Mulligan, Lloyd, Thomson to Host the Project

Monday, 9th January 2017

Mulligan, Lloyd, Thomson to Host the Project

MediaWorks today announced Jesse Mulligan, Kanoa Lloyd and Josh Thomson as the three key hosts of The Project, set to launch in the 7pm slot on TV3 in February 2017.

The Project combines current affairs and entertainment in a unique way, offering audiences an intelligent, informative and very funny half-hour mix of the stories that matter from New Zealand and around the world.

After producing 7 Days for seven years, Executive Producer Jon Bridges says he can’t wait to bring this fresh format and line-up to 7pm.

“The Project is fast, polished, informative and funny - and during the screen tests this extremely successful Australian format came alive in front of our eyes. Casting Jesse, Kanoa and Josh was a thrill. The best part was hearing their whoops of excitement when they found out who they'd be working with.”

Radio New Zealand Afternoon host Jesse Mulligan cut his teeth on 7 Days as a head writer and a top regular guest, and brings years of experience working within news organisations. He has also spent time as the New Zealand correspondent for The Project in Australia.

Jesse will be busy juggling his Radio New Zealand show and The Project but can’t wait to get stuck in working with his new team.

"Kanoa and Josh are a dream team. Kanoa brings brilliant and diverse broadcast experience, with an undeniable star quality. Josh might be the funniest person in New Zealand, but he's also pure chaos. I think 7pm could use some chaos."

Kanoa Lloyd will leave Newshub Weather to join the panel in her biggest role to date. In a relatively short time, Kanoa has established herself as a highly regarded news contributor, combining a knack for outstanding journalism with a natural rapport on screen.

“Apparently this is a new ‘job’, but I cannot imagine how this will feel like work. How lucky am I to get to spend my evenings telling stories with these two. Jesse is one of those people who's bloody good at everything. He's funny, smart and incredibly kind - and it’s embarrassing how much of a fan I am of Josh.”

7 Days regular, actor and all round funny man Josh Thomson will bring his unique comedy style to the format but isn’t afraid to ask the questions that some people are too embarrassed to ask

“I'm painfully excited to be part of The Project. It's a daily live show where I can say stupid things to the nation and it'll be too late for the editors to cut it out. I love dissecting the news, and now I can do it without Dad telling me off for talking over the news.”

The hosts will be joined each night by a variety of guests to discuss the stories of the day. Guest hosts will include media commentators, comedians, sport, political and other personalities, made up of a large list of notable New Zealanders from a range of fields.

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