Feeds
Natasha Kaplinsky
How are things coming along ahead of the change?
"We got the new set in and started playing with it yesterday. This morning we've been testing some shots and things, getting the lighting right. It looks absolutely amazing. Natasha went on there and she was very obviously energised by being on it."
What's the design like?
"You take a huge leap of faith with the set - you just see some cardboard models and do some modelling. But it has come in and it looks incredibly vibrant - it has a huge amount of energy. It has a structure that's beautiful, but it has real architectural merit. We are not being obsessed with big screens. In the design and graphics too, it is pretty classical."
Is the more traditional look what viewers will notice?
"I hope they will notice it for its beauty and architectural structure. But a set that's doing its job properly should not be distracting and shouldn't try to do too much"
Is Natasha looking forward to getting going?
"She's not someone who displays nerves anyway - I'm much more nervous than she is. She's a consummate professional in that respect."
You joined from the BBC in the summer, how has it been so far?
"I came from BBC Breakfast, I'd been at the BBC for ten years and I love the BBC, but I'm really enjoying it here. We found, alongside Trevor McDonald, the most high profile presenter in Britain, and it's really been getting ready for this moment."
There has been talk of high profile interviews and more human interest stories. What are you looking for from the relaunched news?
"What I really hope we will do is produce some really striking, original journalism. A lot has been written about the colour of people's jeans and things but it is content that will win the day.
"First and foremost it's a news programme so we're not going to be cluttered with interviews. But in a typical programme we might see one interview - we have got some great names lined up. Natasha is a great and really empathetic interviewer, she's really great with human interest interviews - those are the ideas I'm really excited about."
How can you work in more human interest?
"The programme already has a lot of human interest in terms of packaged reports. But there is scope for an interview, so we can get her (Natasha) into something in longer form, that's a really powerful story. (For example) a child who has leukaemia and written a book, or the widow of a have-a-go hero."
You still have to cover the news, and if style is not so important, it must be hard to differentiate the show.
"Our ambition is our difference, it is quite a crowded market. I don't think our typical viewer gives a stuff about what people are wearing or what colour the set is. They want to know the news and they want a programme that's watchable."
The new Five News will begin on Monday with Natasha Kaplinsky fronting bulletins at 5pm and 7pm.
