Kaplinsky almost doubles Five News audience

Natasha Kaplinsky's debut as the face of Five News attracted one million viewers - almost double the usual audience. The former BBC presenter joined the channel in a reported £1 million-a-year move. Her first 5pm bulletin on Monday pulled in 957,000 viewers, a 43 per cent increase on the average for that slot and a 7.5 per cent audience share. The 7pm bulletin had 431,000 viewers, a rise of 28 per cent. Five News bosses have imposed a casual dress code for brunette Natasha, which includes wearing jeans. But the 35-year-old - who married investment banker Justin Bower in 2005 - opted instead for a black shirt and trousers. While refusing to confirm her rumoured £1 million salary, Natasha has admitted to being paid 'an astonishing amount of money' for her new role, adding: "How can anybody justify that?"