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The Project loses long-time team member due to health issues

The tight-knit team at The Project has farewelled one of its longest-serving members in executive producer Craig Campbell, who officially quit the program on Friday.

Craig, 60, created the iconic panel show for Channel 10 back in 2009 with his Roving Enterprises business partner, Rove McManus.

The Project hosts Peter Helliar, Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Steve Price on set
The Project stars Peter Helliar, Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Steve Price have farewelled a long-time team mate. Photo: Channel 10.

The Project EP quits

Craig had been on leave since February due to rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain, health issues that have now forced him to step back from his role after 11 years.

In a message to staff obtained by TV Tonight on Friday, the outgoing EP explained that he was seeking a better work/life balance as he got older:

"Since I have been away, I have been trying to find a reasonable balance between my work and my health, something that a bunch of health professionals have pointed out I don’t have.

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The Project Executive producer Craig Campbell with Rove McManus on set
The Project's outgoing executive producer, Craig Campbell, with Rove McManus behind the desk. Photo: Channel 10.

"As I get older (I turned 60 two weeks ago) I have been thinking how I can structure my life in a way that will enable me to still do what I love (make TV) but maintain my health (less stress)."

Craig then announced that he would be replaced as executive producer by senior staffer Chris Bendall, who has been with the company for over nine years.

"I am delighted he has agreed to take the reins to enable me the time to develop other ideas and projects, free of the grind of a daily show," Craig wrote.

But it's not goodbye for Craig, who will take on the new role of Head of Television at Roving Enterprises.

Stars of The Project, such as Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar have yet to comment publically on Craig's news.

Carrie was part of the show's original hosting line-up along with Dave 'Hughsey' Hughes and Charlie Pickering, who left in 2015 to head up his own show on ABC.

Under Craig's leadership, The Project and several of its stars were awarded eight Logie Awards, including Carrie and Waleed who won the Gold Logie in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

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