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 guess I must stop watching Home and Family. I was born in the 60’s so apparently I am too OLD to watch the show. I guess WE are not your target audience. Well… See you later. It was a nice ride.
Ps… How old is Woody Fraser? Maybe he should fire himself.!!! Just a thought.
I really miss Cristina. Replacing her with Debbie was a huge mistake. She was a good balance for all age groups. All young hosts is wrong. I watched regularly. I find Debbie annoying. I’ve tried watching for several weeks. Can’t take it anymore. Too bad. It used to be a good show.
Well said Suzie !
I’m going to miss Cristina. She was awesome. Very disappointed.
Alice, I can relate. I stopped working in late Nov….unkindly forced out I might add. H&F became my daily go-to for starting the day. Does anyone remember the contest H&F ran for people to send in videos to win a car? A young military man won the car for his parents. But I’ll never forget the entry submitted by a woman. She sang an original song that went something like….”My life is a void since I’m unemployed. I wake up at 10:00. Home & Family’s my friend….”. I, too, have looked so forward to being greeted by my “friends and… Read more »
I was so confused when Cristina was not present on the show for a few weeks. Seemed like a long vacation. After doing some research I find that she has been fired/taken off the show. I am soooo disappointed – Cristina was the heart of the family in Home & Family. She brought class and sophistication to the show. Debbie was/is great in the segments she did in fashion, etc., but she does not have what it takes to make the family work. If Hallmark is striving to get a younger audience, Debbie will probably do the job. However, if… Read more »
I sure hope that Hallmark and the executives of H&F that made the decision to fire Cristina and replace her with Debbie will see all of these comments of viewers that are outraged at the way they handled the entire situation! Cristina’s departure from H&F is definitely NOT the way family members should treat each other!!! I have read many emails from viewers saying they will no longer be watching the show. The ratings are bound to decline. H&F is now missing the warmth, eloquence, grace, relatable, empathetic, lovely and Christian family values that are so hard to find on… Read more »
Oh, I am “Heartbroken” over this! I just retired a year ago and have watched and recorded Home and Family literally everyday! There was always a “Family Bond” felt by so many of us that are loyal fans and feel like we are part of the “Family” as well! I respect Everyone that is on the show but there is definitely a “Void” with Christina not being there! If there is ANY POSSIBILITY that she can return, “Please” let her come back! She is Definitely Missed!!!
Sooooo happy to see so many fans coming out in support of Christina. Christina….I hope you’re reading all of these heartfelt messages and getting some warm fuzzies. I tuned in to H&F one more time this morning just to be fair before signing off forever. I was struck by what seemed like forced fun and camaraderie, like they were all on speed. It also hit me today that all this Christina stuff happened right before the Christmas in July shows and how she always got so into the holidays. So many aspects of her departure seem like slaps in the… Read more »
I don’t think Debbie makes a very good host I really don’t care for the show without christina I think hallmark made a big mistake
Shame on Hallmark! I felt like the show really was based on love, respect and old fashioned family values. I kept waiting for Christina to return from vacation. There are several individuals I will still track (away from Hallmark). Families consist of many facets. Unfortunately Hallmark value CLASS, SINCERITY, FAITH, LOYALTY AND THE MANY OTHER QUALITIES THAT CHRISTINA added to the show. I pray her next efforts reflect the qualities she has to offer. she is very versatile and I pray she has a new and better venue soon, as for me, I will no longer support Hallmark (shows, products… Read more »
I have tried so hard to get into Home and Family but cannot. You have ruined it for me. It seemed so heartwarming before with Cristina and Mark. They had a genuine relationship. I feel lied to when you say it was a seasonal change. We know that’s not true at all. I have nothing against Debbie but I can tell she is not really sure of herself like she is feeling guilty of replacing Christina. You can tell something is off by the way she keeps checking the camera like where it is and like she isn’t really paying… Read more »
I thought Hallmark wanted a family and I bit. Now they kill off the main person. I just can’t watch. I did try again today, but I just can’t watch the phony so called friends being so happy. I think all seniors should stop watching since they don’t like older people. They can do without me, but I wish it would make a statement, but sadly, they don’t care about their viewers anymore. At least give us a place to send her notes and cards.
What a loss to the show. She made the show
Cristina, You were the Heart and Soul of Home and Family, Truly Sincere, with a Heart of Gold, No one can ever replace you, God Bless You Dear Cristina
I am very disappointed to learn that Christina had been replaced. Christina took with her all the class, sophistication, warmth, humor and love that a great host embodies. She will be missed. Hallmark you blew it!