The Project bid farewell to its sole original host Carrie Bickmore on Wednesday night. For 13 years, she has been the face of the show, turning her into a Gold Logie award-winning personality.
Bickmore was in a celebratory mood, and she greeted the viewers with a glass of Champagne before heading to the newsdesk.
A number of Project regulars joined the desk to pay tribute to Bickmore, who is leaving the network after 13 years.
The last few minutes of the show were dedicated to her, and she delivered a 10-minute speech, which covered all of the details of the show’s making.
In her farewell, Bickmore thanked the journalists who have covered the show, as opposed to Lisa Wilkinson’s recent criticism of the media.
She also thanked the people who challenged her and helped make The Project a success.
However, she broke down as she talked about a young girl who had been going through a difficult time, and she said that she would miss the show and would look forward to watching it again.
Bickmore thanked the viewers for their support during her 13-year run on the show. She also said that she would miss the camaraderie she had with her colleagues.
After the show, she delivered her final speech, which was full of funny anecdotes. Bickmore’s last words were: “Is it too late to change my mind?” Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar, her two core panelmates, gave glowing tributes.
Bickmore was praised by her colleagues for her work on the show, and she was also acknowledged for her warmth and generosity.
Peter Helliar, who will be leaving The Project next week, said that she would be greatly missed.