Peter Helliar is joining his coworkers that are heading for The Project‘s exits. He announced yesterday that he would be leaving the show.
Helliar has been on the show for eight years and stepped in when Dave Hughesy departed, and has since made the seat his own. Known for bringing humour and warmth to the daily news cycle.
His announcement also comes after co-hosts Carrie Bickmore, and Lisa Wilkinson announced they were leaving. I mean, they have been calling it the great resignation, and 10’s flagship show is living proof of it.
In a fairly emotional statement, Helliar said: “This has been on my mind for a while. People will read into the situation however they want to read into it. I feel like I need to create some space for projects I would like to work on.
“You’ve seen me juggle over the years, but I feel like there are new areas I want to go into next year that I need to be present for. I still love this show, it’s done amazing things for me, and I look forward to seeing what the show is in the future.”
After nearly 8 years at the desk, Peter Helliar will be leaving The Project. Here is the moment he made the announcement. pic.twitter.com/k1i19lWcM5
— The Project (@theprojecttv) November 22, 2022
Waleed Aly was there alongside Helliar when he announced the news, and Helliar even made a joke about the fact most of the co-hosts were leaving.
He quipped: “I am pretty sure there are no more announcements. Waleed, I can’t wait to see what you and Kyle and Jackie O do with the show next year.”
Beverley McGarvey, executive vice president and chief content officer, of Paramount Australia and New Zealand, said: “One of the most loved and respected comedians in the country, Pete joined The Project in 2014, filling the comedy seat, a seat which he has held for the past eight years. Given the breadth of his work, it is amazing that we have been lucky enough to have him sit at The Project desk four days a week.
“Pete has decided to take more time to dedicate to his first loves – writing and stand-up, and we look forward to our continuing relationship.”
Super sad to see him go, but always exciting to see who will replace him.
