New mother Natasha hopes to go part-time

Natasha Kaplinsky, Britain's first £1million-a-year newsreader, has asked bosses if she can return to work part-time five months after having a baby.

Kaplinsky has been off the nation's screens on maternity leave but is due back on 16 February. She wants to present one bulletin a night on Five News - rather than two for the first month.

Kaplinsky, 36, gave birth to son Arlo in September and has asked to take a break from the 7pm slot so she can go home and put him to bed each night. That would leave her presenting only the 5pm broadcast when she first returns. A source close to Kaplinsky said today: "She is completely in love with Arlo and wants to be feeding him and putting him to bed. She wants to settle Arlo into a routine as she returns to work."

Kaplinsky transferred to Five from the BBC last February.