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?
The show is not as good as it was. Christina and Mark were a good team. Debbie is okay, but she is not co-host material. Shame on whoever decided to change the show. After trying to view the change up,I no longer watch the show. It was “fizzy” and is now flat, flat, flat! Whoever made this decision is guilty of disordered thinking and has doomed the show.
I kept wondering what happened to Chistina. Then I too Googled to find that Hallmark let her go. I find myself wondering now about the genuine character of people. I find that I liked Mark better because of Christina. I do not care for Debbie. Never paid much attention to her.
It is obvious that there were disagreements or there would of been a send off for Chistina.
Chistina you should write a Script for a Lifetime Movie about the Hallmark Channel. Lol!!!
As much as I liked Christina, she was constantly talking over Mark and guests. I think Debbie is doing a fantastic job. I will definitely continue to watch. By the way I am 64 years old, enjoy your guests , especially the craft and gardening segments and your games played by guests.
I was sad to hear that Hallmark left Cristina go. She made the show co-hosting with Mark. Do not like the new match with Debbie. You have lost another viewer. The show isn’t the same without Cristina, HALLMARK WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!!! BAD MOVE. Your need to bring Cristina Back!!!!!!
No I am not interested in watching Debbie. Christina was so sweet and nice. I wish her well.
Cristina made the show, new co host not as good. Will not watch, bad decision for network
Home and Family my butt makes me want to puke everytime they say they are all a family — in 2 weeks not even a mention of Cristina – NICE FAMILY ATMOSPHERE HERE ISN”T IT
OMG — so upset about Cristina leaving – I actually said to my husband 2 months before this happened that Debbie was trying so hard to replace Cristina – in everything she did, she had to outshine everyone, no surprise to me she took over – but really hate the whole idea. I could never stand Mark constantly sounded like a moron and the constant bullying of Kym was completely nauseating – is that the way he teaches his sons to act?? Debbie is so loud and from the last 2 weeks I have watched she has to overpower everyone… Read more »
Christina was such as asset to Home and Family. Why would you replace her? It’s not the same without her there!
I’m so disappointed. Christina, in my opinion, was the highlight of the show. Her replacement has no personality or elegance that Christina projected. The show will suffer from this loss. Bad choice executives – what were you thinking?
I am so sorry to hear this. Cristina was the main reason for the make up of the show. It is not the same and I don’t think at this time I will continue to watch it. It was so enjoyable then and not so much now. The character of the show to me has changed even though the players are the same. I truly think this is a “WRONG” decision. I will now focus my morning time to another show. She was what made this show remarkable and Mark was her backup. It will not be the same
You people at Hallmark have lost your true values. You claim it’s all about home and family but then you let the one person who was the epitome of family values go. God has a reason for all He does so we feel sure some other show will be created for Christina to showcase all her talents. Mark and Debbie are not the high caliber of Christina. Believe they can’t carry the load and will never last. No talent there. Will never watch the show again or the Hallmark channel. So many others feel the same. Just read the other… Read more »
Christina was the main reason I watched the show…..her terrific personality, cooking knowledge& just over all talent made the show exceptional!!!! I will not be watching on a regular basis as I did! Debbie is a sweet young lady but doesn’t have the depth of Christina!!! Huge mistake to let her go!!!!
I really liked Cristina, I’m sad that they let her go.
I am heart broken. Home and Family, my you know what! You just don’t throw away family.