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 will not watch the show. Cancelled my recording and deleted unwatched shows taped while on vacation. Cristina was the heart of that show. Mark is annoying with his stupid, childish jokes; and Debbie is too insincere. I hope the viewing numbers drop. I am surprised at Woody letting this happen.
Miss Christina so much. The show has really lost something. I enjoyed her lovely outfits, her pretty hair changes, and her sweet personality. Have watched her since she was with Steve on morning show. What a loss. Debbie tries hard and she was great when she did her segments. Pushing Christina out for Debbie is not a smart move.Your show was for all ages but now you seem to want to steer toward younger and faster paced people. Not everyone is wanting that. Christina gave a warm mature experienced element to the show. What a loss!!!!
I wish Christina was back. Debbie is so stressed out and bony. Christina was laid back with a sense of humor that made me calm down and fell like I was at home. She was everyone’s classy mom or grandma.
What do I think? I think they fired the wrong person! Mark should have gone. Bye bye Home and Family.
The show has really gone downhill since Christina left – don’t even bother checking the episode guide – totally boring!
BIG mistake in my opinion. Chemistry is everything and Mark and Christina had it. I have stopped watching the show. Bring Christina back!
I am upset that Cristina is no longer on the on the show, She and Mark had great chemistry and rapport. I never missed a show. Now it is hit and miss & I may skip it all together. Debbie is too into herself and talks t much. I wish her the very best.
Just can’t watch anymore, just not the same. Taking it to a younger demographic.
Faye….I know exactly how that feels and unfortunately, being replaced or forced to leave very often has nothing to do with performance, motivation or client/customer/viewer feedback. There’s another “S” word I’d like to use here, but instead I’ll just say it stinks!
I will not watch anymore home and family shows. i hope the show gets
canceled. I will still watch Hallmark movies.
Love love love home and family with Christina. Hate hate hate with Debbie. I have not and will not watch
Debbie
I have tried to watch H&F since Christina has been ask to leave. Not the same!!! Debbie has this fake smile and always looking at the camera. You made a BIG mistake getting rid of Christina.
Sorry, will no longer watch the show….Christina was the main reason I watched the show…no one, in my humble opinion, can replace her class, style, sense of humor, just all round special and unique personality and talent…God Bless…
I do not enjoy Home and Family any more. Cristina was wonderful with Mark. She made the show. I don’t think they should continue the show. Big mistake.
She is a classy Lady
Ms. Ferrare – REALLY miss your presence with HOME & FAMILY – as I ‘m at work when H&F is on – I was so surprised when I check out the show in July & didn’t see you. If it ain’t broke – WHY FIX IT???? You were a great co-host – you will be MISSED!!!!