Lisa Wilkinson has shocked viewers by announcing she is quitting The Project, effective immediately.
After five years behind the desk at Network 10, Wilkinson said she made the decision to step down following a difficult last six months.
“It’s time to reprioritise a few things in my life,” Wilkinson told viewers of the show overnight.
“And after almost 15 years of the early alarm on breakfast TV, and now another five years here at the Project desk, I’m looking at how I want the coming years to play out, both professionally and personally.
“So, from tonight, I’m stepping back from hosting the show.”
The 63-year-old, who joined Ten in 2017 after leaving her breakfast gig with Karl Stefanovic on Channel Nine, admitted “the last six months have not been easy”.
“And the relentless, targeted toxicity by some sections of the media has taken a toll not just on me but on people I love,” she said.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not above criticism. Far from it. I’m human, and I don’t always get it right. None of us do. But by god I’ve tried. I’ve given this job everything I have.”
Wilkinson continued by assuring viewers that she was not leaving Channel Ten altogether.
“I have had a ball. But for me, right now, it’s time for a change,” she explained.
“To be clear, I’m not leaving Ten, and we’re looking at some very exciting work ideas ahead. But I also have to be honest with you.”
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Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer Beverley McGarvey released a statement shortly after the announcement, thanking Lisa for her contribution to the show.
“I would like to sincerely thank Lisa Wilkinson for her outstanding contribution to The Sunday Project and The Project,” she said.
“For five years now Lisa has brought experience and professionalism, as well as her signature warmth, compassion and integrity to both shows.
“I know she will be sorely missed both by our audience, and the entire Project team, and whilst we are saddened that Lisa will no longer be on The Project, we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Lisa into 2023 and beyond.”
It comes just weeks after host Carrie Bickmore announced she will be leaving the Channel Ten show at the end of November after 13 years.
