Carrie Bickmore struggles to hold back tears as she returns to The Project for an emotional final episode

An emotional Carrie Bickmore struggled to hold back tears as she returned to The Project desk for the show’s final episode.

Carrie joined The Project when it first launched in July 2009, then known as The 7PM Project. 

She was back at the desk on Friday, alongside fellow original hosts Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering, who joined the cast via satellite.

After Hughesy and Charlie made their final exits, Carrie stuck around for a longer chat with hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Georgie Tunny and Sam Taunton. 

Carrie became emotional when discussing the impact the show had on both her career and personal life, particularly the boost it gave her Beanies for Brain Cancer charity.

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An emotional Carrie Bickmore struggled to hold back tears as she returned to The Project desk for the show’s final episode 

‘I wanted to raise a million dollars and I wouldn’t have raised 25 million if it wasn’t for you guys at home,’ she said, struggling to hold back her tears.

She then addressed the cast and crew directly, adding that if it wasn’t for The Project her fundraising efforts would not have been  nearly as successful.

‘To this entire show…when we started I just wanted to raise awareness and now we have a brain cancer centre with people on clinical trials.,’ an emotional Carrie added.

Then it was time to close the show, with Waleed offering Carrie his heartfelt thanks for returning to her old stomping ground.

‘Thank you for your friendship,’ Carrie replied, hinting that most of the tears were shed in the lead-up to the final episode.

‘We caught up yesterday and it was so emotional being there – Pete [Helliar], you and I…seeing everyone backstage,’ she said, with tears beginning to well in her eyes.

‘I’ve literally got friends for life from this show,’ she added. ‘It had such an impact on me personally and professionally. 

In the end, it was Georgie Tunny who could not hold back the tears, breaking down as she reminisced about her time on the show.

After Hughesy and Charlie made their final exits, Carrie stuck around for a longer chat with hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Georgie Tunny and Sam Taunton

‘Thank you for your friendship,’ Carrie replied, hinting that most of the tears were shed in the lead-up to the final episode. ‘I’ve literally got friends for life from this show,’ she added. ‘It had such an impact on me personally and professionally.

‘This has been a family from the beginning and I know you’ll still be in my life, you can’t get rid of me,’ she said.

Georgie then addressed the Project crew directly, adding: ‘You are so good at your job and I’m sorry that this is the end.’ 

The final episode was essentially a best-of compilation, highlighting some of the most memorable moments over its 16-year history.

A raft of celebrities, including Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Robert Irwin, Jessica Mauboy and Kathy Lette, also chimed in to offer their fond farewells.     

Network 10 announced the news of The Project’s axing in June, sharing a post to Facebook thanking viewers for their support before announcing the show’s replacement.

Hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris and Hamish Macdonald are set to exit the network, while Sam Taunton will continue his guest appearances on other Ten shows. 

A picture was shared online of Aly, Harris, Taunton and Georgie Tunny smiling as they sat together behind the news desk.

‘After nearly 4,500 episodes, The Project will finish up on June 27. More details from 6.30pm on 10,’ the caption said.

In the end, it was Georgie Tunny who could not hold back the tears, breaking down as she reminisced about her time on the show

‘For nearly 16 years, The Project has been Australia’s destination for the news when you want a little bit of a giggle.

‘Well, we have loved every second but all good things come to an end and so are we on June 27.

‘To everyone who has watched, supported, donated money to help families across Australia, worked on the show or just liked a social post. Thank you.

‘This show is not possible without all of you. See you tonight (and the next 3 weeks) for The Project.’

The news show, which has been in a ratings free-fall since Carrie Bickmore left her seat as host at the end of 2022, has aired ‘nearly 4,500 episodes’ to date.

Daily Mail Australia previously revealed The Project was under review and set to be axed on March 16.

Shot mostly at Network Ten’s studios in The Como Centre in South Yarra, Melbourne, The Project was known for reporting on current affairs with a comedic spin.

It has won several accolades of its nearly 16 years, including 11 Logie Awards – two of which were viewer-voted Gold Logies won by Waleed and Carrie.

Carrie joined The Project when it first launched in July 2009, then known as The 7PM Project, alongside Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering, who also put in an appearance on Friday

However, viewership began to dwindle in recent years, with Daily Mail Australia reporting in March the show was under review and set to get the axe.

The prime-time current affairs show failed to crack the top ten of most-watched programs at the time, with its best night attracting 945,000 total viewers – which coincided with Carrie making a guest appearance to speak about her charity.

Meanwhile, just last week, The Project attracted between 238,000 and 357,000 viewers nationally.

This is in stark contrast to The Project’s competitors – Seven and Nine News – which routinely attracted more than 2 million viewers to their 6pm bulletins.