The broadcaster has officially confirmed the new program that will air instead of The Project.

The replacement for The Project has been confirmed. Credit: Channel Ten

The replacement for The Project has been confirmed. Credit: Channel Ten

Following the news that The Project will air its last episode on Friday, June 27, after more than 4,500 episodes, Channel Ten has now confirmed what will take its place. The network has announced the launch of its premium, in-depth news, current affairs and insights program, 10 NEWS+, with the first episode to premiere on Monday, 30 June at 6 pm on 10 and 10 Play.

The show will be hosted Sunday to Thursday by investigative journalist Denham Hitchcock and Walkley Award-winning journalist Amelia Brace, with Senior Journalist Ursula Heger and National Affairs Editor Hugh Riminton hosting on Fridays.

The news comes after Channel 10 announced on Monday that they will be introducing a “revised early evening program schedule” later this month, centred around a new national one-hour 6pm news, current affairs and insights program six days a week.

“This reflects the successful growth in audiences to Network 10 local news bulletins and coverage. Our focus continues to be on serving our free-to-air audiences with more of the content they are increasingly watching,” they said.

Channel Ten viewers are already responding to the news of the new program on social media, with many asking one big question.

“What about Deal or No Deal?,” one concerned fan asked.

“Deal or No Deal is being shelved?,” queried another.

“What happens to Deal or No Deal – what time will that be on now?,” a third pondered.

Fans of the game show needn’t worry, however, as Deal or No Deal will simply move to the 7pm slot on the network.

According to Ten, “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 new offering will follow Network 10’s 5pm local news bulletins across the country.

For viewers who weren’t fretting about the future of Deal or No Deal, the reactions to 10 NEWS+ were mixed.

“Ditches The Project …. And now presenting the project except with credentialed journalists instead of mouthpiece social commentators and comedians,” one person wrote in response to the announcement.

“The Project type 2,” another said, along with the yawning emoji.

“Why couldn’t we just have The Simpsons back on from s1,” a third asked.

“Just endless news broadcasts on the main channels nowadays,” someone else complained. “If it wasn’t covered enough in the hour-long 5pm broadcast, I’m not sure an extra go at the content immediately afterwards is worth sitting down [for] when we can just wait until the late news a few hours later is on.”

Not everyone was excited by the news of The Project's replacement. Credit: Channel Ten

Not everyone was excited by the news of The Project’s replacement. Credit: Channel Ten

The Project has been the recipient of 11 Logie awards, including two public-voted Gold Logies for Waleed Aly and former host Carrie Bickmore, and a Walkley Award. It was a huge success among audiences following its debut and regularly exceeded over a million viewers; however, ratings have severely dwindled in recent years.

The Age has reported that The Project’s hosts Sarah Harris, Hamish Macdonald and Waleed Aly – who has been with the show since 2015 – will all leave Channel 10 following the final episode.

Meanwhile, comedian Sam Taunton is expected to continue making guest appearances across the network’s entertainment shows, and Georgie Tunny will appear on The Amazing Race with her partner Rob Mills later this year.