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?
Christina was one of the reasons I loved the show. She and Mark made a great team. I always have liked Debbie, however Christina was such a graceful and calming personally. I will miss her so much
I was shocked to find out Cristina was no longer hosting H & F!! I just cannot believe she would be fired & replaced by Debbie! Just the idea they are such good friend’s makes it even harder to swallow! I am 45 & H & F is the one show I always have on every am. Now, I find it too hard to watch! The chemistry is gone! Debbie is okay but she’s no Cristina!! I miss seeing Cristina & listening to her! She was so genuine and classy! Such a shame Hallmark would do this! I thought Woody… Read more »
Don’t like Debbie, an egomaniac, at all. It is all about her! She thinks she is so cute, so not true. Totally the opposite. What a fake & a phony. Not happy unless the camera and mike is on her. Interrupts constantly!! Can’t stand her. Bring back classy Christina, PLEASE!!!! Christina made that show!! Can’t watch anymore. I think the network did Christina very wrong and dirty. As I said get rid of Debbie!!!
I am no longer interested in watching Home & Family. Christina added a level of comfort and “real” to the show. There is absolutely no chemestry between the new co-host and Mark, making it “just another show full of fluff”.
I miss Christina. Debbie is good no one can take Her place. The show has changed and do not feel compelled to watch any more. Just not the same. Who will be next. I watched your show every day when she was there.
I will no longer be watching the show! Is it because Cristina was older? She has such a high degree of expertise and is not fake on the screen, she will greatly be missed!
I’m sad that Christina won’t be on home and family. I started watching because of her. I hv been a long time fan of hallmark network. It’s all I watch practically. The networks are too quick to throw out the old and in with the new. Sorry Christina, but I won’t be watching home and family anymore. I’ve watched your career grow since your modeling days You are beautiful inside and out. Shame on u hallmark!
I agree with each and everything you have mentioned here. .. thanks for putting my exact sentiments in writing. . .
Sorry Hallmark you have lost another viewer. Cristina was my whole reason for watching. Her personality was a joy to watch. I took would watch every day. Now I need to find something else. Big mistake Hallmark.
…sorry to repeat my very strong agreement that Christina was the only reason I watched, and will no longer be watching and recording the show (I will be removing the show from my Favorite recordings)…..please, please let me know as soon as you realize this change was a huge error and bring her back. Christina is the most valuable asset you had.
Only watched Christina, like family, quit since Debbie came on, not as good, miss how it used to be. Doesn’t seem like family now….bad decision to lose Christina…bad….
Very disappointed in this change. I enjoyed Christina so very much as I am of the baby boomer generation. She did make the show. I no longer watch or record the program. The network is trying to reach to a new age group that is hopefully employed and no time to watch.
I loved Christina. What could she have done wrong to be fired. I thought she might be ill. I kept waiting for her to come back. You are going to lose viewers because of this. Why cant you leave well enough alone.
I only watch Home and Family for the chemistry between Christine and Mark. I don’t feel it now with Mark and Debbie. I won’t be watching anymore. Christine was funny, talented, and caring. The executives of this show apparently are not. You’ve lost a viewer.
I will no longer be watching your show after replacing Christina with Debbie.
Ditto. Love Christina. DM is toooo boring. That hairdo with princess curls is disgusting. She’s in a time warp. Ugh.
Will no longer watch Home and Family!!!!!!!!!!!!
I only watched because of Christina, she is an inspiration to women over 50. I can turn on any channel and see another generic blonde. Bye Home and Family.
No – I no longer even have a desire to watch home and family show anymore (as an every day/must watch) since this change. I loved sincere Christina on it… I cannot take two hours of Debbie. To me she is a fakey smiler and too sugary for my taste. Her and Mark just don’t have it, and the fuel/atmosphere of the show is flat now. I’m sorry for all this negative but I just cannot watch it anymore-period. Good luck with getting a season 6.