cristina a send off, I might feel a bit better about the new host. Since there was no notice, I feel like Home & Family made the change only leaving us to wonder what happened and coming to the conclusion it was not a good thing. Unfortunately, they are okay with that. I cannot get used to Debbie. Seems like she’s trying too hard. Never felt that way with Cristina. Finding the show hard to watch anymore.
I like Christina, always did. I remember when she was on the (1st) Home and Family yrs ago with Chuck Woolery…I liked her back then too. Sorry to say, I’ll no longer watch your Home & Family!
I’m really going to miss Christine. One of the reasons I watch the show work because of Christine. Now I probably will continue for the craft and him Zoom through the rest
Will not be watching any longer. She was the whole show. It may as well go off the air now.
I think Debbie is doing a great job. I am sorry to see Christina leave but being her age I think she should take time to relax and spend time with her husband and family. I will continue to watch the program. I hope the powers that be at Hallmark and Home & Family treated her with love and respect. That she didn’t get a farewell show leaves questions unanswered.
I am so not a fan of this change. I was so addicted to the show but after watching a couple episodes of this new girl I just don’t watch anymore . How stupid are you people. This girl is so fake it’s unreal. You might as well have just dropped the show.