Television presenter Harry Mens decided not to move his show Business Class from RTL to Talpa after his advertisers did not want to follow him to SBS6, according to mediacourant.nl. The 79-year-old broadcaster, who has hosted the program since the late 1990s, decided against the network switch at the final hour. Mens held discussions with Frans Klein of Talpa rather than network founder John de Mol, according to an interview with The Telegraaf cited by Vandaag Inside. While Talpa pursued the veteran host to bring him over to SBS6, his commercial partners raised objections. The core issue centered on concerns that their customer base did not align with the audience of SBS6, particularly with programs like Today Inside broadcasting on the same channel, as Mens told Story.
With the network move officially off the table, Mens confirmed he will fulfill the remaining two years of his current contract with RTL. Citing a prediction from his friend and clairvoyant Liesbeth van Dijk, Mens stated in The Telegraaf that he expects to live to 98 years old and plans to remain at RTL for the rest of his career.
Contract Extensions and Personal Life Updates
Beyond his broadcasting career, Mens addressed recent developments in his personal life following the end of his 14-month relationship with Selma Serghini, who is forty years his junior. Mens explained that the relationship lacked equal emotional footing because he wanted more from the partnership than Serghini did. Following news of the split, Mens received messages from three former girlfriends. When asked about television personality Catherine Keyl—with whom he is frequently seen—Mens dismissed rumors of a romance, describing their bond as strictly platonic and comparing it to that of a brother and sister.
Approaching his 80th birthday next year, Mens noted that he has made significant lifestyle changes to stay healthy, including quitting alcohol three years ago. The decision resulted in better sleep, sustained fitness, and substantial weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Harry Mens cancel his move to Talpa?
Mens stopped the transfer because his advertisers were not convinced their target demographic matched the audience of SBS6, specifically citing concerns about sharing a network with Today Inside.
How long does the presenter’s current contract with RTL last?
Mens has two years remaining on his contract with RTL and stated he intends to stay with the network for the remainder of his life.
Who handles negotiations for Talpa in this transition?
Mens stated that he never spoke directly with John de Mol, conducting his talks instead with Frans Klein.
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