Latest news with #TommyLittle
News.com.au
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Really sad': The latest former Project host to mourn show's axing
Peter Helliar is the latest former The Project star to speak out about the show's axing, which was announced yesterday. Helliar appeared as one of the show's hosts from 2014 to 2022, before quitting as part of a mass exodus that saw colleagues Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little and Lisa Wilkinson all leave the show in the same year. This morning on Nova 100's Jase & Lauren, Helliar shared his reaction to the news The Project would come to an end on June 27, after 16 years on-air. He called the news 'really sad' but praised the show for lasting as long as it has when 'very few shows get to the second season.' Helliar also warned that he didn't think audiences 'realise what they'll miss out on now,' and praised The Project for providing a platform for those in the arts and entertainment. 'The amount of comedians and musicians and filmmakers who have said to me over the years, The Project was the reason we sold tickets. And that's missing now.' Helliar said he'd been in touch with some of the team still working on the show, and said it had been 'a really hard day, because a lot of people lost their jobs yesterday.' Helliar's former co-host and arguably the biggest star The Project produced during its 16 years on-air, Carrie Bickmore, shared similar sentiments on social media yesterday. Calling the cancellation 'such sad news,' she wrote that: 'Regardless of how you felt about the show (everyone seems to have very strong opinions about it both ways) it changed the way news was delivered.' 'I am so proud of what the show and everyone involved in making it achieved. You've never met a more passionate and engaged bunch.' After days of mounting speculation about The Project 's future, Network Ten yesterday issued a statement confirming the show will finish for good at the end of June. The network also revealed its reshuffled evening line-up, with game show Deal or No Deal moving to 7pm and '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.' The Project' s creator Craig Campbell, Creative Director at Roving Enterprises, acknowledged that the end of the program would be a difficult time for those working on the show. 'We have an extraordinary team making this show every day and I know this news will hit them hard. It's been a privilege to work with them and the hundreds of others that joined us along the way,' he said.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Peter Helliar reveals the emotional toll The Project's axing has had on him after co-hosting the show for eight years
Peter Helliar has revealed the emotional toll the shock axing of Channel Ten 's The Project has had on himself and his former co-workers. Appearing on Nova's Jase and Lauren on Tuesday, the veteran presenter, who co-hosted the panel show from 2014 - 2022, admitted he was devastated over the cancellation . 'Really sad. What an amazing legacy that show has, 16 years. Very few shows get to the second season. This was like the little engine that could,' he said. 'In its first year, it was going to get axed every second week. And 16 years later to see that the people have become household names who have gone through that show!' Helliar, who quit the show in 2022, the same year Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little and Lisa Wilkinson also left, warned the axing would leave a huge gap in Australian television and significantly impact many stars who used it as a launching pad to further their career. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I don't think audiences realise what they'll miss out on now. The amount of comedians, musicians and filmmakers who have said to me over the years "The Project was the reason we sold tickets." That's missing now. 16 incredible years... A lot of people lost their jobs yesterday,' he said. He added that several of his former Project colleagues told him they had a 'really hard day' upon hearing the news. The Project was officially axed on Monday after 16 years on air and will air its final episode on June 27. Network 10 announced the news by sharing a post to Facebook thanking viewers for their support before announcing the show's replacement. Current hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris and Hamish Macdonald will exit the network, while comedian Sam Taunton will continue his guest appearances on other Ten shows. The news show, which has been in a ratings free-fall since Bickmore left her seat as host at the end of 2022, has aired 'nearly 4,500 episodes' to date and will wrap up in three weeks. Daily Mail Australia previously revealed The Project was under review and set to be axed on March 16. A picture was shared online of Aly, Harris, Taunton and Georgie Tunny smiling as they sat together behind the news desk. Peter said the axing would leave a huge gap in Australian television and significantly impact the many international stars who used it as a launching pad 'The Project will finish up on June 27. For nearly 16 years, The Project has been Australia's destination for the news when you want a little bit of a giggle,' the caption said. 'Well, we have loved every second but all good things come to an end and so are we. '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.' Harris also spoke about the cancellation and her subsequent exit from the network. 'There aren't many jobs where you get to tell very human stories, and interview politicians and celebrities all while having a laugh – or ugly crying – in front of a live studio audience every night,' Harris told The Sydney Morning Herald. Aly also released a statement, saying: 'The Project kicked down the door of how news could be done.' After announcing The Project was ending, Ten released another statement announcing the news program which will be replacing the axed show. Recently poached Seven journalists Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace are expected to host the new evening program. The Project first aired in July 2009 and exceeded more than a million metro viewers at the height of its success - It boasted a rotating panel with stars like Aly, Harris, Tunny, Hamish Macdonald, Rove McManus, Taunton and Susie Youssef. It won several accolades including 11 Logie Awards - two of which were viewer-voted Gold Logies won by Aly and Bickmore. However, audiences began to dwindle in recent years - Just last week, The Project attracted between 238,000 and 357,000 viewers nationally.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tommy Little moved to tears as he reads a heartbreaking letter of support from family who lost 21-month-old son to brain cancer
Tommy Little broke down in tears this week as he read a letter from a family who lost their son to brain cancer. The comedian, 40, is gearing up for the Big Five Marathon in South Africa, later this month, to raise money for Hit Network co-host Carrie Bickmore 's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer charity. Tommy took to his Instagram reel on Friday to share an emotional clip in which he read a letter from parents Ollie and Brooke, who lost their son, Hugo, to brain cancer at just 21 months. 'We'll see how we go,' Tommy began, already with tears in his eyes. 'Dear Tommy,' he read. 'A letter to you for your upcoming marathon. To step willingly into something hard for the sake of others, many of whom you'll never meet, that's a rare kind of courage and a quiet power that we feel so deeply.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The letter continued: 'There will be people with you on that course - some visible others unseen - like families like ours, and children like our Hugo.' Tommy then held up a photo of little Hugo, adding: 'This is why I'm already crying.' Ollie and Brooke then explained that their world was shattered when Hugo was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 10 months old. 'Hugo spent his first half of his life in hospital, crippled with a treatment that only ever gave him a 10 per cent change to see his fifth birthday,' Tommy continued reading, tears welling in his eyes. 'He passed away at 21 months old, but earnt each day showing us that with a breathing heart, a working body, and legs that can move forward is a gift.' Ollie and Brooke then wrote that they hoped Hugo could provide some Tommy with some inspiration on his upcoming challenge. 'When it gets hard out there, when your legs burn, when doubt creeps in, we hope Hugo can be the wind on your back.' they wrote. 'Hugo is so close to the earth and, when you're running in South Africa, we hope you feel that connection, too.' 'When it gets hard out there, when your legs burn, when doubt creeps in, we hope Hugo can be the wind on your back,' Tommy continued reading. Clearly moved by the deeply personal and emotional letter, Tommy said Hugo would definitely be with him in South Africa. 'I'll carry Hugo with me on the run,' he said. 'And, if it gets to the point where I feel like every muscle is going to rip off my legs, I'll keep running so hopefully, we won't have more letters like this in the future.' Tommy then addressed Ollie and Brooke directly, offering his heartfelt condolences before appealing to his 315,000 followers to donate to such a good cause. 'I know things are expensive at the moment and I know life is tough, but this is f***ing heartbreak,' he said. The emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from Tommy's friends, fans and followers. Singer Guy Sebastian jumped in, praising the effort with: 'Such an amazing thing you guys are doing and impacting so many good on ya Tommy and crew.' Olympic swimmer Alicia Coutts also offered: 'Wishing you the best Tommy for your marathon. Donated in memory of beautiful little Hugo.' Another follower summed up the sentiment of many, admitting that Hugo's story had moved them to tears. 'Oh my I lost it when Hugo's mum and dad express that Hugo can be the wind on your back Tommy,' they wrote. Tommy will be joined by co-host Carrie Bickmore on the arduous half marathon through the the Entabeni private game reserve in South Africa. The duo, competing as the Carrie and Tommy Show team will run alongside the likes of Ellidy Pullin, Olivia Molly Rogers, Sam Wood, Laura Enever, Trent Cotchin, and Merrick Watts. Tommy recently revealed that he had given up vaping and set himself a 10 kilogram weigh loss goal to prepare for the big run. Sharing a video of himself taking a jog to Instagram, Tommy said he has seven weeks to get into running shape for the cause after he became a 'doughy boy' since his last marathon. 'We are seven weeks out from The Big Five Marathon in South Africa. I just ran 13.3 kms. Not quick because I am a doughy boy,' the radio star said. 'I weighed myself this week. I weigh 86kg, which might not sound like that much, but the only time I ran a marathon I weighed 70kg. So I am 16kg over my previous running weight.' Tommy went on to write in the caption of his video: 'I plan to lose at least 10kgs and work my a*** off for the next seven weeks. Anyone who wants to get involved is more than welcome'.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Carrie Bickmore shocks viewers as she RETURNS to The Project three years after quitting the show
Carrie Bickmore was welcomed back to The Project on Tuesday night in a downpour of confetti. The television and radio star, who quit the Channel Ten show back in 2022, returned to her old stomping ground for a good cause. The 44-year-old was on the desk for a ten minute segment that closed the show - but only as a guest. She was there to celebrate the tear year anniversary of her charity foundation, Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer, which has raised $24 million for cancer research. Carrie was a little thrown by taking a spot at the end of the desk after being front row centre during her tenure on the current affairs series. 'I think the only other time I sat on this end was the day after I won the Logie' she joked, adding that she'd just had her daughter at the time. 'I had little Evie and I came here and it feels as weird as it did then' Carrie said, becoming emotional as she looked back. Carrie promoted her latest collection of beanies as well as an upcoming marathon she will be taking part in to raise funds. Among those taking part are Carrie's radio co-star and rumorued lover Tommy Little. 'I have no chance. He's surprisingly fast. He can stay out drinking and get up and run which is annoying. I can't do that. I need to be in bed by 7pm' Carrie joked. She was then invited to move back to the centre of the desk alongside former co-star Waleed Aly to close out the show. Viewers were happy to see her again, with one writing on social media: 'Ah a blast from the past of when The Project was actually good, funny and popular.' Another person watching at home chimed in: 'Just like old times'. Carrie announced her departure from The Project after 12 years on air in October, 2022. She had been absent for a three month 'sabbatical' with her family in London earlier that year, before returning to the panel in July, only to quit in October. Three months after leaving the show, Carrie announced she'd split from her partner of 11 years Chris Walker. 'It's with immense sadness that Chris and I have decided to separate,' she wrote in a statement on Instagram. 'While this is a tough time, our focus is on parenting, loving and supporting our three children Ollie, Evie and Addie with everything that we've got. 'They are doing great. We won't be making any further comment.' Carrie is now the host of the Carrie & Tommy show on the Hit Network alongside Little. Their radio show has dominated the national ratings survey last year. The radio duo took out Australia's #1 Drive Show in Melbourne and Brisbane during survey four, making it their third consecutive win. It was the best result the Hit Network has received for the Drive slot since 2018, and the best result in Drive for Brisbane B105 since 2010. 'We are stunned and stoked by this result – thank you, Australia, for making us #1 and tuning in every day for our crazy antics, laughs, and fun,' the co-hosts said. 'This unreal result is a testament to our phenomenally hard-working team, and our wider team across the Hit Network. 'We can't wait for you to see the exciting things we've got planned for the rest of 2024.' Carrie also landed a voiceover role on popular Australian children's show Bluey last year. The TV presenter shared a video to Instagram of her children reacting to her voice in the show. 'Career and parenting highlight... My girls watching my two seconds of fame on the latest episode of Bluey,' she wrote. 'What a genuine thrill to be a part of such an incredible Aussie show. I think 'Terrier's mum' needs to be a regular character.' Bluey, dubbed Australia's most popular children's TV show, follows the adventures of 'a loveable, inexhaustible six year-old Blue Heeler dog' along with her family which includes her mum, dad and younger sister, and her friends.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little continue to fuel romance rumours as they are spotted arriving back to their Sydney hotel within minutes of each other
Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little have once again sparked speculation they're more than just radio co-hosts after being spotted arriving at a Sydney hotel within moments of each other last week. The pair, who have long been the subject of romance rumours thanks to their on-air chemistry and flirty social media exchanges, did little to quash the chatter as they returned just minutes apart following an outing. Carrie, 44, looked effortlessly chic as she strolled into the hotel lobby clutching a takeaway coffee and a snack. The former Project host kept things casual in black leggings paired with a grey T-shirt and an oversized denim shirt. She accessorised with dark designer sunglasses and navy sneakers, her blonde locks styled in soft waves and swept to one side. Meanwhile, Tommy, 40, was seen returning to the same hotel shortly after. Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little have once again sparked speculation they're more than just radio co-hosts after being spotted arriving at a Sydney hotel within moments of each other last week. The comedian and Carrie & Tommy radio star cut a relaxed figure in a black hoodie and khaki Jordan shorts. He showed off his tattooed legs and completed the sporty look with slides and dark sunglasses. Despite arriving separately, onlookers couldn't help but notice the timing of their return and the coincidental outfits, with both stars opting for low-key, sporty looks. Both Melbourne based, Carrie was in town to attend Australian Fashion Week and it is unclear why Tommy was in Sydney too. The sighting comes as fans continue to speculate about the true nature of their relationship. The pair, who share undeniable chemistry on their Hit Network radio show, have been at the centre of dating rumours for years - especially after Carrie's split from long-time partner Chris Walker in 2022. Carrie recently showed her support for Tommy's career when she stepped out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to cheer him on during one of his shows. The Hit Network star shared an image of her colleague to Instagram Stories when she went to watch one of his I'm Not Proud shows at the Comedy Theatre. In the picture, Tommy could be seen smiling on stage as he held a microphone and addressed the audience, wearing an all-black ensemble as he flashed his numerous tattoos. Carrie took the photo from the crowd and captioned it with '5 star review' alongside a hand clapping emoji and star emoji. Romance rumours between the pair come after Carrie's very public split from longtime partner Chris Walker in 2023. Carrie and Tommy have made a number of appearances together of late, cuddling up at a golf tournament in Adelaide and enjoying a trip to Uluru together. She shared a sweet photo to Instagram of herself and Tommy embracing one another and smiling at the LIV golf tournament. Meanwhile, Tommy recently made a relationship confession which continued to fan the flames of romance rumours. The comedian confessed to Stellar he is very keen to start a family and settle down - even if he's not entirely ready to grow up yet.
