Debbie Matenopoulos Named New Co-Host of Hallmark Channel's HOME & FAMILY

Cristina Ferrare, longtime co-host of Hallmark Channel's Daytime Emmy(R)-nominated daily series HOME & FAMILY, will depart the network's popular original lifestyle program, it was announced today by Hallmark Channel. The network also announced that current "Home & Family" member Debbie Matenopoulos will immediately join Emmy(R) Award-winning journalist and series co-host Mark Steines as the series' new co-host.

"Cristina Ferrare has been instrumental in making 'Home & Family' one of daytime's most popular lifestyle series," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming & Publicity, Hallmark CHANNEL and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

"Cristina's natural flair and expertise, along with her warmth and grace, set a standard for all of us at 'Home & Family,' and we are forever indebted to her.

"It is a great pleasure to promote 'Home & Family' regular contributor Debbie Matenopoulos to become Mark's co-host. Debbie has quickly become an audience favorite among our family of multi-talented lifestyle experts and we look forward to Debbie's continued unique and exciting contributions going forward."

Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 90 million homes. The country's leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark CHANNEL delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other original content, including scripted primetime series, such as GOOD WITCH and When Calls the Heart; annual specials like KITTEN BOWL and Hero Dog Awards and; a daily 2-hour lifestyle show, Home & Family. Additionally, in November 2014, Hallmark CHANNEL became the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed HALLMARK HALL OF FAME franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life's special moments, Hallmark CHANNEL also offers such annual holiday programming events as Countdown to Christmas and Countdown to Valentine's Day. Rounding out the network's diverse slate are television's most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, The Middle, Last Man Standing, Little House on the Prairie, and Frasier. Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks.

ABOUT "HOME & FAMILY"

The fourth season of "Home & Family" features even more fresh advice from experts at the top of their fields. "Family members" dishing tips and tricks that help viewers live their best lives include lifestyle expert Debbie Matenopoulos, Hollywood beauty specialist Kym Douglas, healthy living advocate Sophie Uliano, design expert Paige Hemmis, medical expert Matt Iseman, garden coach Shirley Bovshow, chef Fabio Viviani, DIY expert Ken Wingard, pediatrician Dr. J.J. Levenstein, family man Matt Rogers, financial advisor Jeanette Pavini, renegade chef Dan Kohler, men's fashion expert Lawrence Zarian, fashion designer Orly Shani and mommy lifestyle expert Kristin Smith. Together with Mark and Cristina, these captivating experts make "Home & Family" the "Ultimate How-To" show, and a series honored for its excellence with two Daytime Emmy(R) nominations.

"Home & Family" features not only the best in lifestyle advice, but also plays host to some of Hollywood's biggest stars and most exciting music acts. Recent guests that have visited include; Dolly Parton, Mira Sorvino, Steven Bauer, John Rhys-Davies, Joseph Fiennes, Melissa Ethridge, Fran Drescher, Hayden Christensen, Kate Bosworth, Nigel Lythgoe, James Brolin, Naomi Judd, Wolfgang Puck, Tony Robbins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Betty White, Dean Cain, Tori Spelling, Olivia Newton-John, Alison Sweeney, Russell Simmons, La Toya Jackson and Rocco DiSpirito. The series reaches viewers' homes from its own 2,800 square foot working home at Universal Studios.

Woody Fraser is the creator of "Home & Family." Marty Tenney and Tracy Verna Soiseth are executive producers. Rob George and William O'Hara are directors of "Home & Family" from Woody Fraser Enterprises. "Home & Family" is broadcast in 1080i, Hallmark Channel's selected HD Format. This program carries a TV-G parental guideline.

Image courtesy of Hallmark Channel

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