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 no longer watch the show. Cristina was the matriarch of the “family.” There was an episode that was supposed to air on a Thursday that was not on due to “technical difficulties.” A rerun was shown in its place. Then the following Monday, July 4th, it aired. The technical difficulty was that they cut out the Executive Producer, Woody Fraser’s “reprimand” of fans being hateful and his tooting his own horn about the talent he discovered. You only saw him at the end of the show sitting next to host Mark Steines. Well, they forgot to cut out that… Read more »
I understand that people do not like change. I feel Hallmark Channel is likely not taking these negative responses regarding Christina’s leaving very seriously. I imagine whoever made this decision is expecting viewers will eventually come to accept the change soon and all will be fine in the end. If this is so, Hallmark, in my opinion, has definitely got it wrong. The damage is done. Knowing Christina was let go in this way with no send off and barely a mention has taken the “family feel” away. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed the show before the change.… Read more »
I also thought Cristina made the show along with her cohost. The show has lost its spirit. The new cohost is trying to hard and makes her look like she is putting on an act.. Mark also looks like he is uncomfortable with her. Maybe the show will work but it wont be half as good. Too bad for the change and nothing against the new cohost but Cristina belonged there.
My wife and I watched Home and Family together as part of our daily routine. Since Cristina “disappeared”, I’ve lost interest and my wife seldom sees the show. We both loved the show with Cristina and now we are mad. Man up and admit your goof. Bring her back!!!!!
I am so disappointed Cristina has left Home and Family. I will not be watching the from here on out. I have so enjoyed her over the years and wish you the best Cristina. God bless you.
I can’t even express how sad I was and still am about the decision to replace Cristina. The heart is gone from home and family. She was the glue that held the show together. I don’t see how the others , especially Mark can carry on as if nothing happened! Christmas in July is awful without Cristina. I have tried to watch it becsuse for several years I recorded it everyday and thought I had gotten to know the Family, but now a lot of it seems so fake. No real love and compassion.
As a true fan of all things Christmas it will not be the same this year. Hallmark Christmas movies are always the start of my holiday season along with home and family. After reading that Christina was let go in such a horrible way (not to mention ruining Christmas in July) I can’t bring myself to watch the channel. Sadly I will find new holiday traditions. Goodbye hallmark!
I always liked Debbie as a contributor to the show, but I also feel like it really lost its heart with Christina gone. Perhaps the same person who made this decision also tweaked the programming. Christmas in July is pathetic this year and that isn’t just because of the host change. I’ve stopped recording episodes. Perhaps I’ll give it a try again, but taking a break. One other comment about Debbie co-hosting: granted, she has an amazing figure and I am jealous of her super toned arms, but I think they need to soften her wardrobe a bit. I know… Read more »
Sorry. I will miss Christina and prob won’t watch again.
It was nice to have a represenitive of all generations. Now it’s just one more show, everyone looks and sounds the same .soooo I won’t be watching everyday . The show lost its heart.
HALLMARK AND MR WOODY, major mistake!!!! dropping christina was the worst thing you could dots the show. she made it real , informative and funny,
she made the show real. now its cold and i can’t get interested , she has the talent that made the show what it was , now its not worth my time. keep the ratings up and get christina back, or you’ll soon see your show go down the tubes. hope you come to your senses soon , when she’s back ill watch again . and I’m sure I’m not along bah
I agree, the show is totally cold and has lost its meaning. Goodbye Home and Family.
Cristina made the show! I won’t be watching without her! Bad move Hallmark .
I am absolutely disappointed Christina is no longer on the show. I looked forward to seeing her everyday. In my opinion Christina was a wonderful balance with Mark. I hope she moves on to bigger and better opportunities waiting for her. They are out there! I will continue to look for news of Christina co-hosting very soon!
Most likely will not watch any longer. Chemistry between Steines and Ferrare can’t be replaced.
I am sorry Cristina is gone. I find the show boring now and I can’t relate to the hosts. I’m going back to watching the Today show and GMA.
Very disappointed in Hallmark’s decision! I think Christina was a true professional! Debbie is too over the top almost to the point of arrogance and can’t compare! Ruined the whole show for me! Good luck with losing your viewers!