Sinterklaasjournaal opening leaves De Walle’s successor under wraps

The first episode of this year’s *Sinterklaasjournaal* did not reveal who will replace Stefan de Walle as Sinterklaas, leaving the new actor’s television debut for the national arrival in Grave. De Walle, who had played the role since 2011, is stepping down, the NTR announced in September.

In the opening episode, Hoofdpiet found that Sinterklaas was not in his cabin aboard the steamboat. The programme showed several familiar faces, including presenter Merel Westrik and reporters Jeroen Kramer and Stephanie van Eer, but did not identify a successor.

The national arrival is due to take place in Grave, in the municipality of Land van Cuijk, where the new Sinterklaas will appear. De Walle has recently suggested that leaving the role was not his choice; Nieuws.nl says it is unclear how the decision was reached.