The Sunday Project hosts’ lose it over politician’s name

The Sunday Project came to a screeching halt tonight when a prank by one of the hosts who changed the script left the other presenter’s speechless.

The hosts of The Sunday Project were barely able to continue with Sunday night’s show for several minutes after they got an attack of the giggles over a politician’s name.

But it was Hamish Macdonald who fared worse, descending into breathless hysterics as fellow host Tommy Little stitched him up by altering his script.

At one point, an unable to speak Macdonald hid behind his papers, uncontrollably laughing.

Macdonald and Little, along with fellow host Lisa Wilkinson, were discussing the new leader of Britain’s right wing UK Independence Party (UKIP) which has seen its support plummet since former leader Nigel Farage broke off to form the rival Brexit party.

The new leader’s name is Richard Braine. But as Little helpfully, or not as the case may be, pointed out that could be easily shortened to “Dick Braine”.

“You truly can’t make this stuff up,” said Wilkinson as the other hosts began to snicker.

Sunday Project presenter Tommy Little changed Hamish Macdonald’s script just before the show went to air. Picture: Channel 10.

Little and Macdonald fell into hysterics, quickly followed by Lisa Wilkinson. Picture: Channel 10.

As the camera focused on Macdonald, it became clear he’d been skewered by Little who had changed his script since he had last seen it. Now, his autocue was prompting him to say “Dick Braine” live on air.

“Really?” Macdonald said bemused. “This was not here before”.

Little wouldn’t let it go, pushing Macdonald to utter the words “Dick Brain”.

“Hamish … read the screen. Just read it.”

Hesitantly, Macdonald said: “It’s not every day there’s a politician with the name Dick Braine — that’s right, that’s his name.

“I don’t understand what’s going on, (Little) doesn’t know how to type or use a keyboard,” he said looking at the comedian.

Going red and laughing, McDonald was then unable say anything else for several minutes.

“Hamish you’re a serious journalist. Read the news,” said Little.

“OK, I’ll read it. First name Dick. Second name Braine. They went with Dick Braine. Back to you, Dick Braine,” Little said motioning towards Macdonald.

The Sunday Project’s Macdonald was unable to speak. Picture: Channel 10.

For several minutes Macdonald was unable to read the script. Picture: Channel 10.

“It’s a great name. It’s taken over as my favourite name. Fanny Chmelar was my favourite before,” Little continued.

“She was downhill skier.”

“You’re making that up,” said Wilkinson, now also losing it. “Google it,” Little replied.

With Macdonald still giggling, Little went to the next segment before throwing back to Macdonald.

“Dick, to you. How is everyone doing?” he asked.

“I’m struggling but I’m back,” said a red faced Macdonald.

Later in the show, while interviewing two of the award-winning Crusty Demons stunt motorcyclist team, Little came back to his pranking of Macdonald earlier.

“You ring your mum and get a gold medal. I’ll ring my mum after the show and say, ‘I made Hamish say Dick Braine’.”