Wilfred Genee did not ask Matthijs van Nieuwkerk for the job of Wednesday-Gijp. “We didn’t even try that,” he says. “It must first find a form for itself.”
After quite a search, Today Inside has finally managed to find someone who wants to take René van der Gijp’s place in the program on Wednesdays. It concerns Albert Verlinde, although he seems to be the second choice: Hans Kraay Jr. has declined the honor. However, Albert seems to be the best choice; he knows how to make controversial TV.
Matthijs in VI?
Ronald Molendijk previously tipped Matthijs van Nieuwkerk. The Shownieuws star would have found it a stunt if he had managed to get him for this weekly TV job. “I think Matthijs’ political color is a bit different,” colleague Evert Santegoeds noted at the time.
Only better, according to Ronald. “I think that’s part of what makes the program fun. I think Matthijs is absolutely fine, right? He didn’t kill anyone with alcohol or anything.”
Didn’t call
Wilfred Genee now lets in The 538 Morning Show know that he didn’t even call Matthijs. “No, actually there were no other options. I read Matthijs van Nieuwkerk everywhere, but we didn’t even try.”
Actually, Matthijs shouldn’t want that himself, he says. “I don’t think you should bring Matthijs back in that role now. He must first find a form for himself in which he can fully develop himself again, I think.”
Best TV maker
Wilfred thinks it’s great that Albert has become one. “Yes, Albert is one of the best TV makers I have ever had the pleasure of working with, I think. Real. He understands so well how TV works. I think that’s really great.”
“René is of course the football expert at our table, so we were looking for a football expert. It actually went a bit between Hans Kraay and Albert. Of course, we had to make a bit of a choice, right?” he jokes.
Second choice
Is it true that Albert is second choice? “No, no, no, no, absolutely not. Albert himself also said: ‘I actually only want to do it twice a month. For me it’s not really necessary.’ He actually wanted to stay twice, but at one point we actually said: ‘We really want you.’”
“Well, then he thought about it again, rubbed his heart and then said: ‘Come on, if you really want it that bad, then I’ll do it.’”
Tough for René?
Does Wilfred think it is exaggerated that René thinks five hours of TV per week is too much? “René was fed up with those Wednesdays, he said. He found it very difficult to stay inspired to do it five days a week.”
“He explained to me at one point: ‘Wilfred, you have to introduce yourself. When I get home I sit in front of the TV until five o’clock and I do that with a good glass of whiskey and then I just think: what can I say about it tomorrow?’ He says: ‘I just like to relax for a day in between.’ Hahahaha!”