Kaplinsky 'top choice' for Five chatshow

Natasha Kaplinsky is apparently being lined up to host a new early evening chatshow on Channel Five.

The 36-year-old presenter is said to be the "top choice" to front Five And Friends when it launches later this year, and it is understood that Matthew Wright may co-present.

The Mail On Sunday reports that the TV channel wants to "get its money's worth" from the £1 million-a-year star, who returned to work in February following the birth of her son.

An insider said: "Five will be worried that Natasha may want too much money, and they will be reluctant to pay her much more because she is already paid a fortune.

"But there is a sense that Five want to get their money's worth from her, and they are hoping that because they have been so accommodating with her maternity leave, a deal that is mutually acceptable can be reached."

Five have confirmed that the show is planned but said they have no presenters yet in place.