Latest news with #ex-Seven
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Everyone knows you've lost your job': The Project star Sam Taunton returns to stand-up comedy after brutal axing
Axed Project Star Sam Taunton has broken his silence following the shock cancellation of Channel 10's The Project in a new stand up set. Taunton, a well-known stand-up comedian, joined the long-running panel show in 2023 as a full time weeknight panelist alongside fellow newbie Sarah Harris and veteran Waleed Aly. The 33-year-old funny man took to the stage in Sydney this week to try out some new stand up material after news of the show's cancellation reached media outlets. 'It's just like everyone f**king knows you've lost your job and it's crazy,' Sam told the audience, as reported by the Daily Mail Australia. 'My dad rang me and said: 'Look, if I'm honest, the show wasn't for me. I prefer real news''. Staunton then revealed that his co-host Waleed Aly tried to warn him about paparazzi due to the high level of media coverage about The Project's demise. 'Waleed – you might know that guy?' Taunton said. 'He texted me on Wednesday and said: 'I'm so sorry, Sam. Get prepared. I just got papped by the paparazzi outside Chemist Warehouse near the studio.' 'I ran as fast as I could to Chemist Warehouse. Not one f***er took a photo of me!' A Ten spokesperson confirmed to last week that The Project will end its run after 'almost 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes' on June 27. The long-running panel series was beset by sliding ratings and a rotating line up of anchors for years before it was officially axed. Channel 10 has subsequently unveiled The Project's successor, a 'premium, in-depth news, current affairs and insights program' called 10 NEWS+. The new 'premium' news show will be helmed by ex-Seven talent Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. It is understood that 10NEWS+ will inherit the first half of The Project's 6:30pm – 7:30pm slot, with the second half hour now freed up for the channel's primetime programming. The anchor team will be supported by an existing pool of Ten reporters, including Political Editor Ashleigh Raper, Bill Hogan, Brianna Parkins, Samantha Butler, Carrie-Anne Greenbank and Claudia Vrdoljak.
Sky News AU
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
‘What we're doing is completely different to anything else in the market': Shock first look at The Project replacement 10 News+
Channel 10 has finally announced the new 'premium' news show that will replace The Project within weeks after hiring ex-Seven talent Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. A Ten spokesperson confirmed to on Monday that The Project will end its run after 'almost 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes' on June 27. The long-running panel series was beset by sliding ratings and a rotating line up of anchors for years before it was officially axed. Now, Channel 10 has unveiled The Project's successor, a 'premium, in-depth news, current affairs and insights program' called 10 NEWS+. '10 NEWS+ will follow Network 10's 5pm local news bulletins across the country, offering viewers extended context and deeper reporting on the day's biggest stories,' the network said in a statement. 'The 5pm bulletin remains a cornerstone of the network's trusted news offering, delivering the latest breaking news and updates. '10 NEWS+ aims to redefine evening news by providing comprehensive analysis, trusted reporting, and long-form investigative journalism. 'The program will offer a fresh perspective on critical local and global stories, tailored for an engaged audience seeking in-depth news coverage.' The network officially confirmed that ex-Seven talent Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace will anchor the series Sunday through Thursday, while Ursula Heger and Hugh Riminton will take the reins on Fridays. 'This is an exciting opportunity for our network news team. We're going to do what we do best — put the truth first, our audience first, and tell important stories well. We've assembled a fantastic team, led by Denham and Amelia, and I can't wait for audiences to see their hard work,' Martin White, VP News, Paramount Australia said in a statement. 'What we're doing with 10 NEWS+ is completely different to anything else in the market.' Mr White also pointed out that unlike the opinion-heavy Project, the new program will be 'just the facts'. 'At the heart of everything we do is delivering news and current affairs that matter to you. No filler. No opinion. Just the facts,' he said. It is understood that 10NEWS+ will inherit the first half of The Project's 6:30pm – 7:30pm slot, with the second half hour now freed up for the channel's primetime programming. The anchor team will be supported by an existing pool of Ten reporters, including Political Editor Ashleigh Raper, Bill Hogan, Brianna Parkins, Samantha Butler, Carrie-Anne Greenbank and Claudia Vrdoljak. Additionally, longtime Entertainment Editor Angela Bishop will continue to contribute red carpet events and exclusive interviews for the new program. 10NEWS+ will premiere on Monday, 30 June at 6pm on 10 and 10 Play.
