Ten reveals Carrie Bickmore’s replacement on The Project, after Peter Helliar exits
Network Ten has today revealed that Sarah Harris will join The Project’s panel five nights a week, Sunday through to Thursday in 2023.
Bringing over 20 years of journalism experience to the desk, Harris has interviewed everyone from rockstars to royalty and has covered huge events like the 2012 London Olympics, the Christchurch earthquake, and the Black Saturday bushfires.
The Project Hosts Waleed Aly And Sarah Harris.
Part of the Network Ten family for almost ten years, the mother-of-two has made her mark on Australian screens as a reporter, presenter, and most recently as co-host of Studio 10. She joins Waleed Aly, who will remain a mainstay of the show Monday through Thursday.
Harris said of her new gig: “This is one of the biggest and best jobs in TV. How could I say no?
“I’m beyond excited to be joining one of Australia’s most iconic and 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.
“I can’t wait to share the desk with Waleed, Hamish, Georgie and the rest of the team. I’m excited to shake it up in the new year!”
Waleed Aly commented: “She’s smart. She’s warm. She’s great fun. That’s the trifecta for The Project. Everyone who’s worked with Sarah raves about her, and I can’t wait to become one of them.”
Hamish Macdonald will continue to hit the road to report from around the country every Friday and Sunday night from the desk, while reporter and producer Georgie Tunny adds Friday co-hosting to her duties.
The Project executive producer, Chris Bendall, said: “Sarah is a journalist and presenter at the top of her game and I am so excited to work with her. Her intelligence, insight and sense of humour make her the perfect host for The Project as we launch a re-energised show for 2023.
“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.”
Network Ten executive producer, Tamara Simoneau, said: “The Project desk has been home to some of this country’s most incredible broadcasters since its inception, so it makes sense that Sarah now joins the ranks.
“Her years on the road as a reporter at various networks and her almost decade-long stint hosting Studio 10 have prepared her for this next chapter in her career. Her warmth, openness and huge heart have endeared her to audiences, not to mention her killer sense of humour. Sarah joining Waleed at the helm of The Project marks the beginning of a wonderful new era for the show.”
The news comes after the network confirmed Peter Helliar would step down from The Project. His last episode will be on Wednesday, 7 December.
Paramount Australia and New Zealand executive vice president and chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: “It’s incredible to think Peter Helliar has been part of the Ten family for 22 years.
“Of course, we all remember Pete delivering his comedic brilliance on Rove Live back in 2000, but also his role on the much-loved AFL show, Before The Game where his alter ego Strauchanie was born.
“Pete’s talent at Ten has also extended behind the camera as a writer, director and star of How To Stay Married which ran for three seasons, plus his comedy shows Skithouse and Cram.
“One of the most loved and respected comedians in the country, Pete joined The Project in 2014 filling the comedy seat, a seat which he has held for the past eight years. Given the breadth of his work, it is amazing that we have been lucky enough to have him sit at The Project desk four days a week.
“Pete has made the decision to take more time to dedicate to his first loves – writing and stand-up – and we look forward to our continuing relationship.”
Helliar’s exit isn’t the first for the program after The Project also revealed that Carrie Bickmore would be departing the show after 13 years. One month later, Lisa Wilkinson departed the show and said she was leaving after “relentless, targeted toxicity” within the media industry.
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