Stefan de Walle steps down as Sinterklaas

Actor Stefan de Walle is stepping down after fifteen years playing Sinterklaas. Broadcaster NTR confirmed the departure of the 61-year-old actor from the television show Het Sinterklaasjournaal.

De Walle became known for welcoming harbour crowds and television audiences with his catchphrases ‘hallootjes’ and ‘dag hoor’. He said he is leaving with gratitude and a heavy heart, wishing the cast and crew well.

Arrival in Grave

A new actor will take over during the national arrival on 14 November in Grave, in the municipality of Land van Cuijk. It marks the first time since 2000 that the national event takes place in a Brabant municipality.

Broadcaster NTR has not confirmed who will take over the part. Reports and social media posts have linked 54-year-old actor Daan Schuurmans to the role, but the broadcaster has declined to comment.

Het Sinterklaasjournaal will air that same week, hosted again by Merel Westrik.

Fifteen years in the role

De Walle took over as Sinterklaas in 2011 from Bram van der Vlugt, who played the character for 25 years. Van der Vlugt passed away in 2020 at the age of 86.

Het Sinterklaasjournaal won the Machiavelli Prize last year for public communication. Westrik accepted the award on behalf of the production after taking over hosting duties from Dieuwertje Blok in 2024.

Source: NOS