The Project has revealed its final line-up for 2023.
Joining the panel next year with Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Hamish Macdonald, and Georgie Tunny on the news and current affairs show are comics Sam Taunton and Michael Hing.
Taunton joined the stand-up comedy scene in 2017, scooping up newcomer nominations across the country – and he hasn’t slowed down since.
Taunton, who will join Harris and Aly at the desk Monday to Thursday, said: “I’m so excited and nervous to join The Project in 2023 (nervous mainly because they’re handing down Carrie’s wardrobe to me and I’m not sure I can pull it off).”
“It’s a fresh cast and we’re all looking forward to creating something new and energetic that I think people will really respond to. I’m also excited to steal Waleed’s opinions and use them as my own at dinner parties.”
Taking over on Friday and Sunday nights is comedian, broadcaster, gamer, actor, and a podcaster with a cult following – Michael Hing.
From creating viral political satire videos to boasting a loyal listenership on Triple J Drive, Hing’s versality is matched only by his quick wit. He said: “Honestly, I’m so thrilled to be joining Lisa, Pete and Carrie at The Project and look forward to getting to work with some of the biggest names in television! Wait, what?”
Chris Bendall, The Project’s executive producer, said: “Both Sam and Michael have been part of The Project’s extended family for a while and I am rapt we have locked them down for big new roles. Comedy is at the centre of what The Project does and given the news has never been more in need of a laugh, these two will make sure there is no better place to get your news and have fun while you do it.
“After the biggest shakeup in The Project’s history I am confident we now have the perfect line-up to launch into the new year. No matter what kind of day viewers have had, we’ll guarantee it will end with a smile. With our new team, I cannot wait to keep serving up the laughs in 2023.”
Tamara Simoneau, Network 10 executive producer, said: “What a dream team! We feel pretty lucky to have Sam and Michael completing our exciting new line-up with Waleed, Sarah, Hamish and Georgie for 2023. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with this crew after a long day?”
“Both experienced and in-demand stand-up comics, Sam and Michael will bring the laughs, but they’ve also got a few surprises up their sleeves. There’s a great chemistry with the new team already and we know Australia is going to love them.”
The new additions to The Project comes after Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson and Peter Helliar announced their departures from the news and current affairs show earlier this year.
The Project returns on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 6.30pm
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Top image, left to right: Sam Taunton, Sam Harris, Michael Hing, Waleed Aly, Hamish McDonald and Georgie Tunny