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Courier-Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Waleed Aly reveals pressure as Muslim host of The Project
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Project host Waleed Aly has spoken publicly for the first time about the intense pressures and challenges he encountered as the first Muslim man to front a major Australian television program. Speaking to a roundtable of former co-hosts on Hit Network's Carrie and Tommy, Aly opened up about the backlash he received as the first Muslim man to hold a prime-time hosting role in commercial TV — revealing he received death threats and required 24-hour security while hosting the show. 'I've never spoken about this publicly but (it was tough) having to deal with death threats and security out the front of my house – sometimes for 24 hours – having to explain to the kids why suddenly there's this guy driving us around as we go the zoo and not telling them why,' he said. Former co-hosts Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Waleed Aly, Pete Helliar and Dave Hughes reflected on their time on the show. Picture: Supplied 'That was very real. That was heavy stuff. So, I never thought about it that way (being the first Muslim on The Project) but I was forced to think about it … it was forced upon me.' The 16-year-old show came to an end after a period of declining ratings and to make room for a new current affairs and insight program 10 News+. Aly has been a co-host since the first episode aired and paid tribute to the 'audacious TV experiment' started by some 'outstandingly creative people'. 'I had been on the show every week (filing in, prior to being cast as a regular). I hadn't thought about it, it was just an extension of what I was doing. You go into commercial TV, and you realise everything becomes about personalities. 'I remember the moment when I was nominated for the Gold Logie, and it was me and Lee Lin Chin and there was a front-page story absolutely going (at) us, and only us … like, 'Why are these guys nominated?' 'I remember moments like that where I was like, 'Whoa, okay, this is a real thing. This is becoming real and it's all foisted upon you.' X SUBSCRIBER ONLY The Project launched in 2009, and Friday's finale was the 4504th episode. It was first confirmed last week that the current affairs and entertainment panel program was wrapping up at the end of June, with stars including Harris and Aly leaving not only their roles on the show but also with Network 10. According to insiders as many as 100 jobs overall will be impacted by Ten's decision to drop the show, which was broadcast six nights a week and has production offices in both Melbourne and Sydney. Alongside Aly, Bickmore co-hosted from 2009 until 2022 yet confessed she 'never felt enough' on the show. 'You talked about feeling like an impostor before. I never have felt enough; I never felt enough on that show,' she said. 'It's a strange thing to say when it was a huge part of my life, and I loved it! I loved it. I don't know if it was me, my own insecurities, or people's projections. The final episode of The Project aired on Friday. Picture: Supplied. 'I'll never forget the moment the words were said to me 'why can't you be more like Waleed?' 'I knew what they meant. You were extraordinary (Waleed) and you arrived on the show and changed the game for commentary everywhere. You were extraordinary. But that wasn't my strength, nor should it have been, nor did I want that, nor did the show need that. 'But the problem was that when something good happens, it's hard to not want everybody to do that good thing, so we can get more of that goodness, and make it even better because we've struck gold! It was like … 'No, Waleed is Waleed!' I should never have been you, we needed to be ourselves, and so often I felt like I needed to be someone else. Something clicked in my head and I realised, I just need to be me.' Originally published as 'Death threats, 24 hour security': Waleed Aly reveals dark Project toll as first Muslim TV host
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Death threats, 24 hour security': Waleed Aly reveals dark Project toll as first Muslim TV host
The Project host Waleed Aly has spoken publicly for the first time about the intense pressures and challenges he encountered as the first Muslim man to front a major Australian television program. Speaking to a roundtable of former co-hosts on Hit Network's Carrie and Tommy, Aly opened up about the backlash he received as the first Muslim man to hold a prime-time hosting role in commercial TV — revealing he received death threats and required 24-hour security while hosting the show. 'I've never spoken about this publicly but (it was tough) having to deal with death threats and security out the front of my house – sometimes for 24 hours – having to explain to the kids why suddenly there's this guy driving us around as we go the zoo and not telling them why,' he said. 'That was very real. That was heavy stuff. So, I never thought about it that way (being the first Muslim on The Project) but I was forced to think about it … it was forced upon me.' The 16-year-old show came to an end after a period of declining ratings and to make room for a new current affairs and insight program 10 News+. Aly has been a co-host since the first episode aired and paid tribute to the 'audacious TV experiment' started by some 'outstandingly creative people'. 'I had been on the show every week (filing in, prior to being cast as a regular). I hadn't thought about it, it was just an extension of what I was doing. You go into commercial TV, and you realise everything becomes about personalities. 'I remember the moment when I was nominated for the Gold Logie, and it was me and Lee Lin Chin and there was a front-page story absolutely going (at) us, and only us … like, 'Why are these guys nominated?' 'I remember moments like that where I was like, 'Whoa, okay, this is a real thing. This is becoming real and it's all foisted upon you.' The Project launched in 2009, and Friday's finale was the 4504th episode. It was first confirmed last week that the current affairs and entertainment panel program was wrapping up at the end of June, with stars including Harris and Aly leaving not only their roles on the show but also with Network 10. According to insiders as many as 100 jobs overall will be impacted by Ten's decision to drop the show, which was broadcast six nights a week and has production offices in both Melbourne and Sydney. Alongside Aly, Bickmore co-hosted from 2009 until 2022 yet confessed she 'never felt enough' on the show. 'You talked about feeling like an impostor before. I never have felt enough; I never felt enough on that show,' she said. 'It's a strange thing to say when it was a huge part of my life, and I loved it! I loved it. I don't know if it was me, my own insecurities, or people's projections. 'I'll never forget the moment the words were said to me 'why can't you be more like Waleed?' 'I knew what they meant. You were extraordinary (Waleed) and you arrived on the show and changed the game for commentary everywhere. You were extraordinary. But that wasn't my strength, nor should it have been, nor did I want that, nor did the show need that. 'But the problem was that when something good happens, it's hard to not want everybody to do that good thing, so we can get more of that goodness, and make it even better because we've struck gold! It was like … 'No, Waleed is Waleed!' I should never have been you, we needed to be ourselves, and so often I felt like I needed to be someone else. Something clicked in my head and I realised, I just need to be me.'
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Makeup-free Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little reignite romance rumours as they exit flight together at Sydney Airport - but why does she look so glum?
Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little have sent tongues wagging after touching down in Sydney together. The Hit Network duo, who have been fuelling romance rumours for months, arrived at Sydney Airport on Wednesday, with Carrie looking downcast as she made her way through arrivals. The former Project star went makeup-free for her flight from Melbourne, wearing her signature blonde locks in waves across her shoulders as she wheeled her luggage through the airport. Carrie wrapped up warm in a teddy faux fur jacket, which she layered over a plain white tee. She opted for comfy bottoms for the flight, choosing a pair of black trackies that boasted three white stripes down the sides. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She finished off the casual outfit with black sneakers. Tommy also opted for a laid-back outfit for travel day, chucking on a white hooded sweater. He similarly wore comfy black track pants for the plane ride, keeping warm with a black bomber jacket paired over the fit. He added to his look with Nike sneakers and a pair of sunglasses tucked in his hoodie, ready to hide his famous visage. Carrie and Tommy have long been the subject of romance rumours thanks to their on-air chemistry and flirty social media exchanges. Carrie recently showed her support for Tommy's career when she stepped out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to cheer him on during one of his shows. The Hit Network star shared an image of her colleague to Instagram Stories when she went to watch one of his I'm Not Proud shows at the Comedy Theatre. The pair are both set to appear on The Project's final episode on Friday. The pair are both set to appear on The Project's final episode on Friday It was revealed on Monday that the show's original stars Carrie, Charlie Pickering and Dave 'Hughesy' Hughes would be joining the panel for its final showdown. The former stars of the comedic current affairs program, which is set to leave Channel Ten this week, will return for the final episode and help wave goodbye to nearly 16 years of 'news delivered differently'. The final curtain call is set to tug on long-time viewers' heartstrings with a number of highlights from over the years. Also on the line-up will be The Project's current stars Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris and Sam Taunton, along with Georgie Tunny and Friday regulars Rove McManus and Susie Youssef. Resident funnyman Tommy will, of course, also make an appearance. In June, it was announced that The Project had been officially axed and would air its final episode on June 27.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Hit Network's Christie Hayes announces she is expecting her first child with husband Justin Coombes-Pearce after four-year IVF journey
The Hit Network's Christie Hayes has been open about her IVF journey with listeners over the last four years. And now, the Christie and Dan Show host has announced that she is expecting a baby with her husband Justin Coombes-Pearce. Christie, 38, informed listeners on Monday after first surprising her co-host Dan Taylor with the happy news three weeks ago during an off air segment that was also filmed. The moment was shared with listeners during the announcement and later posted to Instagram. In the clip, an ecstatic Christie can be seen passing a ' Jimi Hendrix ' lunchbox to her co-host. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Am I gonna find some wacky tobacky in here?' Dan joked before opening up the 'present'. On opening the container, Dan discovered 'thousands' of pregnancy home tests. 'I'm pregnant!' the former Home and Away star declared. 'I found out on Friday that I was pregnant. I'd been doing all these pregnancy tests and on Friday I had to get a blood test to confirm it. It came up with really good news.' In another moment from the video, the two breakfast radio stars can be seen sharing a hug. Elsewhere, Christie made an emotional statement thanking her listeners especially those who had shared their own IVF journey on the program. 'It's been four years in the making … I am pregnant. We are ecstatic, we are safe, and we're in the second trimester already. 'I just want you to know that if you are going through IVF,' she continued. 'I have been where you are. I know how hard it is. I just want you to know that it can happen. When you least expect it, your life can change.' Christie also shared her happy news to Instagram and included a touching family snap featuring her two boys, and husband in a group hug. 'And after the rain, came the rainbow,' the radio star said in the catpion. 'We are all over the moon to announce the news that we are expecting! The most prayed for, wanted, adored baby that we are all so in love with already. 'After losing a baby, two back to back chemical pregnancies, our miracle is finally here. And now, somehow, it makes sense. The final piece of our puzzle. 'To my fellow IVF warriors — I see you. I am you. If you're still waiting, still aching, still hoping — please don't give up. Your miracle might just be around the corner, your story is still unfolding and we never know what the next chapter holds.' 'Our beautiful boys and my darling husband and I couldn't be happier. Love you all! Xxxx.' She tied the knot with Triple M's Justin in 2021 and the couple immediately made plans to have a baby. Christie has often discussed her family heartache over the last few years on her show, including detailing the anguish she experienced following a miscarriage three years ago. She has two sons, Hendrix, 10 and Harley, nine, from her relationship to wine broker Daniel White. The pair split in 2019 after marrying in 2015. Now based in Hobart, Christie rose to fame in 2000 after playing 'twins' Kirsty and Laura in Home and Away. After leaving the soap in 2005 she returned in 2008 before making a final exit in October the following year. In 2022 she launched the Dan and Christie Show on the Hit Network with co-host Dan Taylor.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Carrie Bickmore looks fresh-faced as she showcases her natural beauty at Sydney Airport
Carrie Bickmore looked effortlessly chic at Sydney Airport on Monday, as she made her way through the bustling terminal wearing a relaxed yet stylish outfit. The 44-year-old radio star opted for minimal makeup, showcasing her natural look as she prepared to catch a taxi to a hotel. Carrie sported an unbuttoned blue denim jacket worn over a figure-hugging black Puma top. She paired the look with matching black leggings and Adidas sneakers. Her blonde hair cascaded freely around her shoulders, complementing her fresh-faced appearance. Carrie sported a focused look while carrying a mobile phone in one hand and wheeling her luggage with the other as she made her way to the taxi rank. She appeared in good spirits, flashing a relaxed smile as she navigated her way through the crowds. The veteran presenter's down-to-earth appearance and style has always made her relatable to fans, and her latest airport outing was no exception. Last month, Carrie fanned the flames of romance rumours between her and radio co-host Tommy Little yet again as she cheered him on during one of his shows at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The Hit Network star shared an image of her colleague, 40, to Instagram when she went to watch one of his recent 'I'm Not Proud' shows at the Comedy Theatre. In the picture, Tommy could be seen smiling on stage as he held a microphone and addressed the audience, wearing an all-black ensemble as he flashed his numerous tattoos. Carrie took the photo from the crowd and captioned it with '5 star review' alongside a hand clapping emoji and star emoji. Tommy has also been adding fuel to the fire when it comes to speculation he and Carrie are in a secret relationship. In March, the comedian took to the stage again to make jokes at his co-star's expense for The Roast of Carrie Bickmore. The Adelaide-born star looked to be enjoying her day out as she let her natural beauty shine while strolling through the bustling terminal Carrie was spotted checking her phone as she made her way through the airport She looked relieved as she boarded a waiting taxi and left the airport However, Tommy had the crowd speculating whether he had the hots for the blonde beauty after he made a suggestive comment about her appearance. During the roast, Tommy declared Carrie 'looks better and better' every day. 'She's just getting hotter and hotter, and if you want to know what's her secret: cosmetic surgery,' he joked. 'Want to know what Carrie would look like without all the work done? Bev Killick,' he added, as he gestured to the comedian who was also taking part in the comedy skit. The night out came after Carrie's very public split from longtime partner Chris Walker in 2023. Rumours of a romance between her and her Hit Network pal Tommy quickly ensued.
