Speculation rife over Carrie Bickmore’s replacement on The Project

Carrie Bickmore, the only original host still on The Project, has left a big chair to fill by choosing to step away from the desk.

Carrie Bickmore is stepping away from The Project desk and speculation about who will replace her is rife.

Bickmore announced on Tuesday she would be heading to the UK with her family for a school term-long trip next month.

While she will continue her radio show with Tommy Little on the Hit Network, she will not be able to co-host Channel 10’s The Project – leaving a big chair for the network to fill.

The Daily Telegraph’s Confidential is reporting that it might fall to Lisa Wilkinson, who would take up more days on the desk.

Lisa Wilkinson currently fronts The Sunday Project, but there is speculation she will also front show on weeknights in Carrie’s absence. Picture: Channel 10

However former Channel 10 executive producer Rob McKnight told the publication Studio 10’s Sarah Harris would be a better option.

“As far as replacement hosts go, Lisa Wilkinson certainly brings headlines and has done some compelling interviews but will she bring the much-needed ratings the show needs?” he said.

“If I were 10 I would put Sarah Harris in the role. She’s wasted in the morning and is capable of so much more than what she is currently doing,” he continued, adding that if it doesn’t happen the network may lose her.

Sarah Harris currently co-hosts Studio 10 with Tristan MacManus. Picture: Channel 10

Bickmore is The Project’s only original host. She first sat on the desk in 2009 alongside Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering.

As the show celebrated its 2000th episode in 2017, Bickmore spoke to news.com.au about the “terrifying” very first episode.

“Before the first episode I remember wondering if my body would automatically tell me to keep breathing because I was so stressed out that I thought that I might actually have a panic attack or a heart attack live on air,” she said.

Carrie Bickmore co-hosted the show when it was called The 7pm Project with Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering. Picture: Channel 10

“I honestly don’t remember anything about the first episode. I couldn’t tell you what topics we talked about or any details, the only thing I remember is when the show ended, breathing out and hearing Dave Hughes say, ‘Well, I think I just ended my career’.

“I remember thinking, ‘S**t, if Dave Hughes is saying that, then what hope have I got?’”.

It turned out, the show was a great move for Bickmore.

After announcing her temporary departure on Tuesday, industry commentators have pointed out Bickmore is an essential part of The Project and worry about its success without her.