Luuk Ikink has not returned to the old RTL Boulevard studio since the tragic murder of Peter R. de Vries. Reflecting on this absence, he described it as “a very remarkable sight and quite strange to think about.” His sentiments echo the collective grief among his colleagues in the television landscape.
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Recently, RTL Boulevard dedicated a segment to commemorate Peter R. de Vries, who was tragically shot five years ago. Colleagues and acquaintances shared their memories of the murdered crime reporter, a loss that is still a traumatic event for many involved with the program. De Vries was attacked immediately after an episode of the show.
Not the Same Studio
On that fateful day, Peter had walked from the studio at Amsterdam’s Leidseplein to the parking garage when the tragedy occurred. Presenter Eddy Zoëy noted, “Many people think this is exactly the same studio, but that’s not true.” While RTL Boulevard continues to present as if they are broadcasting from Leidseplein, the windows in the studio are actually screens showing footage of the entertainment square.
As Eddy further elaborated, many people associated with the program have also avoided the Lange Leidsedwarsstraat area since that day. The reminder of that event looms large, continuing to cast a shadow over their experiences.
Never Again
Luuk Ikink expresses contentment with the new studio where RTL Boulevard has been based since the shooting, acknowledging that the place feels familiar yet different. “We have never returned to that building since that Friday,” he remarked. “It’s a very strange sight to think back on, especially when I see images of that square.”
The Impact
Luuk remains haunted by the events of that time, saying, “I remember everything that happened during that period clearly. I don’t quite know how, but it stays fresh in my memory almost every day.” His lingering recollection is likely due to the profound impact of the tragedy. “It was an incredibly beautiful man,” Luuk reflected.
Avoiding the Place
Another crime reporter, Jermaine Ellenkamp, shared his reluctance to visit Amsterdam’s entertainment square, stating, “It’s strange. I prefer to avoid the Lange Leidsedwarsstraat area because there’s always a sort of dark cloud hanging over it for me. Everything carries on in Amsterdam, but that place will never change in my eyes.”
Fashion expert Nikkie Plessen concluded with a personal insight: “When I heard ‘Peter is here,’ I looked forward to the broadcast extra because he was such a kind and dear colleague and friend. I never perceived him as stiff or formal.”
The impact of Peter R. de Vries’s life and tragic death continues to resonate deeply within the RTL Boulevard community, reminding everyone of the void left behind and the lasting scars from that day.
