Exclusive: Channel 5 newsgirl Isla Traquair thanks Natasha Kaplinsky for her big break

Jun 22 2008 Exclusive by Steve Hendry

NEWSGIRL Isla Traquair yesterday thanked Channel Five anchorwoman Natasha Kaplinsky for getting pregnant - and giving her a big break.

Stunning Isla, 28, is taking over from s1million-a-year Natasha when she goes off on maternity leave later this year.

But the former STV reporter, who only joined Five in February, laughed off suggestions she's on the same money.

She said: "You've got to be kidding! I wish I was but no, absolutely not - I'm just keeping Natasha's seat warm.

"I can't ignore what a great opportunity this is, no matter how long the stint lasts for. I'm sure if she wasn't pregnant I would be waiting a few more years for this chance - so good on her for having a family!"

Isla is bracing herself for comparisons with Five's original anchorwoman, fellow Scot and STV veteran, Kirsty Young.

She bears a striking resemblance to her predecessor.

She said: "I have had the Kirsty Young comparisons for many years now.

"It is obviously a huge compliment to be compared to her but I have never even met her.

"I can't help how I look - I'm Scottish, I'm female, I've got blonde hair and I have quite a deep voice."

She joked: "Maybe I should dye my hair brown...but then I'll get told I'm trying to be like Natasha."

Isla, of Westhill, near Aberdeen, spent six years as a presenter and reporter with STV. She hosted Grampian TV's North Tonight and developed STV's Unsolved programme. She also worked as a reporter with ITV News in London.

Now she will share presenting duties on Five with Matt Barbet, each sitting in the hot seat on alternate nights.

Isla said: "I'm genuinely thrilled and surprised as well. There were all sorts of rumours flying about and I only found out last week. It's a huge compliment to me, and Matt as well.

"I spoke to Natasha and told her it was an honour to try and step into her shoes.

"She's lovely and she's going to be a hard act to follow but Matt and I will do our best."

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