Entertainment reporter Peter Ford has reported that Lisa Wilkinson’s exit from The Project won’t be the show’s last and there could be a mass exodus.
10’s flagship news show has been rocked with host Carrie Bickmore announcing she is parting ways with The Project and the network, and then Wilkinson shocked viewers last night when she announced she’d be leaving the show effective immediately. (Don’t panic too much, she is staying with the network).
Wilkinson said: “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.
“The last six months have not been easy, and the relentlessly targeted toxicity by some sections of the media has taken a toll not just on me, but on the people I love.
“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’s departure from The Project comes after months of scrutiny following her infamous Logies speech that ultimately delayed Bruce Lehrmann’s trial.
Of course, it’s worth pointing out that there is a special kind of criticism we reserve for powerful women when the public decides they have made a mistake, and Wilkinson has likely felt the full wrath of hatred that has been slung her way in the aftermath.
After five years at the desk, @Lisa_Wilkinson will be the leaving The Project. Here is the moment she made the announcement.#TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/2nEc1kbTcI
— The Project (@theprojecttv) November 20, 2022
In response to Wilkinson’s abrupt departure, Ford has taken to Twitter to report that he believes Wilkinson won’t be the only panellist leaving the show.
Within hours of Wilkinsons’ announcement, Ford tweeted: “There will be more ‘shock resignations’ in the next two weeks. How coincidental so many people all decide at the same time they ‘need a change.”
Ford also tweeted, “The real story behind Lisa Wilkinson’s shock decision and who is going next. The last-ditch attempt to rebrand the show. Tomorrow across Australia.
And, “Only Lisa could manage to announce ‘her decision’ & make herself a victim at the same time. All the hard work she’s put in etc for 4 nights a week and 20 grand a week. That poor lady!”
Only Lisa could manage to announce ‘her decision’ & make herself a victim at the same time. All the hard work she’s put in etc etc for 4 nights a week and 20 grand a week. That poor lady! https://t.co/zAc8FNstXe
— Peter Ford (@mrpford) November 20, 2022
There will be more ‘shock resignations’ in the next two weeks How coincidental so many people all decide at same time they ‘need a change’. https://t.co/DV5HYoxHKx
— Peter Ford (@mrpford) November 20, 2022
Ford was also quick to reject claims that his tweets were mean. Ford replied to a tweet that accused him of being unnecessarily harsh on Wilkinson and wrote, “Professional commentary and criticism is not ‘bullying’. Even Lisa said she isn’t above that. You should not throw the word around like that.”
Professional commentary and criticism is not ‘bullying’. Even Lisa said she isn’t above that. You should not throw the word around like that.
— Peter Ford (@mrpford) November 20, 2022
Wilkinson leaving The Project is undeniably a loss for the show, but it’ll be interesting to see what she does with The Network next and who will replace her.
