With rumours there may be major changes in the pipeline at Ten, all eyes are on one of the network’s most celebrated presenters, Carrie Bickmore, and her coveted role on The Project.
According to insiders, long-time host Carrie, 40, has found herself stuck between a rock and a hard place with her commitments for her radio show alongside Tommy Little on 2Day FM and her TV role on The Project.
With such a full schedule, sources say the beloved host – along with good friend and colleague Tommy – may decide to give up one of their high-profile gigs.
“Carrie & Tommy is one of the most successful shows on the airwaves at the moment with executives seeing its potential to take out the number one spot, but it’s no secret that the two hosts are being stretched very thin,” says the spy.
“Even though it’s marketed so, the majority of the show is not ‘live’ due to their other commitments with The Project, and that’s causing major strain on both ends of the scale. It may come to the point where they must choose one or the other.”
Is Carrie eyeing up a Project exit?
(Network Ten)Seeing the show’s potential, the source adds that Southern Cross Austereo has also offered a significant pay rise as an incentive for the duo to focus purely on their radio show. “It’s enough cash to entice them both away from The Project, put it that way,” says the source.
As fans ponder Carrie’s future, whispers have already begun on her possible replacement, with many signs pointing to Studio 10 alum Sarah Harris, 39, who has reportedly been “eyeing off” The Project for some time.
Sarah Harris could be in the running to take her place.
(Getty)DREAM JOB
“She’s made no secret that The Project is a dream job. She’s also turned a new chapter in her personal life and she’s certainly never looked better – so she’s ready for a change to reflect that,” says the source.
Adding Sarah is considered royalty at the network, our spy says executives are taking her pitch seriously and believe if Carrie was to ever step away, Sarah would be the only person who could match her wit and popularity.
“She also has the experience – she’s stepped in for Carrie on The Project many times before and executives have noticed her unwavering dedication to her work, particularly during the mass redundancies last year at the network,” says the insider.
While a change in Carrie’s direction would likely dishearten some fans of the show, it is something they have already had a taste of, with the comedian’s absences from the news desk becoming more frequent in recent months.
