Ten’s Sarah Harris is joining Waleed Aly as a co-host on The Project next year following the recent exodus of three of the program’s presenters.
While the departures have been framed as a personal choice, sources say flagging ratings and revenue at the flagship news program may be the reason behind the exit of three highly paid presenters within weeks.
Founding presenter Carrie Bickmore is leaving this month and both journalist Lisa Wilkinson and comedian Peter Helliar announced this week they won’t be back in 2023.
Announcing his departure, Helliar said on Tuesday’s show: “People will read into this situation however they want to read into it, but I need to create some space for some projects that I want to work on.”
Wilkinson cited the toll of the “targeted toxicity” of sections of the media she has been subjected to for her departure.
“The last six months have not been easy,” Wilkinson told viewers of the Channel Ten panel show on Sunday night. “And the relentless, targeted toxicity by some sections of the media has taken a toll not just on me but on people I love.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not above criticism. Far from it. I’m human, and I don’t always get it right. None of us do. But by God I’ve tried. I’ve given this job everything I have.”
Industry sources said it was highly unusual for the main presenters on a panel show to all leave at once.
That leaves Aly, the ABC’s Hamish Macdonald and the relative newcomer Georgie Tunny as regulars.
The Project’s executive producer, Chris Bendall, said on Wednesday the changes will “re-energise” the show for 2023.
Harris said she was excited to be joining one of Australia’s most “agenda-driving” shows.
“The Project does news like no other program in Australia and it’s exactly the kind of fun and fearless TV I love to make,” Harris, the host of morning advertorial show Studio 10, said.
‘Who will be the new host of The Project in 2023?’ we hear you ask.
— The Project (@theprojecttv) November 22, 2022
Well, finally, your answer is here.
Please welcome, @SarahHarris!
Read more here: https://t.co/PR3bcZlAYQ pic.twitter.com/KxwkyNEEvu
Co-host Aly said Harris was smart, warm and funny.
“That’s the trifecta for The Project,” he said.
Bendall said Harris’s intelligence, insight and sense of humour make her the perfect host for The Project.
“The Project’s unique blend of news and entertainment is its strength and with Sarah joining Waleed on the desk we will keep delivering the show viewers have come to know and trust,” he said.
Macdonald will be an on-the-road reporter for the show as well as appearing on the desk on Fridays and Sundays.
