The BBC has today confirmed that Natasha Kaplinsky will be staying on as co-presenter of the Six O’clock News, alongside George Alagiah.
Natasha has presented the bulletin since last October whilst colleague Sophie Raworth was on maternity leave. Sophie is due to return to work at the end of May and will then become the main presenter of the One O’clock News, replacing Anna Ford who retires later this month.
Natasha’s old position as the main female presenter of Breakfast has been filled by Sian Williams, who will continue to co-present alongside Demot Murnaghadn on Mondays to Thursdays each week.
Peter Horrocks, BBC Head of Television News, said: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm the positions of two of our most popular and important news presenters.
“Natasha is one of the most effective communicators on British TV. She and George will be a compelling combination on the Six O’Clock News.
“Sian is highly professional and brings a considerable depth of experience to the role. She and Dermot will bring huge presence to Breakfast and they will undoubtedly build on the significant growth in audience that the programme has achieved in recent years.”
Commenting on her appointment Natasha Kaplinsky said: “After three and a half years on Breakfast this is a fantastic opportunity for me and a dream job.
“More people watch the Six O’Clock News than any other evening bulletin and it’s a real privilege to be working on one of the UK’s premier news programmes.”
Sian Williams said: “I am thrilled to be continuing on Breakfast. I believe it is the best job in television bringing three hours of live news to a fantastic and growing audience who always engage with what we do.”
