Mattie Valk and Marieke Elsinga are bidding farewell to their popular morning show on Qmusic after eight remarkable years. While Marieke is looking forward to new adventures, Mattie feels he still has more to give. “I’m just not ready to stop,” he admits.
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Mattie’s partnership with Wietze de Jager ended during a national media scandal, and now, Marieke Elsinga is stepping away as well. The presenter had long complained about the early broadcast hours and has finally decided to bow out.
A New Horizon
Mattie and Marieke announced the news in a special podcast episode. “You know what’s odd? I was driving here, thinking that I’d take care of the pig, not because it doesn’t matter to me, but because I’ve thought about it for so long. And now, my heart is in my throat,” says Mattie.
Marieke then reveals her decision: “I’ve decided to stop after eight years. This isn’t news for you since we always talk openly about what we want and how we feel. We have such conversations every year, which is really nice. This time, I said, ‘I’m looking forward to broadening my horizon.’”
Turning the Page
Marieke expressed her desire for change, saying, “I told Mattie, ‘I want to get off the speeding train of the morning show.’ I simply want to see what life brings me once I’m no longer doing the morning show. This was a very tough decision. I took a long time to think it through because I enjoy being here and love creating radio in the morning.”
She adds, “This is actually the best time slot you can have. Yet, I’m eager for a new adventure and to see what else is out there as I turn the page.”
Day One
Mattie reveals that this decision was always anticipated. “We knew from day one that you would probably quit earlier than I would. When you said, ‘I’m thinking about doing something different,’ it wasn’t a big surprise; we’ve had time to process it.”
He continues, “I knew this moment would come. I know you so well, and your character suggests that you need a new stimulus every once in a while.”
Not Done Yet
Initially, Mattie pondered the idea of stepping down as well, but after some deep reflection, he has decided to continue his morning show on Qmusic.
“I’m simply not ready to stop. I’m so grateful to have found my passion in life. It’s something that brings me immense joy,” he asserts.
Marieke’s New Role
Marieke will remain with Qmusic, shifting her work to Friday afternoons between 12:00 and 14:00. “And I’ll be behind the controls again,” she confirms.
As for the morning slot, Mattie states, “I will not continue as a duo.”
The future format remains uncertain, but he assures, “I won’t be sitting there alone. That would be very boring.”
The final episode of Mattie & Marieke is set for Thursday, September 3, exactly eight years since the inception of the show.
