Lisa Wilkinson opens up about her big debut on The Project
Three months after her shock departure from Nine’s Today show, Lisa Wilkinson is preparing to make her debut on rival network Ten’s The Project this coming Sunday.
The 58-year-old spoke to TV Week magazine about what’s being described as one of the biggest shake-ups in the Aussie TV industry in years.
“I’ve always put my family first,” said Lisa, who shares three children (Jake, 24, Louis, 22, and Billi, 20) with husband Peter FitzSimons. “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.”
In the wake of her big announcement, many speculated as to the reason behind Lisa’s decision – which was reported to be due to a pay dispute – but Lisa says it was simply time for a change.
“It was a privilege to be part of the Today show team for more than a decade," she said. “I leave behind wonderful experiences and cherished friendships. But it was time to set myself some new challenges.”
And she couldn’t be happier to join her new colleagues, Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar. “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.”
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