Sarah Harris is swapping “Studio 10” for “The Project” in 2023.
Her appointment is the latest in a series of shuffles for the evening news panel program, which kicked off with original co-host Carrie Bickmore announcing her departure.
Then on Sunday evening, co-host of “The Sunday Project”, Lisa Wilkinson, announced her immediate departure, and on Tuesday night Peter Helliar revealed he would also be finishing up.
Harris appears to be filling the void left by both Bickmore and Wilkinson, and will appear on the program on Sundays through to Thursdays.
Network 10 also confirmed Waleed Aly will “remain a mainstay of the show”, sitting behind the desk on Mondays through to Thursdays.
Georgie Tunny will now permanently co-host on Fridays alongside Hamish Macdonald, who will also appear alongside Harris on Sundays.
In addition, Network 10 teased “there are more exciting announcements to come”.
Chris Bendall, executive producer of “The Project” said Harris was the perfect pick to ‘re-energise’ the show.
“Sarah is a journalist and presenter at the top of her game and I am so excited to work with her,” he said. “Her intelligence, insight and sense of humour makes her the perfect host for “The Project” as we launch a re-energised show for 2023.
“‘The Project’s’ unique blend of news and entertainment is its strength and with Sarah joining Waleed on the desk we will keep delivering the show viewers have come to know and trust.”
Tamara Simoneau, Network 10 executive producer, echoed this sentiment and said Harris’ appointment marked the beginning of a wonderful new era for the show.
“‘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,” she 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.”
Harris said co-hosting “The Project” was one of the biggest and best jobs in TV.
“How could I say no?” she said of the offer to join the program.
“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.”
Aly added: “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.”