Natasha Kaplinsky quits BBC

BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinksy jumps ship to Five news

NATASHA KAPLINSKY IS to leave the BBC to replace Kirsty Young as the anchor of Five News, it has been announced,

Natasha, who will join Five in the new year, has been at the BBC since 2002 when she left Sky News' flagship Live at Five show and replaced Sophie Raworth as presenter of the BBC Breakfast News.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Natasha said: 'After five incredibly rewarding years at the BBC, I found the chance to work with the team at Five too exciting to pass up.'

Helen Boaden, Head of BBC News, praised her, saying: 'Natasha Kaplinsky is a warm and intelligent presenter who's built a great rapport with the audience. We wish her all the best.'

The newsreader was sky-rocketed into the public eye when she enjoyed an alleged romance with her dancing coach on Strictly Come Dancing, Brendan Cole, three years ago.