The Project revealed Sarah Harris will be a new co-host on the current affairs show, joining the panel five nights a week, Sunday to Thursday, in 2023.
This comes after Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson announced their respective departures from the show this week.
Harris brings over 20 years of journalism experience to the desk. She 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.
Harris is also no stranger to snagging celebrity interviews and wrangling high-profile talent in front of live audiences and has also been part of the Network 10 family for almost 10 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.
Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris
Harris joins Waleed Aly, who will remain a mainstay of the show Monday through to Thursday.
She said of her new role: “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!”
Aly said: “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 and bring the weekend energy 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 makes 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 10 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 that 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 announcement marks an exciting 2023 for the awarded news and current affairs show, which hinted at further changes and announcements to come.
Peter Helliar
Harris’ new role comes after Peter Helliar announced on Tuesday night that he would also be leaving the show.
After nearly 8 years at the desk, his last show will be on Wednesday, December 7. Helliar said that the move was something that had been on his mind for a while.
“People will read in the situation where they want to read into it, but I feel like I need to create some space for some projects that I want to work on.
“I feel like there are some things, some new areas that I’m going into hopefully next year that I need to be present for. I don’t want to be a creator who is leaving meetings to go to another meeting.
See also: Another Project departure: Peter Helliar to step down from the desk
Lisa Wilkinson
Lisa Wilkinson also announced on that she will be stepping back from hosting Channel 10’s The Project, effective immediately.
“I have decided that it’s time to reprioritize a few things in my life… So from tonight, I’m stepping back from hosting the show,” Wilkinson said on Sunday night.
She continued, saying that ”To be clear, I’m not leaving 10 and we’re looking at some very exciting work ideas ahead. But I also have to be honest with you, the last six months have not been easy, and the relentless, targeted toxicity by some sections of the media has taken a toll – not just on me, but on people I love.”
See also: Lisa Wilkinson to step down from The Project, effective immediately
Carrie Bickmore
In October, Carrie Bickmore announced her departure from the show after 13 years on the desk alongside original hosts Charlie Pickering and Dave Hughes.
“It’s been the hardest decision of my professional life but it’s time for a new challenge and my next chapter. I am going to miss my best mates on the desk, the job itself which is so incredibly fulfilling and our wonderful viewers so much,” she said at the time.
See also: The Project to lose its last original panellist as Carrie Bickmore announces departure