TV veteran Lisa Wilkinson announces she will leave The Project

The TV veteran has announced her time on Channel 10’s popular evening program has come to an end.

Lisa Wilkinson has announced her departure from The Sunday Project.

It comes around six weeks after colleague Carrie Bickmore revealed live on air that she was leaving The Project.

Wilkinson famously joined The Project in 2018 when she jumped ship from Nine’s Today breakfast show.

“I am looking at how I want the coming years to play out, both professionally and personally so from tonight I am stepping back from hosting the show,” Wilkinson told viewers in the final moments of tonight’s show.

“Sitting at this desk and working with this incredible team both in front of and behind the camera has been an absolute privilege. These people are genuinely some of the most talented and decent humans I know and you, our passionate engaged audience , have been so kind in making me feel so welcome in your homes. I have had a ball but for me right now it is time for a change.”

Lisa Wilkinson quits The Project. Picture: Ten Play

Earlier this year, Wilkinson faced backlash when in her Logies acceptance speech she referenced the Brittany Higgins rape case.

She took a four-week break after winning Most Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report for her 2021 interview with Higgins.

“To be clear, I am not leaving 10 and we are looking at some very exciting work ideas ahead,” she continued.

“But I also have to be honest with you, 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. Don’t get me wrong, I am not above criticism, far from it, I am human and I don’t always get it right, none of us do, but by god I have tried.

“I have given this job everything I have and I hope you at home know that. I hope I have brought you stories that matter and introduced you to people whose lives and experiences might otherwise never be told and help bring into focus issues that deserve our collective attention.”

Wilkinson singled out news and current affairs veteran TV executive Peter Meakin for his support.

Lisa Wilkinson accepted the Logie award saying the interview was the most important work she's ever done. Picture: Channel 9

She finished with an offer to other high profile TV presenters who have quit their top hosting gigs.

“And finally to Leigh Sales, Tracy Grimshaw and Carrie Bickmore, if you guys are up for a drink, I will see you at the bar because the margaritas are on me.”

Mother of three Wilkinson is married to author and journalist Peter Fitzimmons.

Co-host Hamish Macdonald said: “I know from being a colleague and a friend for some years now, that this is 100 per cent the right decision for you and for your family at this point in time. There has been days this year, particularly in the last six months, where you have taught all of us a lesson here in what resolve and tenacity is. You’ve turned up on camera, even on days where it has been tough so I understand how we have ended up here. I know everyone here is a bit shocked by this.”

Lisa Wilkinson quits The Project. Picture: Ten Play

Ten boss Beverley McGarvey thanked Wilkinson for her outstanding contribution to The Sunday Project and The Project while acknowledging her “signature warmth, compassion and integrity”.

“In her time with the show she has continued to expose, present and report on a variety of ground-breaking and Walkley-nominated stories, both from the studio and out on the road. I know it is a role that Lisa has loved and embraced from day one,” McGarvey said.

“Lisa has brought her trademark intelligence, humour, empathy and sense of justice to everything she has done, and it is no surprise audiences have continued to welcome her into their loungerooms and onto their screens. 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.”

Originally published as TV veteran Lisa Wilkinson announces she will leave The Project