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?
What a disgrace! In my opinion Christina made the show and was the only reason I watched it. Debbie is OK, but certainly lacks the charm and charisma that Christina brought on a daily basis. Big mistake Hallmark.
not the same without you mark shoud have been replaced
I am so saddened that Christina is no longer on the show! I watched because of her.. she is so genuine, lovely and I felt I really knew her … She made the show!!! Shame on you Hallmark and I will no longer watch the show without her!! Christina you are a gem and true joy to watch!! Will miss seeing you !!! I never missed an episode.
What a terrible way to dismiss Christina!! Who was in charge of this PR disaster! Families do not fire a kind and gracious matriarch! I would love to see her come back for special projects. Mark cryiing on camera seems so fake now that we know the truth. Shame on you Hallmark.
Never watch it, commercials for it are as corny as heck.
I like Debbie but it isn’t the same show without Cristina. Hallmark should bring her back.
I I love Cristina.. She has the warmth sincerity and professionalism that draws the viewer. She will me missed.
Love Debbie, but her & Mark are not working like Christina & Mark did. I’m sure more than meets the eye is going on about Christina. Were the ratings down? Did she want more money? What gives Hall Mark? I’m sure it was none of these things, but as viewers we deserve to know.
Love you Christina and I most certainly can’t imagine ratings were down its much to great a show with you.
However ratings will plummet now which is sad because there are all wonderful people on the show.
Oh, my goodness…I was unable to watch the show for several days. When I returned, Christina was gone, and I assumed she was on a hard-earned vacation, timed to start after the Dollywood week. I love Debbie, but missed Christina….so I Googled this post. Am I ever SHOCKED at this news! Christina was the perfect blend with the other cast members for the show. She added class, maturity, talent, and much more. I still cannot believe what I just read in the letter she wrote. I cannot help but wonder if this isn’t the first “crack” in the show. Tanya… Read more »
What a terrible mistake ! Cristina is the best host they could have. Debbie is on other shows and just does not fit in as a host. She is annoying!
I won’t watch anymore and have been since Cristina was first on years ago.
now with Debbie there they go on like Christina was never there i feel for Christina
i think the show should be cancelled its ashamed they fired Christina i like her much better than Debbie i think if they dont bring christina back then show should be cancelled not the same show Debbie was a good lifestyle person of the group but replacing her instead of Christina huge mistake i wont watch it now
Was waiting for Christina to return to Home & Family. So disappointed to hear she will not return. Loved Christina on the show and will no longer be watching now that she is gone. Wish Hallmark would reconsider and bring Christina back!
Christina just made this show. She and Mark were great together. She was professional, a comedian, but great at both. She did everything with ease as though it come natural. Debbie isn’t at all that way. I am so sad she has left. I only watch segments that interest me for DIY, etc., nothing more as it is just not the same. Debbie is silly. I don’t want to down anyone, but I have been just beside myself that Christina was fired. This is bizarre.
bring back Cristina. Debbie is fake, touching everyone, she swallows words, talks over every body,she thinks no end of herself. Please bring back Cristina.