The Project host left red-faced after awkward question: 'Regret'

The Project's Waleed Aly was left red-faced on Thursday night after an interviewee suggested the real reason he may be getting bitten by mosquitos could be due to his bad scent.

The host was speaking with viral immunologist Dr Ali Zaid after it was revealed that a third person died from the mosquito-borne Murray Valley Encephalitis virus.

At the end of the interview, Waleed questioned why some people are more frequently targeted by mosquitos than others.

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"The problem I have is if there's one mosquito in the country, it will find me and eat me," he told Dr Zaid. "I'm just one of these people, I'm the first bitten in any gathering and it's endless."

Dr Zaid revealed there had been recent studies that showed there are certain compounds people release through their sweat and odour that mosquitos are attracted to.

"Some of those compounds are also found in, how to put this, smelly feet," he said with a smile, as the rest of the panel began laughing.

"OK, I might regret asking you that, so I'm going to end [the interview], thanks very much for speaking to us," he said with a small laugh.

The Project hosts savaged by Tommy Little

It comes after Tommy Little took a brutal swipe at The Project hosts earlier this week, referencing the mass exodus that has plagued Channel Ten for the last few months.

Waleed and co-host Sarah Harris welcomed the former panellist on the show to promote his newest comedy tour.

Waleed didn’t hold back when he introduced Tommy, saying: “The self-described d**khead of Aussie comedy is back. Please welcome a friend of the show, Tommy Little!”. Tommy acknowledged the crowd and responded with a cheeky dig.

“Oh god guys, it’s good to be back. What’s happened since I’ve been gone, nothing controversial I hope?” the radio host quipped, sending the audience into stitches.

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After the panellists shook their heads, Waleed joked that it had been “smooth sailing” on the Channel 10 show.

A string of high-profile talent has left the network since late last year, with regular The Project panellists Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson and Peter Helliar all quitting the show. In addition to that, I'm A Celebrity host Dr Chris Brown has also signed a new deal with Channel Seven that sees him jumping ship in July.

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