Kaplinsky to leave BBC for Five

Natasha Kaplinsky joined the BBC in 2002

BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky is leaving the corporation to join commercial broadcaster Five.

She will join the channel in the New Year and replaces Kirsty Young, who left Five News in the summer.

"After five incredibly rewarding years at the BBC, I found the chance to work with the team at Five too exciting to pass up," Ms Kaplinsky said.

She joined BBC Breakfast from Sky News in 2002 before moving on to present the Six O'Clock News.

Helen Boaden, head of BBC News, said: "Natasha Kaplinsky is a warm and intelligent presenter who's built a great rapport with the audience. We wish her all the best."

Branched out

Ms Kaplinsky was a co-presenter on Sky News' Live At Five following several months on the channel's early morning Sunrise programme, having joined the satellite broadcaster in 2000.

I am thrilled she has decided to join Five and become one of the key faces of the channel Jay Hunt, Five director of programmes Kaplinsky's frontline role

Prior to that she was a presenter on London Tonight and London Today, having also worked at ITV channel Meridian.

The 35-year-old has branched out into other roles at the BBC and is one of the presenters of the annual Children in Need.

She won the BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing show in 2004 and recently traced her family history on the Who Do You Think You Are? programme.

Jay Hunt, Five's director of programmes, said: "Natasha is one of the most talented broadcasters on British television.

"I am thrilled she has decided to join Five and become one of the key faces of the channel."