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?
It is too bad Cristina is gone. She made Home and Family a fun show to watch. I have watched Debbie for a few weeks and she can’t keep my interest. I am sorry Hallmark Channel is making such poor decisions. Cristina was the heart of Home and Family. I am no longer watching the Hallmark Channel and Home and Family will be cancelled after its 5th season! So sad
The show is not the same without Christina! :'( Nothing against Debbie, I like Debbie, but she does not bring what Christina brought to the show.
Like Julia Roberts said in the movie Pretty Woman, “Big Mistake, Big Mistake “…I absolutely loved watching H&F with Christina hosting the show with Mark…..Why didn’t Mark fight or defend her? Unless he wanted her out and wanted a new younger host, if so then shame on you Mark!!!
I no longer watch home and family since Christina has left. Stupid decision by the Hallmark Channel.
I like Debbie, but really, really miss Christina and would like to have her back. Maybe Hallmark can bring her back in some family movies.
I like Debbie, but really, really miss Christina and would like to have her back. Debbie is too smiley and touchy-feely with Mark. (Maybe he likes that.) Maybe Hallmark can bring her back in some family movies. ???
I loved H&F. The show is not the same without Cristina and her genuine warmth. Debbie seems insincere and phony; she’s trying too hard. I get that Halllmark is attempting to reach a younger target audience. I loved that H&F was so different from other mainstream media offerings. It felt like I was coming home to family everyday. It used to be a great show. I guess I’ll go back to watching 50 year old reruns. So long Hallmark.
I feel the same way, will no longer watch. The viewers of the show are older and appreciate an older vibrant co host who can relate to them. Sorry Hallmark, Big Mistake, Huge On to watching “Let’s Make a Deal and the Price is Right”.
This is extremely disappointing, I thought she was on vacation. Happy ratings Hallmark
I can no longer watch Hallmark channel. Bring Christina back. Terrible way to treat her. Most important is how Hallmark has disrespected the viewers by keeping us in the dark… I will no longer buy anything that has hallmark on it.. When and if Christina is back I will stop my boycott. I’m hurt I feel I’ve lost my best friend. I’ve watched her since day one..
Debbie is so silly and talks entirely too much! Not good without Christina
Cristina was very good. She was real and we loved watching when she was there. Not crazy about Debbie.
I will miss you and you did a great job. I know the new host will do a good job but no one can replace you! A new adventure will come your way!
Going to miss her. She was so warm, compassionate, sincere, it was like having a friend on tv. I understand shows need to update but sometimes it’s not always a good thing and Debbie just doesn’t cut it. I won’t be watching the show anymore, it’s not the same without Cristina.
I too am sad at Cristina F not being on the show anymore, I do not like Debbie M she looks at the camera all the time as if to see if it is one her all the time. Debbie M could not make it on The View for a reason. Mark is good eye candy but he had a habit of cutting Cristina off a lot during interviews or conversations. There was some things I also didn’t agree with was having Cristina’s daughters on the show a lot, but I guess it was free publicity for them. Overall there… Read more »
So sad Hallmark executives. Hallmark use to be a favorite channel right up there with FOX. But now I am very disappointed in your decision to boot off Christina. The Mother is the heart of the home.
You just ditched mom and replaced her with a younger women. Won’t be watching!