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 to say, but I feel I will no longer be watching “Home & Family”… Christina & Mark together were the “Heart of the Show”… (A Team) … Without Christina having a “Proper” send off, it almost feels like somebody suddenly passed away. She was there and then all of a sudden, she was gone We didn’t get to say our “Good-Byes” to her. How unfair that was to “Everybody” who “Watched & Loved the Show”.. She should have had a “Proper Send off”… (Out of Respect for Christina & Her Viewers & Fans) Christina & Mark together was… Read more »
Why in the world would the producers of the show believe that Debbie is a good replacement for Christina? Christina is a natural D I Y person. She brings to the table culinary skills and crafting ability that no other co-host can bring to the show. The way you have ousted her from being a co-host with Mark for season five is despicable. I was an avid fan of this show and believed strongly in its values, but you have shown me that your values no longer meet my standards. Bring Christina back with a public apology and I will… Read more »
I really agree with all that you wrote in your comment! I am so disgusted by how Hallmark handled this situation and by Mark’s daily lies. There are so many people that are truly upset by this decision but the network does not respond to emails or letters. They must feel we will all just “get over it” and I find that insulting and condescending to women and anyone older.
I to looked on the Internet to find out why she was not on the show. I am so up set that she is no longer on the show. Christiana made the show feel like you were watching your mom on tv. She invited you. Debbie no offense is annoying and yes she does cling to Mark to much, how ever from watching the show previously I know she is touchy-feely. She also can’t cook. I’m not sure if Christiana was hard to work with or wanted more money or not. If hallmark is looking for a younger appeal forget… Read more »
I am very upset that Christina has been replaced on the show. Very bad division. I will not be watching any more. She made the show.
I cannot believe that they let go of christine, her and mark made the show. That is why I would watch it. They were a good team. Debbie does not cut it. I knew something was was coming to a change, just like when they snuck in Debra norval on the morning show. I hate these sneaky networks . They need to bring christine back. Debbie and mark do not hot it off . Wake up people . Your show will be cancelled next. Mark my words.
I am so disappointed that Cristina is gone. The warm, welcoming feeling of the show is gone. Debbie was better as the fashionista, not the co host. She obviously can’t cook, so now they are filling in with guest chefs instead of the great segments Cristina used to do. Everyone seems to be going through the motions-the ” heart” of Home and Family is missing. I have the pleasure of meeting Cristina at a book signing, and she impressed me as being so genuine. Shame on Hallmark. You made the wrong move.
I hate it someone leaves and no xplanation is said everyday so when you miss a few days and see changes and dont know why.kristina was the show. we dont understand,we can handle the truth I wish kristina all my best wishes.she is missed.i will watch but miss her.we can handle the truth
I will no longer watch the show! Christina is the one that made the show. This new host doesn’t have the suave personality. I have tried to watch and it’s horrible. This was a terrible mistake!!!!
Definitely very disappointed that she was fired. I loved watching the show with her as hostess and now do not feel the need to continue watching and haven’t watched since she was fired. God Bless you. Thanks for the last few years in which case I delighted in turning on this show.
Unfortunately I will no longer watch home and family. I think the hosting switch is a mistake. Christina is so genuine any easy to relate to as a woman. Let me just say that it is OK to have a host of the show over 40! It’s actually a plus. I was so comfortable and truly enjoyed watching Home and Family. I will miss it
Now I’ll watch the show.
Have not and am not going to ever watch Home and family again. Miss Christina. Way to go on how to ruin a show by putting Debbie there,she has never work out on a show . This is the end of this show.
nope – she was the reason i watched. glad to have other options for tv and i can go for a walk.
Hate she is gone. Wont watch anymore
I will not continue to watch “Home & Family”. Cristina was the reason I watched the show. She and Mark had great chemistry together. Since there was no notice, I feel like when “Home & Family” made the change, it only left us to wonder what happened and I personally came to the conclusion that it was not a good thing. Unfortunately, “they” are okay with that. This is all too bad, I really enjoyed watching “Home & Family” with Cristina and Mark.