René van der Gijp Returns to Vandaag Inside After Holiday Break, Addresses Separation Rumors

René van der Gijp Ready to Return to Vandaag Inside After Holiday Break

René van der Gijp is gearing up to return to the popular Dutch talk show Vandaag Inside starting next Monday, following a three-week holiday break that included the New Year’s celebrations. The former football star, however, didn’t exactly have the festive experience he’d hoped for during his time off.

Van der Gijp spent New Year’s Eve with his wife, Minouche, on the Spanish island of Ibiza, but the celebration left much to be desired. “I wouldn’t recommend it,” he shared. “You get a bag of chips with party hats, noisemakers, and whistles, and then people start blowing them at 11:50 p.m. By 12:10, they’re packing everything back into the bag and heading home. It’s not really a big deal there. They celebrate Christmas until January 5, but New Year’s? Not so much. A shame, really.”

Despite the lackluster holiday, Van der Gijp is looking forward to getting back to work. “It feels good to start again,” he said. “I enjoy seeing the people I sit at the table with. We don’t visit each other outside the show, but it’s nice to reconnect.”

Starting this week, Van der Gijp will have every Wednesday off at his own request, with Albert Verlinde stepping in as his replacement. “He’s a good guy,” Van der Gijp said of Verlinde. “Everyone tells me he knows how to make good TV. I guess that’s true.”

While Van der Gijp appreciates the lighter schedule, his co-hosts Wilfred Genee and Johan Derksen seem to thrive on the show’s demanding five-day-a-week format. “Wilfred would’ve loved to host the 6 p.m. news as well,” Van der Gijp joked. “It’s a lot. I don’t know how Johan manages to drive to Hilversum, do the show, and hop back in his car 10 seconds after we finish. It’s impressive, really.”

Recent rumors about a potential separation from his wife, Minouche, have also surfaced, but Van der Gijp remains unfazed. When asked about the state of their relationship, he responded simply, “It’s fine. Really, it’s fine. Things will work out. I’m not worried about it.”

Fans of Vandaag Inside can look forward to Van der Gijp’s return next week, as he brings his signature wit and candid commentary back to the table.