Channel Ten has confirmed a beloved member of The Project panel will not be returning to the program in 2025, as the network continues to make shock changes to the panel show.
Ten confirmed that comedian Michael Hing, 39, would no longer be part of the show this year, after he joined the series in 2023 as a co-panelist.
‘For the last two years, we have loved Michael Hing’s quick wit and hosting hijinks as a regular on The Project,’ the network said in a statement.
‘We wish Michael every success for his nationwide stand-up tour and look forward to welcoming him back to the desk between gigs in 2025.’
Hing also confirmed the news on social media, revealing he was now focused on preparing for his upcoming stand-up comedy tour of Australia, which runs from February to July.
His most recent appearance on the long-running series was in mid-November.

Channel 10 has confirmed a beloved member of The Project panel will not be returning to the program in 2025, as the network continues to make shock changes in an attempt to attract viewers. (Pictured: The Project panel in 2024)
The network also revealed that The Project panel would be reduced to three co-panelists on Fridays, commencing from next month.
‘In 2025, The Project is doing Fridays differently! From late February, join Rove McManus, Georgie Tunny and Susie Youssef at The Project desk every Friday night, as the working week wraps up and the weekend fun begins.
‘Expect the same dose of wit, charm and newsy goodness, but with a little more space for those unexpected, spontaneous moments that only a Friday night can bring. It’s the perfect end to the week.’
The network did not reveal the reasons behind why it was reducing its panel, but it may be a cost-cutting measure that coincides with Rove McManus’ pledge to make the Friday episodes less news-focused.
McManus has been involved with The Project since it began in 2009, as he helped create the series through his production company Roving Enterprises, which continues to develop it.
In October, the veteran presenter made a huge announcement about his future on the hit Channel Ten current affairs show in a rare sit-down interview.
The comedian was asked about his upcoming projects during a candid chat with Jordy Lucas and Alexandria Funnell on their That’s Showbiz, Baby podcast.
Admitting he had many ‘irons in the fire’, the triple Gold Logie winner then teased that his role at The Project could become permanent.

The network confirmed that comedian Michael Hing (pictured) would no longer be part of the show this year, after he joined The Project in 2023 as a co-panelist

The network also revealed that The Project panel would be reduced to three co-panelists on Fridays, commencing from next month. (Pictured: A recent three-person panel, consisting of Rove McManus, Georgie Tunny and Myf Warhurst)
Rove has done numerous stints as a guest presenter on the show over the years and returned once again in 2023, but didn’t expect it to become a more permanent gig.
‘I kind of stumbled back into it. It wasn’t my decision to come back, I was asked and I thought I was just filling in for a couple of months at the end of last year,’ he began.
‘And then it was like: “do you want to keep going into this year?”, and now we’re talking about next year.
Earlier this month, Channel Ten announced they will begin uploading entire episodes of The Project to YouTube in 2025.
Producers revealed the major change with a post on The Project’s social media, including a link to the show’s dedicated YouTube channel.
‘New for 2025: You can watch The Project in full on You Tube,’ the network announcement said.
A recent episode featuring segments on the Golden Globes and comedian Akmal Saleh was seen in full on the platform.
The long-running current affairs program is known to cut a high profile on social media sharing excerpts and segments to platforms including X and Instagram.
The panel show has also undergone an audience decline ever since changing up its format.
The ratings woes coincide with growing criticism of The Project’s left-wing bias and departures of several high-profile hosts, including Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson.