The Project yet to lock in Carrie Bickmore for 2018

The TEN Network is in danger of losing its biggest star as The Project host Carrie Bickmore considers a switch to a full-time radio gig.

With Hamish & Andy confirmed to be departing at the end of 2017. The Hit Radio Network has made no secret of the fact they want Bickmore to take charge of the drive shift in 2018.

Executive producer of The Project, Craig Campbell has today confirmed he is unsure if Bickmore will remain with the show, telling NewsCorp, “I would love to think she would stay with us; I don’t know if she will or won’t. I think at some point everyone is going to move on. I would love to think that she won’t.” 

Bickmore whom started her media career in radio, has this year been hosting a 3pm – 4pm show on the Hit Network with comedian and friend Tommy Little.

Austereo boss Guy Dobson recently told Fairfax Media “Carrie and Tommy have done extremely well for us and audiences love them,” “They’re in the box seat, but we are talking to lots of people.”

The Hamish & Andy show is networked on 43 Hit radio stations across Australia. The show is hugely profitable and important for the network.

Austereo will be willing to offer Bickmore a multi-million-dollar deal if they believe she is the right person to take the drivetime gig. A figure that TEN, and its new owners CBS may be unwilling to match.

A focus on radio would also reduce the workload for Bickmore as she seeks to spend more time with her family, while also managing her charity ‘Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer’.

If Bickmore does depart, it will leave TEN looking for a new host for its flagship program. Gorgi Coghlan is seen as the obvious favourite for the role. Coghlan currently hosts the show on Friday nights and is well regarded by viewers.

However, DeciderTV understands Studio10 host Sarah Harris is also considered a possibility to take the primetime gig. The popular daytime host recently guest presented The Project in a move seen by some as an audition.