Lisa Wilkinson is officially saying goodbye to Channel 10, and she shared this news with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram this week. The announcement marks the end of her tenure at the network, concluding with over two years spent off air amid personal and professional challenges.
Wilkinson, the former host of The Project, shared, "Now my time at Channel Ten has officially drawn to a close (and the last couple of years have been pretty challenging), there were still plenty of good times. Here’s to 2025, and new beginnings." The post indicates her mixed feelings as she reflects on her time at the network, juxtaposing challenges with positive memories.
Her exit from Channel 10 culminated on New Year's Eve when her multi-year contract ended without renewal. Previously, she stepped down from her role on The Project back in November 2022, citing the toll of what she described as 'relentless, targeted' media coverage.
Wilkinson joined Channel 10 in 2018 after leaving Nine, spurred by concerns over pay disparities highlighted by her shocking discovery of her co-host Karl Stefanovic's significantly higher earnings. After signing with Channel 10, all seemed well until the whirlwind surrounding her infamous Logie acceptance speech and subsequent legal struggles turned her career upside down.
Wilkinson's time off air has not been idle, as she continued to receive significant compensation during her gardening leave, reportedly around $1.7 million annually. Nevertheless, her absence from the screens left fans as well as industry insiders wondering about her future plans.
The years since her departure have been challenging. Notably, Wilkinson has remained largely out of public view, drawing attention primarily due to her involvement as part of the high-profile defamation case against Bruce Lehrmann, who accused her and Channel 10 of defamation after their interview with Brittany Higgins aired. This legal tussle has kept her name alive and visible, even as she physically distanced herself from the small screen.
Now heading toward the future, her friends have indicated she is eager to return to television. "She is particularly enthusiastic about conducting more blockbuster interviews again," sources reported to the Weekend Australian. There remains hope among those close to her, with one former television executive stating, "I'm sure her loyal followers will remain loyal, even after her time off the air."
Her appearances at various public and celebrity events lately seem to indicate her desire to reintegrate back to Sydney's social scene. These include fun outings to red carpet affairs and other gatherings, where she was often photographed smiling alongside other celebrities, signaling her efforts to mend her public image.
Wilkinson's career has certainly had its ups and downs, and as she embraces this new chapter labeled acknowledgment of significant challenges and hardships, her fans remain hopeful for her return. Network Ten has reportedly stated they are still engaged in discussions about future projects with her, leaving the door open for potential collaborations, albeit with some lawyers still tied up on loose ends from her resignation and former contract obligations.
While the future is still uncertain, the fact remains: Lisa Wilkinson has concluded her term at Channel 10, and as she moves forward, she does so with the possibility of new beginnings just around the corner.