Hélène Hendriks has one week off before she returns as a presenter of the Oranjezomer after her long illness, but somewhat painful: her replacement Thomas van Groningen makes a big impression.
The almost 45-year-old Hélène Hendriks has not been seen this season as a presenter of her TV child De Oranjezomer. She is recovering from a major back operation and has one week of leave. Then she returns to the screen. Because of her physical condition, she will present the program standing standing for the time being.
Genee-Factor
Her first substitute, Johnny de Mol, did not like the viewers at home this summer. That was of course beneficial for Hélène, because it turned out how much she was missed. But her current replacement Thomas van Groningen is doing remarkably well. He knows how to disconnect a lot of appreciation from the Oranjezomer audience.
Whereas with Hélène it is often especially cozy at the table, Thomas brings a little more spice. He clearly has more of the Wilfred Genee factor in him: sharp, curious and not afraid to prick the guests where it sands. This provides more dynamics in the broadcasts of recent weeks.
59 percent
And the viewers see that at home too. In a poll on this site you will be asked who they would rather see as Oranjezomer host: Thomas or Hélène. He gets an impressive 59 percent of the votes compared to 41 percent for Hélène. In total, 3,500 people voted. A striking result, especially with a view to her impending return on the talk show table.
That must be a swallow for Hélène. Of course it is never fun if you like the audience so well that you are suddenly no longer the general public favorite. Certainly not if you still have to come back and all eyes are aimed at you.
Gijp enthusiastically
To make matters worse, René van der Gijp is also very pleased with Thomas. The VI-star calls him a relief: sharp, ad brake and with a pleasant distance to the BN’er circus.
René says in his podcast: “What I think is a great talent is … he has a slightly too convex, too thick head, but that is our friend who is now sitting at the table with the Oranjezomer. I think that is really a great talent, I really mean that. Only the convenience already.”
One more week
How long do we see Thomas? “I have one more week and then I will be just a political reporter again. That will take some getting used to,” he said in the Oranjezomer yesterday.
One thing is certain: if Wilfred Genee will soon need a four-day working week just like Gijp to save his marriage-if that is necessary after the gossip-talk avoidings-then a suitable replacement is already ready.