Five News host Natasha Kaplinsky signs off on maternity leave

Just six months after her high-profile appointment as the new host of Channel 5 news, Natasha Kaplinsky is off screen again.

The 35-year-old announced she would be taking maternity leave from today as she prepares for the birth of her first child next month.

Dressed in white trousers, silver peep toe wedges and a tight-fitting top which hugged her burgeoning baby bump, Natasha thanked viewers for their kind messages throughout her pregnancy.

'I'm off': Natasha Kaplinsky signs off from Five News as she prepares to start maternity leave

Speaking on the 7pm Thursday night bulletin, she said: 'I'm off on maternity leave for a few months.

'Thank you for the kind messages and gifts. Matt (Barbet) and Isla (Traquair) will be holding the fort while I'm away.

'I'll be seeing you in a few months time.'

Natasha and husband Justin Bower are expecting their first child in September.

All smiles: Natasha Kaplinsky thanked viewers for their messages and gifts

The newsreader is losing out on £100,000 because as a freelance employee as Five News, she is not entitled to maternity pay.

She became Britain's highest-paid newsreader when Five lured her from the BBC in a £1million-a-year deal.

However, just six weeks into her new role, she stunned Five bosses when she announced she was pregnant.

Speaking earlier today, Natasha said: 'I'm so excited about becoming a mum but I've really enjoyed the last six months and I'll miss the team.'

Five News editor David Kermode said: 'We'll miss her too - as clearly will the viewers. Her effect on our figures has been amazing.'

On her way to the studio, Natasha was seen clutching a bouquet of flowers - presumably a gift for the mother-to-be.

Last day at work: Natasha and her huge baby bump leave her London home before her last day at 'the office'