Albert Verlinde is enjoying a tour in Japan, but it is not only the decor that stands out in a photo. His waist size demands at least as much attention as the tourist attraction behind him.
RTL Tonight face Albert Verlinde is currently visiting a neighborhood in Osaka with his husband Onno Hoes, where almost every tourist poses with their arms raised in front of the iconic Glico billboard. That gigantic sign has been hanging above the neighborhood since 1935 and has become one of the most famous symbols of Japan.
Full Albert
Millions of tourists flock there every year to strike the exact same pose as the cheering runner on the sign. Albert also enthusiastically participates in that tradition. However, his brown polo rides up, revealing a large part of his belly. And that produces a striking picture.
The theater producer and TV personality looks a lot fuller than the audience is used to from him. It is unclear whether this is actually about extra kilos or simply an unfortunate photo opportunity.
Magnifying glass
Albert himself was part of the national celebrity inspection committee for many years. During his time at RTL Boulevard, the appearance, clothing choices, facelift rumors and weight fluctuations of famous Dutch people were regularly discussed. But now it is he himself who stands out with the rolls that crawl out of his polo.
The timing of the photo is remarkable. Albert has seen his transfer from Today Inside to RTL Tonight fail definitively: it was recently announced that the talk show will be taken off the air. Does he seek solace in tempura in Japan?
In any case, it does him good. “What a fantastic tour through beautiful Japan!” he exclaims enthusiastically.