“The Project” has unveiled its full panel for 2023, after a slew of exits including Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson.
Comedians Sam Taunton and Michael Hing will complete the line-up, which also includes new recruit Sarah Harris as well as Georgie Tunny, Hamish Macdonald and Waleed Aly.
Taunton will be on the show each week from Monday to Thursday next year.
He said: “I’m so excited and nervous to join “The Project” in 2023 – nervous mainly because they’re handing down Carrie’s wardrobe to me and I’m not sure I can pull it off.
“It’s a fresh cast and we’re all looking forward to creating something new and energetic that I think people will really respond to. I’m also excited to steal Waleed’s opinions and use them as my own at dinner parties.”
Hing, already a c0-host on Triple J’s drive program “Hobba and Hing”, will round out the show on Fridays and Sundays.
His statement joked about the many high-profile exits which have hit the program recently.
“Honestly, I’m so thrilled to be joining Lisa, Pete and Carrie at “The Project” and look forward to getting to work with some of the biggest names in television. Wait, what?,” his statement said.
Chris Bendall, executive producer of the show, said he can’t wait to keep serving up laughs with the new team in 2023.
“Both Sam and Michael have been part of “The Project’s” extended family for a while and I am rapt we have locked them down for big new roles,” he said.
“Comedy is at the centre of what “The Project” does and given the news has never been more in need of a laugh, these two will make sure there is no better place to get your news and have fun while you do it.
“After the biggest shakeup in “The Project’s” history, I am confident we now have the perfect line-up to launch into the new year. No matter what kind of day viewers have had, we’ll guarantee it will end with a smile.”
Tamara Simoneau, executive producer at Network 10, added that the new team already had a great chemistry, and the network is confident Australia will love them.
“What a dream team. We feel pretty lucky to have Sam and Michael completing our exciting new line-up with Waleed, Sarah, Hamish and Georgie for 2o23. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with this crew after a long day?
“Both experienced and in-demand stand-up comics, Sam and Michael will bring the laughs, but they’ve also got a few surprises up their sleeves.”
“The Project” will return at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8.