'I don't know what I'll do': The Project stars appear heartbroken in first reactions to Channel 10 axing their embattled current affairs show after 16 years
A Ten spokesperson confirmed to SkyNews.com.au that The Project would end its run after 'almost 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes'.
"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,' the network said in a statement.
"The impact that The Project has had on the media and entertainment industry, countless careers, as well as on Australian society and culture, cannot be overstated.'
On Monday evening's episode, the series' high-profile hosts—Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Steve Price, and Sam Taunton—appeared heartbroken during their first show since the news broke.
"16 years is an incredibly long period of time for a TV show. It's a huge success to pull that off, and so many people have contributed to that," Aly said.
"They all do a fantastic job, for example, Kim, who is operating Camera Three right now and look, it is a great shot. She's doing a wonderful job.
"This is the way things work. A huge shout-out, though, to our viewers as well."
'This isn't goodbye, we will see you again more over the next few weeks, but I know and everyone who has worked on the show know these are the best viewers in Australia. It has been a privilege to serve you.'
Channel 10 veteran Sarah Harris, visibly emotional, said she was "so grateful" to have contributed to The Project since 2022.
"My first appearance on this show was as a Dave Hughes funny; I fell over during a media scrum outside court," she said.
"But I am so grateful that I got to sit on this desk and play TV with all of you; it's been such a fun thing to do."
"It's the people that make a show, and The Project isn't just the people on this desk; it is the cast and crew behind the scenes."
Price, who is a guest on Monday evenings, said he doesn't know what he will do without his role.
'This is the best crew of people I worked with. I was 55 when I started here. I'm now 70, that's 15 years. How an old fat guy like me can survive that long? I have no idea. But I'm still here," he said.
"I'm really sad today; Melbourne has lost an incredible investment in its culture with the people who work on this show.
"People who come out with music bands and have written books and were actors will lose the opportunity to be able to talk about their products.
"It won't be able to be done anywhere else. I'll miss it. I don't know what I'll do on Monday nights.'
It is unclear whether the hosts will be deployed to other projects at Ten or leave the network entirely.
The Melbourne-based program features a rotating lineup of regular presenters, including Georgie Tunny, from Sunday through Friday.
The series' original panel consisted of Carrie Bickmore, Charlie Pickering, and Dave Hughes.
And its most well-known lineup was arguably Bickmore, Peter Helliar, Waleed Aly, and Hamish McDonald.
It was during this era The Project and its hosts picked up a trophy case of Logie wins, including Gold Logies for Bickmore in 2015 and Aly in 2016.
Bickmore and Helliar left the show in 2022 amid reported budget cuts and declining viewership at the free-to-air broadcaster.
Ten also faced mounting challenges as The Project's ratings dwindled due to criticism over its "woke" left-wing bias.
A new program called Behind the Lines, hosted by high-profile journalist Denholm Hitchcock, is set to air in July or August.
Ten's new materials describe Behind the Lines as an investigative series that exposes "hidden" stories which matter to Australians.
'Go behind the headlines with 10 News First as our reporters dig deep to uncover the facts, follow every lead, and expose stories that others try to keep hidden," a synopsis reads.
'Hosted by Denham Hitchcock, this investigation series shines a light on issues that matter to Australians – holding the powerful to account with fearless journalism.'
'Real stories. Real impact. The truth told straight.'
Senior journalist Dan Sutton will executive produce the show alongside a fresh high-profile team from rival Network Seven.
This includes journalist Amelia Brace, former Seven Spotlight presenter Denham Hitchcock and former Seven senior producer Bill Hogan.
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