Carrie Bickmore announces she is leaving The Project after 13 years

Carrie Bickmore broke down as she shocked fans with the announcement that she was leaving The Project after 13 years as a host.

Carrie Bickmore broke down in tears as she announced that she will be leaving The Project after 13 years on the desk.

The long-time co-host said the decision was the “hardest of my professional life”, thanking her colleagues and viewers after over a decade on the nightly news program.

“After 13 years at The Project, I have made the tough decision to finish up hosting the show at the end of the year. It‘s been the hardest decision of my professional life to make this call, but it’s time for a new challenge and my next chapter,” she said.

“There’s so much I’m gonna miss, I’m gonna miss my best mates on the desk, the job itself, which is so incredibly fulfilling. The wonderful viewers over the last 13 years.

“It’s no secret that this show has become a second home to me, and I couldn’t be more thankful to everyone that has been involved on and off screen.”

Bickmore, 41, said she didn’t know what her next professional move would be, explaining she just wanted to spend more time with her family.

“It has been a long journey. I started the show when Ollie, my son, was one, and he’s now 15, which is crazy. And I want to spend more time at home. I want to have more family dinners,” she said.

Bickmore has three children; Adelaide, three, and Evie, seven, who she shares with her partner Chris Walker, and her son Oliver, who she had with her late husband Greg Lange.

Bickmore joined The Project when it launched back in 2009, and went on to win a Gold Logie in 2015.

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Carrie Bickmore announcing she's leaving The Project.

Bickmore joined the show for its launch in 2009

Co-host Lisa Wilkinson posted a tribute to her friend, thanking her for her generosity and guidance through many years together at Channel 10.

“Long before Carrie and I were colleagues, we were mates off air working at different networks. And I feel so lucky to have now also shared the last five years at the Project desk with you, Carrie,” Wilkinson said.

“Your friendship and generosity have meant the world to me. Thanks too for your guidance and support right from day one…and for always knowing just the right moment to reach out with a kind word.”

Wilkinson was not the only one of Bickmore‘s colleagues to pay tribute to the star, with Tommy Little describing her as “the best in the business”.

“She lifts up everyone around her and makes them all look good, something which has served me well for years,”

Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Paramount ANZ, said: “Carrie Bickmore is synonymous with The Project, having graced our screens and won our hearts during the premiere episode on July 20, 2009.

“I know this has been a very difficult decision for Carrie, and although we are all very sad that she will no longer be on The Project we fully respect her decision and wish her nothing but the best for her next adventure.

“Carrie has been a wonderful host of the The Project for the past 13 years, and she has also been a respected, valued and much-loved member of the 10 family for the past 17 years, when she appeared every week as the popular newsreader on Rove Live.

“Her genuine warmth, empathy, passion, humanity and humour have always resonated with viewers. It’s no wonder audiences welcomed her night after night into their loungerooms and onto their screens.

“There have been many magical Carrie moments and we look forward to celebrating these when we farewell Carrie on Wednesday, November 30. We hope to work together again.”