The Project axed after 16 years – as Ten reveals its replacement and anchors Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris leave the network: ‘All good things come to an end’
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The Project has been officially axed after 16 years and will air its final episode on June 27.
Network 10 announced the news on Monday, sharing a post to Facebook thanking viewers for their support, and announced the show’s replacement in a statement.
Hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris and Hamish Macdonald will also reportedly exit the network, while comedian Sam Taunton will continue his guest appearances on various other Ten shows.
The news show has aired ‘nearly 4,500 episodes’ to date and will wrap in three weeks following speculation it will be replaced with a current affairs program.
Daily Mail Australia previously revealed The Project was under review and set to be axed on March 16.
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The Project has been officially axed after 16 years and will air its final episode on June 27. Pictured L to R: Sam Taunton, Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, and Georgie Tunny
A picture was shared online of hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Sam 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 over the image read.
‘For nearly 16 years, The Project has been Australia’s destination for the news when you want a little bit of a giggle,’ the captioned continued.
‘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.’
Viewers flocked to the comments to share their dismay.
‘Thanks for all your support and honest opinions on topics!’ one person wrote.
Network 10 announced the news on Monday, sharing a post to Facebook thanking viewers for their support, and announced the show’s replacement in a statement
Hosts Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris will also reportedly exit the network, while comedian Sam Taunton will continue his guest appearances on various other Ten shows
‘Sad to see you guys going!’ another said, as someone else commented: ‘That’s so sad, I always watched it!’
‘Where will I watch my news now!? Only place that delivers news with humanity and care. Will miss you guys!! I wish you all the best for the future,’ added a fourth.
Yet another user wrote: ‘So sad, as I love watching your program each week.’
‘I’ve thoroughly loved this show,’ one fan commented.
Just moments later Network Ten released a statement announcing another news program will be replacing The Project.
‘Network 10 will be introducing a revised early evening program schedule later this month,’ a spokesperson said.
‘At the core of the changes will be an expansion of Network 10’s successful news coverage, with the launch of a new national one-hour 6pm news, current affairs and insights program six days a week to complement 10’s one-hour 5pm local news bulletins.
‘This reflects the successful growth in audiences to Network 10 local news bulletins and coverage. Our focus continues to be on serving our free-to-air audiences with more of the content they are increasingly watching.’
Hamish Macdonald will also reportedly depart Ten
Viewers flocked to the comments to share their dismay
‘Deal or No Deal will move to the new time of 7pm,’ the statement continued.
‘As a result of the changes, The Project will air for the last time on Friday, June 27, ending an incredible run of almost 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes.’
Recently poached Seven journalists Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace are expected to host the new evening program, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.
The new show will be overseen by broadcast news vice president Martin White, with the title and official launch date expected to be announced within the next week.
Network president Beverley McGarvey informed staff of the decision to axe The Project in a meeting at Melbourne headquarters on Monday.
The Project first aired in July 2009, then known as The 7PM Project, and exceeded more than a million metro viewers at the height of its success.
It first began as a half-hour program but soon transitioned into one-hour episodes as its popularity increased.
It boasted a rotating panel with stars like Aly, Harris, Georgie Tunny, Hamish Macdonald, Rove McManus, Sam Taunton and Susie Youssef.
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 one several accolades of its nearly 16 years, including 11 Logie Awards – two of which were viewer-voted Gold Logies won by Aly and former host Carrie Bickmore.
More to come.
