Former Five News presenter Natasha Kaplinsky is returning to ITV News as anchor of ITV London Tonight, as current presenter Nina Hossain goes on maternity leave.

In a release the broadcaster announced that Kaplinsky, who left Five at the end of last year, will join ITV News in mid-September.

In her new appointment, she will also present some network news programmes until spring next year.

Kaplinsky, who has previously presented the main BBC News bulletins and BBC Breakfast, also used to anchor ITV regional news.

"Natasha has an impressive background presenting national and regional news programmes – including a short spell on ITV London Tonight," Faye Nickolds, editor of ITV London Tonight said in a release.

"We're very much looking forward to her joining the team until Nina's return early next year."

Kaplinksy was quoted as saying that she is "thrilled to be returning to my first love, news".

"This is an exciting chance to work with the talented team in the ITV newsroom."

Her appointment at ITV News follows that of former BBC chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg as its new business editor.