Merel Westrik Steps Down from ‘The Coen & Sander Show’

Merel Westrik has announced her departure from the popular morning show ‘De Coen & Sander Show’ on the Dutch radio station JOE, effective at the end of this week. The newsreader, who joined the program in May 2024, cited the demanding early morning schedule as the primary reason for her decision.

The Challenge of the Early Morning Rhythm

Westrik explained that the 4:15 AM wake-up call required by the show proved unsustainable in the long term. “Iedere ochtend gaat de wekker om 04:15 uur. En dat vind ik echt heel pittig. Ik heb ook heel veel moeite met op tijd naar bed gaan,” she stated, adding that the schedule negatively impacted her personal life. She previously expressed concerns about the difficulty of maintaining the rigorous routine, stating she felt as if she were living in “another dimension.”

A Cherished Farewell

Coen Swijnenberg and Sander Lantinga reportedly arranged a special farewell gift for Westrik: a breakfast of fries, fulfilling a long-held wish of the newsreader. A farewell poem was also shared during her final morning show.

Looking Ahead

Mart Grol will temporarily fill Westrik’s role while JOE searches for a permanent replacement. Westrik expressed gratitude for her time on the show, describing it as a “beautiful adventure,” but ultimately acknowledged that the morning show rhythm wasn’t a good fit for her. “Mij nooit meer bellen voor achten,” she quipped, indicating her preference for a later start to the day.

Westrik’s Previous Roles

Prior to joining ‘De Coen & Sander Show,’ Westrik hosted the program ‘Ladies Night.’ She also recently took over the role of Dieuwertje Blok in ‘Het Sinterklaasjournaal’.

Sources: NU.nl, PZC.nl, Radiofreak.nl, RTL Boulevard