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Hot tip: Waleed Aly poised for permanent Project chair?

With Rove due to wrap soon, and Waleed Aly resigning from ABC, the universe is seemingly aligning at The Project.

2014-12-02_1203If the signs are right, regular Project host Waleed Aly could well become a permanent host on the TEN show.

Aly, who has been a semi-regular co-host, has resigned from his duties on ABC’s Radio National, and recently lost his Big Ideas TV show with the broadcaster.

Meanwhile over at TEN, producer Rove McManus is about to conclude his four month stint alongside Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar.

Having used guest co-hosts since the departure of Charlie Pickering, producers have been mulling a permanent replacement for some time.

Aly is much-admired within TEN as a smart and quick operator without being too smug, but there has been some consideration as to whether he carries broad appeal.

With a pregnant Carrie Bickmore due to take time out next year, having familiar faces would be a boon and the universe appears to be aligning in his favour.

Bring it on.

41 Responses

  1. He is watchable but I just can’t seem to connect with him as a host, and don’t think I could all week. As others have suggested Matt Doran is good and Natarsha Belling would work too. They need to get this right!

  2. I think Waleed will be great. I would hate to think that those who are saying they don’t like him dont like him because of his religion.

    As for him being left wing well so was Charlie.

    I love him on Offsiders because he has a love & enthusiasm of many sports & he is very personable & articulate.

  3. A good choice. Him and Natarsha would be my choice. He has that ability to be serious and funny in the right quantity. I had a feeling that putting Gretel on Friday was a way of seeing how she would go. I wouldn’t mind her either.

  4. Would not mind Waleed Aly being the host at all, plus with it being a more permanent role and not having other more serious show commitments, Waleed may show some of his more humorous side (like he had when on Salam Café on SBS from 2005-2007).

  5. I like Matt Doran but doubt he’s willing to make the move to Melbourne. I don’t mind Waleed, but maybe not 5 days a week. I think he would be a good match with Gorgi while Carrie is away on maternity leave. I’m also looking forward to seeing Gretel on the desk this Friday also, I think she will be well suited to this show.

  6. I’d prefer someone else to be perfectly honest, I’ve watched it when he’s on and I generally don’t enjoy it that much.

    My vote goes to Natarsha Belling.

  7. I hope this does not happen. I am not a fan of Waleed and regard his views as exteme left wing. For goodness sake the nation is crying out for Andrew Bolt to be given a prime time gig to provide some moderate balance against the ABC/SBS cartel….

  8. Please no!! Can’t stand him and just look at the poor ratings he gets on friday nights. An dhe certainly shouldn’t get the job just because he’s been sacked at the ABC.

    Matt Doran would be much better suited to the permanent host role.

  9. I haven’t really seen him on the project but I have seen him in a guest role on offsiders. I found the serious and over analytical way he spoke on offsiders took the joy out of a sports discussion and wasn’t my cup of tea. If he takes that approach on the project I can’t see him working on a daily basis.

  10. I like him, but every night? He isn’t smug, but he does lack a certain warmth that the role requires. He can be a little flippant with his wry humour, but frankly Rove is too much a focus puller. And please, Ten, extinguish Steve Price from the show. He is so grim and sour. Georgi and Waly and Pete would be a good mix while Carrie is away. My ten cents.

  11. Yes, Yes, Yes. Huge fan of Waleed. As mentioned he is smart without being smug. And I am sure he will not constantly interrupt Carrie the way ‘smug’ Rove does.

  12. He’s not the strongest host and not the best choice for the permanent host. I have been watching the show pretty much every day since it started but if this happens, I’m afraid they’ll lose me as an avid watcher.

  13. He should get the job because he is simply the best. He has all the qualities. He is smart and funny. A rare combo. I also think Gretel should replace Carrie when Carrie takes leave. Waleed and Gretel would make an incredible duo.

  14. I really hope he doesn’t get it as it will be a disaster as the ratings are dire because of him. He is just not suited to the role. I just want to change channels when he is on. Stick to the ABC please

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