On October 16, 2017, presenter Lisa Wilkinson announced she was leaving the Nine Network’s Today show, and 60 minutes later, revealed she would be joining The Project with rival Network Ten.
Now, after her three months of “gardening leave” – where, funnily enough, she did do some gardening – Lisa has officially joined The Project.
While the network executives are thrilled about one of the biggest industry moves in recent decades, those most pleased are Lisa’s children, Jake, 24, Louis, 22, Billi, 20, and her husband, Peter FitzSimons, 56.
“I’ve always put my family first,” Lisa, 58, tells TV WEEK. “Whenever I have made a move – either re-signing with a network or making the move to another – they are the ones who I consult first and last.”
“But this latest move was a no-brainer, to be honest. I love The Project, as do my whole family. I really wanted to get back into more news and current affairs.”
Rumours have circulated for the last three months as to why the TV presenter decided to leave her co-hosting role alongside Karl Stefanovic. Now, Lisa wants to set the record straight.
“It was a privilege to be part of the Today show team for more than a decade,” she says. “I leave behind wonderful experiences and cherished friendships. But it was time to set myself some new challenges.”
As for her new TV family, Lisa is excited to be joining Waleed Aly, Peter Helliar and Carrie Bickmore.
“Carrie and I have been mates for years,” she explains. “I’m a huge admirer of her wonderful work and passion for the causes she believes in. To be working with Carrie was one of the big reasons I decided to go to Ten. And we couldn’t be more excited to be working together.”
For the full story, pick up Monday’s issue of TV WEEK.
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