“These things come in threes” Peter Helliar, 47, said before announcing his departure from The Project in November 2022.
The comedian’s voice trembled as he revealed his intention to follow in the footsteps of Carrie Bickmore and Lisa Wilkinson by leaving the news program after almost 10 years.
“It’s been something on my mind for a while,” he said. “People will read the situation however they want to read into it, but I feel like I need to create some space for some projects that I wanna work on.”
Peter Helliar shocked viewers when he announced his intention to leave The Project.
(Image: Ten)He went on to say that there’s some “new areas” he will be exploring next year that he needs to “be present for”.
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“Carrie you said something recently that kind of really solidified it” the presenter continued, acknowledging his co-host. “So don’t blame Carrie or don’t thank Carrie,” he joked.
“You said that you are glad you are leaving The Project while you still love it. And I still love this show. I really do. It means a lot to me. It’s done amazing things for me.”
Pete is the third host to quit the show in the last couple of months.
(Image: Instagram)The comedian’s announcement was quick to garner plenty of commentary from the show’s viewers, as well as speculation surrounding the trio’s departures.
“What on earth is going on here. Why is everyone leaving 😤,” one user commented on Instagram.
“They might as well just axe the entire show at this point. No reason to watch it now without Pete!” another added.
“Sad to see him go, but looking forward to the new youth rebrand ! ✨,” a third wrote.
WATCH: Carrie Bickmore announces she is leaving The Project. Article continues after video
Pete was inundated with messages of support from his industry friends.
Co-host Carrie shared a sweet selfie with her television buddy of around 17 years.
“It’ll be so strange not doing life at work with you anymore 😞,” she wrote on Instagram. “But I am so glad we can continue to do life outside of work together as we do now 🥰.
“Working with you has always been a breeze…you get me…I get you…and it’s simply been a joy getting to share the desk with you. Good luck with all that is to come for you. Luv ya mate 💋 P.S our heads are not to scale in this pic 🤣.”
Rove McManus also paid tribute to his longtime pal and congratulated him on his many career successes.
”This guy! @pjhelliar was my comedy wingman for pretty much my entire early tv career before going on to be just as integral to the team on @theprojecttv,’ he wrote.
”He’s not officially done just yet but here’s to one hell of a run.’
Carrie shared a sweet tribute to Pete following the news.
(Image: Instagram)Now, months on from his on screen departure, Peter has revealed exclusively to TV Week that whilst he is open to further television hosting gigs if it’s the ”right show” and ”right people”, he had no qualms about quitting as a panellist on The Project.
”I’m very comfortable with my decision,” he says.
”I think I’d thought about it more than I realise. When I started telling people [co host] Hamish MacDonald said, ‘You basically told me this when we played gold two months ago.’ I think I was rehearsing my conversations with people.”
He also noted that his leaving at a similar time to both Carrie and Lisa ”wasn’t planned.”
”Lisa caught us by surprise,” he said.
”The day before she announced it, she texted me to tell me and I replied with ‘I’m not sure if you know this…”’ and she was a bit shocked [laughs].”
