Dutch broadcaster Omroep WNL announced on July 27, 2026, that presenter Lisette Wellens is leaving the morning show Goedemorgen Nederland after nine years.
Fidan Ekiz and Wieger Hemmer will step in as permanent hosts, filling the vacancy left by Wellens and earlier co-host Welmoed Sijtsma, who moved to RTL 4.
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Departure and New Beginnings
Wellens, who also hosted the economic show Stand van Nederland Generatie Next and the radio program 't Wordt Nu Laat, left after mutual consultations due to limited growth opportunities within the network.
WNL Editor-in-Chief Kees Berghuis praised Wellens, calling her "a cheerful, professional, hard-working colleague" who meant a lot to the organization.
Wellens reflected on her tenure, saying she is happy with the opportunities given and looks back on many beautiful years with fine colleagues, but now it is time for new adventures.
She explained that there was insufficient space to realize her ambitions and that she could not deploy enough of what she brings as a journalist.
Wellens expressed relief about her decision and said she will focus on finishing her book and looking forward to the future.
Ekiz and Hemmer, who had been regular substitutes, were appointed as permanent co-hosts alongside existing anchors Sam Hagens and Frank van Leeuwen.
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Ekiz said she never thought she would go to work so early with so much pleasure, calling it a very nice team to work with.
Hemmer, who has been with WNL for 15 years, described the anchor role as a wonderful, challenging next step within the network.
Berghuis confirmed that Ekiz and Hemmer turned out to be a very good match for the program and have earned a permanent spot in the team.
He added that the network plans to scout new substitute talent from the internal newsroom, noting that WNL is a breeding ground for talent.
The new season of Goedemorgen Nederland is scheduled to premiere on August 31, 2026, at 7:30 a.
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