Carrie Bickmore reveals how her former Project co-star Waleed Aly REALLY feels about show's axing

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Carrie Bickmore has reached out to her former The Project co-star Waleed Aly to offer comfort amid the show's cancellation.
The television star, who left the series in 2022, said that Waleed, who joined the team in 2015, was torn up about the axing.
'I spoke to Waleed yesterday and I don't think I've ever heard him that emotional. He was so emotional about it' Carrie said on her Hit Network radio show, Carrie & Tommy, on Tuesday.
Carrie also contacted hosts Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton and Georgie Tunny.
'I've made so many friends on that show, and I'm thinking of them all today. Many of them are still there and had to hear the news yesterday that they don't have a job anymore' she said.
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'I spoke to Waleed yesterday and I don't think I've ever heard him that emotional. He was so emotional about it' Carrie said on her Hit Network radio show, Carrie & Tommy. Aly is pictured
'If you are looking for people to employ in this industry, they are some of the most talented people you will find' she continued.
'Their ability to pivot and cover light and shade and be on top of the news, finding a completely different angle is a certain suite of skill sets not a lot of people have. They're just bloody awesome people.'
Carrie added: 'It's never nice to find out your show is no longer, and I think there'll be a lot of people that miss having the company of those people on the screen.
'I feel sad... But we should be proud, 16 years of a live six-night-a-week TV show is phenomenal. I'm thinking of everyone there today.'
Carrie's radio co-star Tommy Little, who had likewise been a series regular on The Project, also weighed in on the show's demise.
'I will forever be proud that I was part of that show and proud of everything that show stood for' he said.
'Even the people that didn't like it should feel sad, because it is 150 jobs of people in Australian media, people who have families. Regardless of your view of the show, it's a sad day.'
The stars of The Project bid the show farewell on Monday night after it was officially axed after 16 years.
Network 10 announced the news earlier on Monday, and hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Steve Price and Sam Taunton shared their thoughts on their sacking in the opening minutes of Monday's show.
Waleed told viewers: 'After 16 years and nearly 4500 episodes, The Project will be no more.'
He also took a moment to thank the show's loyal viewers over the years.
'A huge shout-out 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' she said.
'It has been a privilege to serve you.'
He additionally confirmed: 'Our last show will be on June 27 and we will have a cracker.'
Aly also released a statement, saying: 'The Project kicked down the door of how news could be done.
'In some ways it looks more conventional now than it used to because it led the way.
'It showed you could bring dry stories to life for an audience that might otherwise have ignored them.'
Aly also released a statement, saying: 'The Project kicked down the door of how news could be done. In some ways it looks more conventional now than it used to because it led the way'
Network 10 was first to announce the news on social media on Monday, sharing a post to Facebook thanking viewers for their support, and announced the show's replacement in a statement.
Hosts Aly, Harris and Hamish Macdonald will also reportedly exit the network, while comedian Taunton will continue his guest appearances on various other Ten shows.
The news show, which has been in a ratings free-fall since Carrie Bickmore left her seat as host, 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.
Ten announced the news on social media with a statement that said: '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.'