Sarah Harris will join Network 10’s The Project as a co-host next year, following the departure of Carrie Bickmore and Lisa Wilkinson.
Harris will be joining the panel five nights per week, from Sunday to Thursday next year. Harris comes to The Project from Studio 10, a program she has co-hosted since its launch in 2013.
Her appointment follows the departure of high-profile hosts Bickmore and Wilkinson, as well as comedian Peter Heliar, who announced he would also be leaving the show after eight years on the panel.
Harris will co-host the show alongside Waleed Aly, and brings more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist to the role. Hamish McDonald will continue as the program’s weekend co-host, with Georgie Tunny to add Friday night to her co-hosting duties.
“This is one of the biggest and best jobs in TV. How could I say no?” Harris said.
“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.”
Of his new co-host, Waleed 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.”
Network 10 Executive Producer, Tamara Simoneau, said Harris’ appointment marks a new era for The Project.
“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,” Simoneau said.
“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 an exciting new era for the show.”