Robert ten Brink would find it very bad if RTL continued with All You Need Is Love immediately the year after his departure as presenter. “Then you have to wait a few years,” he says.
It is one of the longest running programs on television: All You Need Is Love. The first broadcast was in 1992 (!), or 33 years ago. The show started with the public broadcaster, then moved to the commercial Veronica, hopped on to SBS 6 and has now been on RTL 4 for almost two decades. An impressive history.
Will Robert stay?
The viewer has seen Robert grow older over the years, and this year he said no to a new four-year contract for the first time. “I want to keep doing it, as long as I really enjoy it. That is the luxury you have at a certain point,” he said last spring.
Now the asks Weekend him whether a slow departure is underway. “Yes, I can still be seen for the time being. As mentioned, we will be doing a number of All You Need studio shows next year and we are going to Australia for the All You Need Goes Australia version. I just want to continue doing my TV work as long as I really enjoy it.”
Footprints
The big question is: has Robert already discussed with RTL who can follow in his footsteps if he can no longer cope? “No, we never talk about that. At least, they don’t discuss it with me, haha! I have no idea about that either. But this is not a form that you suddenly put someone else on when I’m gone.”
Robert would find that very insulting after decades of loyal service. “Then you’ll have to wait a few years, I think.”
Younger presenter
The Weekend then points to Martine van Os, who left the ratings hit We Are There Almost. “She thought it would be nice to give a younger presenter the opportunity to take over her TV program. Do you also see that for All You Need or do you think someone of the same age is better?”
Finally, Robert: “I have no idea, leave that to Martine! I’m not really interested in it. Why would I like that? I just want to keep doing it myself, of course, haha!”