Carrie Bickmore ends stint on The Project with tearful goodbye

Carrie Bickmore has bid an emotional goodbye to “the greatest job in the world” saying hosting The Project was “a wild but wonderful ride”.

Carrie broke down as she said her final farewells.

Carrie Bickmore has bid a tearful farewell to The Project after 13 years.

Describing the hosting job as a “wild but wonderful ride” the popular Channel Ten personality said she was leaving the greatest job in the world.

“I’ve been at this Network for 17 years so it’s going to be so weird when I hand that pass back,’’ she said. “It’s been a wild but wonderful ride.”

The final episode was dubbed a Festival of Carrie with acknowledgment of her work in Beanies for Brain Cancer which has raised over $20m.

Rachel Corbett says a tearful goodbye to Carrie.

Guests included original hosts Charlie Pickering and Dave Hughes plus Rachel Corbett, Fifi Box, Kate Langbroek, Steve Price and Hamish MacDonald.

There were also video tributes from the likes of Dr Chris Brown, Julia Morris, Magda Szubanski, Natalie Imbruglia, Jimmy Barnes, Ryan Fitzgerald, Kitty Flanagan and Urzila Carlson.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the show via video link to pay tribute.

“I just wanted to say just a big shout out for your warmth and your humanity that just shone through,’’ he said.

As she blew a kiss to her children and partner Chris Walker watching in the audience Bickmore said: “I hope you all find a job as much as I love this job. It’s been an absolute joy and I hope you’re proud of everything that I’ve done over the years. To my parents, and my friends it certainly takes a village to help a mother of three do a job like this on TV and I couldn’t have done it without all of you. So thank you so much for picking up the pieces when I let them go.”

Carrie has a cheeky sip on her final show.

Carrie shares a hug with pannelist Steve Price.

Bickmore thanked the crew, producers, co-hosts, network execs, publicity, media, stylists, agent and the audience.

She also recalled once visiting a hospital where a patient thanked her for being nightly company.

“She would sit there feeling lonely and she turned on the TV and she’d eat dinner and watch us. But we kept her company and made her feel happier and feel less alone. I think of that young girl often when I’m having a flat day, missing my kids at night. I’m so glad I could have kept her company. And I hope I’ve kept many of your company over the years.

“It’s been the greatest job in the world. Thank you.”

Bickmore even joked “is it too late to change my mind” as tears flowed.

The Gold Logie winner is set to continue with her radio commitments but has not yet flagged her next TV move.