Hilversum, August 12, 2024 – For the first time in the existence of Het Sinterklaasjournaal, the program will not be presented by Dieuwertje Blok. The duration of Dieuwertje’s treatment after her major nose operation makes that impossible.
NTR editor-in-chief and creator of Het Sinterklaasjournaal Ajé Boschhuizen has asked presenter and newsreader Merel Westrik to take over the role of Dieuwertje this year. And to Ajé’s delight, Merel has agreed and said.
Dieuwertje hopes to be there again next year: ‘Unfortunately, Sinterklaas comes a little too early for me. I am very happy that Merel wants to replace me this year at the desk and at the arrival in Vijfheerenlanden.’
Merel Westrik: ‘Sinterklaas is helped by the helpers every year, I am now Dieuwertje’s helper, as long as she needs me. I find it an honor that she entrusts me with this task.’
Preparations for Het Sinterklaasjournaal have now begun. Het Sinterklaasjournaal can be seen from Monday 11 November to Saturday 5 December, every day at 18:00 on NPO Zapp. The national arrival of Sinterklaas is on Saturday 16 November in Vianen, in the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden, with Merel Westrik as presenter there too, flanked by permanent reporters Jeroen Kramer and Rachel Rosier.
