As the final showdown of De slimste mens approaches on Friday, November 6, 2026, presenter Herman van der Zandt has opened up about the bittersweet reality of watching late writer and panelist Paulien Cornelisse appear posthumously in the daily NPO 1 knowledge quiz.
The Final Week Realities
- Cornelisse passed away on September 30, 2026, at the age of 50 following a battle with cancer, yet she remains a nightly fixture on television after prior agreement with her surviving relatives.
- Friday’s upcoming grand finale features finalists Mats Akkerman, Jeroen Gortworst, and Claudia de Breij battling for the trophy.
- Van der Zandt shared insights into their genuine off-screen friendship during a Thursday evening appearance on the talkshow Eva, hosted by Eva Jinek.
Finding Solace in the Posthumous Broadcasts
With the episodes having been taped entirely prior to her passing, viewers have continued to watch Cornelisse offer her sharp insights and signature wit from the panel desk. According to De Telegraaf, Van der Zandt admitted that seeing her on screen every evening provides a complex mix of comfort and sorrow.
“I think it’s really nice to still enjoy her a bit, to still have her around a little bit,” Van der Zandt told Eva Jinek on Thursday evening, as reported by TVgids.nl. “It is very bitter that she is no longer here, but that moment is postponed a little bit.” Van der Zandt further noted that he no longer remembers everything that happened during the recordings, making the broadcasts a welcome surprise to hear her original perspective once again.
Herman van der Zandt laat zich uit over gemis Paulien Cornelisse: ’Het is bitter’ https://t.co/Zl7m1ZsVj4
Van der Zandt also detailed how they managed her illness during the filming schedule, noting that she possessed immense energy that still had to be carefully rationed. On days when she was not feeling as well, the team made sure she was kept out of the wind. He expressed admiration for her ability to walk into a studio, deliver energy instead of draining it, make people laugh, and serve everyone without anyone noticing she was severely ill.
| Finalist | Background / Role | Network / Show Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mats Akkerman | WNL reporter (32) | Competing in the NPO 1 Final |
| Jeroen Gortworst | NOS journalist (34) | Competing in the NPO 1 Final |
| Claudia de Breij | cabaret performer (51) | Competing in the NPO 1 Final |
A Friendship Formed Behind the Scenes
The professional partnership between Van der Zandt and Cornelisse quickly blossomed into a deep personal bond over the two years they helmed the quiz format following the departure of Philip Freriks and Maarten van Rossem. Van der Zandt explained to Eva that Cornelisse excelled at nurturing friendships and making those around her feel genuinely valued.
“You felt enormously seen by her,” Van der Zandt shared on the talkshow. He elaborated that even when individuals feel settled in their established social circles, someone unexpected can break through to challenge, amuse, and intellectually stimulate them. Reflecting on her resilient attitude toward her illness, Van der Zandt added that if he ever finds himself in that situation, she serves as an example for him.
Weighing Memories Against the Final Showdown
TVgids.nl highlighted an anecdote regarding lighthearted social media photos the pair captured together, with Cornelisse encouraging Van der Zandt to step out of his comfort zone to create awkward family-style portraits. Van der Zandt noted that both he and Cornelisse now have one of those pictures hanging on their wall at home.
As reported by Shownieuws, De Breij acknowledged that while the emotional weight is heavy, the focus ultimately remains on celebrating the energy and dedication Cornelisse poured into her final television appearances.
Friday evening’s broadcast at 21.40 on NPO 1 will close out the season, capping off a remarkable run of episodes that honors a beloved cultural figure while deciding whether Akkerman, Gortworst, or De Breij will take home the ultimate victory.
Herman van der Zandt over Paulien Cornelisse in De slimste mens: ‘Hebben haar nog even bij ons’ https://t.co/NxFjgAPF5F
