Who is set to replace Carrie Bickmore on The Project?

After 13 years behind the desk, Carrie Bickmore has announced she is leaving The Project on Network Ten.

“It’s been the hardest decision of my professional life to make this call, but it’s time for a new challenge,” a tearful Bickmore told The Project recently.

“I’m going to miss my best mates on the desk, the job itself, which is just so incredibly fulfilling, our wonderful viewers who’ve been on the journey over the last 13 years.”

She added: "I’m leaving at a time that I’m so happy to be here, which feels so confusing, but I just know it’s time, I know it’s right."

Having been a host on the show since the beginning, Bickmore’s are certainly some big shoes to fill.

While Network Ten is yet to announce who will be replacing Bickmore on the show, the likes of Chrissie Swan and Lisa Wilkison have emerged as favourites.

Swan currently appears on the show each Thursday as a guest, and also filled in for Bickmore earlier this year during her three-month break. 

Wilkinson is also already a host on the programme on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Other potential contenders include Jan Fran, Susie Yousseff and Georgie Tunny, who all also regularly appear on the show as panellists and are more than comfortable behind the Project desk.

A more controversial option is Abbie Chatfield, who is known for her successful radio show on the Hit Network and her popular It’s A Lot podcast, as well as her stint as a host on The Masked Singer Australia. 

Despite her departure from The Project, Bickmore confirmed she has no plans to leave the small screen, saying in an on-air announcement: “Honey I'm not retiring. I'm going to move onto something different which I do not know what that is yet.”

In an Instagram tribute, The Project and Carrie & Tommy co-host, Tommy Little, wrote: “She’s the heart and soul of this show and unless there’s anymore surprise announcements this week, I’m stoked to be able to ride those coat tails a little longer with our radio show.”

So, even though Bickmore’s presence on The Project will be missed, Little’s message means fans can rest assured knowing Bickmore has no plans to leave her show on the Hit Network anytime soon.