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 can not believe Christina is no longer on the show. she is the main reason i watched it. i hated it when she was gone on vacation but now that she is not going back. sorry. i can not watch the show any more. Debbi is good but not great like Christina. she really did make that show. When you get your senses back and put Christina back on the show where she belongs. let me know. i will start watching it again. sooooo sad.
I am very disappointed that Christina has been dropped from the show. She was a wonderful host! The Home & Family Show was the one show I really enjoyed watching each day. However, now I have decided to stop watching the show not only because Christina is gone but because of how the situation was handled. At first, it appeared that she was not there and Debbie was temporarily filling in for her. Then, she just never came back. I was thinking that maybe he had a family emergency or something, but eventually I learned the truth and I am… Read more »
I use to watch the show with Christina years ago when my son was a baby. The show was on 1 hour. Woody was the producer. It was a great show, lots of good people. When it went off, my day felt lost. Within the past two years I discovered a two hour version and Christina was back. I loved it. The show is definitely missing her now. If it’s u of age,. shame on you. I can’t believe Woody would let this happen. I thought you were Christina’s friend. The show is not the same now. Debbie can’t fill… Read more »
…couldn’t have put it any better…
I so enjoyed watching you and was amazed at your courage in showing your morals and Christianity. I wish I could remember an actual comment you made that impressed me so much, but it was something about luck or a charm or something and you said you would rather leave it up to God. That was really a courageous thing to say on television. I realize Hallmark is a very family friendly show , but even so, to stand up for your values takes courage. I like Debbie but miss you very much. You have so much class and are… Read more »
WE WANT CRISTINA BACK.
I watched the show for Christina. I will not watch anymore. I loved her attitude, compassion, sense of humor and quick wit. I didn’t like Debbie back on The View when all she spoke about was herself. Now all she seems to talk about is her baby. I get it, I have had 5 babies and I know that they are constantly on your mind but maybe she should stay home and tell friends and family every thing the baby does. A couple of little anecdotes are fine but her constant reference is boring. Well, maybe Christina will get her… Read more »
I watched the show because I like Cristina. Show is not the same anymore so I watch the Food network now. Cristina needs to come back
Christina was so good on the show, she was such a lady. Don’t care for Debby, she tries to do all the talking. Feel like you hurt the show letting her go. Will not watch the show anymore!!
I stopped watching Home and Family on the day Mark blatantly said Debbie was replacing Christina.. I did not like Debbie on The View, Entertainment tonight or even on H & F, she’s just to annoying with her silliness, her 4″ high heels and her tight, tight clothes. She is more like the Barbie poster child of the program. The majority of my generation (over 50) are so upset that they are no longer watching the program and even going to the extreme of dropping the Hallmark Channel. How many of their viewers can they afford to lose? There are… Read more »
I I love Debbie fresh energy ! Tward the end of Christinas time, she was very withdrawn.Debbie really makes the show come alive!! I feel bad for christina, but I LOVE, LOVE the show now! Debbie and mark are very good together. He’s much better too. They are so good together!! Smart move hallmark!
She had probably already learned that she would not be continuing as host
and having been told not to say anything about it. How would you feel is you
were being replaced for no good reason?
I watched the show only because of Christina! She is a unique lady so down to earth. I have been trying to watch the show after she was replaced, it’s not the same , no longer going to view. Debbie is cute but not the kind of person I admire.
I loved Cristina on Home & Family! People running the show are crazy – really should have gotten rid of Mark. He is just obnoxious. What a shame… I’m changing to Kathie Lee and Hoda.
Totally agree Mallary.
I am very disappointed that Christina is not on the show. All the cast members were great to watch. Christina was a good balance with her proper and kind manner. I miss here dearly. The show is not the same without her. She lightened up the show everyday. I loved her personallity and will miss her. I have not been happy with the shows flow of things. And I watched the show every day, I wouldn’t miss it – even the reruns. Now it is not a priority of my day. Miss you Christina!!!!
Home and Family was one of my favorite television shows. I record it every day so that I can watch it at night after work. Debbie is lovely and was great with her segments, but Cristina just has something special about her. I would hate to see this show cancelled, but I just don’t think it can last without Cristina. There is so little that is good and worth watching on television these days. I just can’t understand Hallmark’s thinking.
JUMPING THE SHARK!!!