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Merel Westrik to host Sinterklaasjournaal; Dieuwertje Blok still recovering from surgery
Dieuwertje Blok is still recovering from nose cancer and will not be able to present the Sinterklaasjournaal this year, NTR, the broadcaster behind the program, announced on Monday. For the first time since the start of the annual kids program, reportage on Sinterklaas’s arrival in the Netherlands will have a new face - Merel Westrik.
Blok has presented the Sinterklaasjournaal since its first episode in 2001. She announced earlier this year that she had to undergo a nose amputation due to cancer. Her recovery is still ongoing, and she won’t be able to fill the role.
“Unfortunately, Sinterklaas is coming a little too early for me,” Blok said about her absence. “I am very happy that Merel wants to replace me this year at the desk and at the arrival in Vijfheerenlanden.”
Westrik is excited to help, she said. “Sinterklaas is helped by the Pieten 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.”
Sinterklaasjournaal will be broadcast daily from Monday, November 11, to Thursday, December 5.