The Project officially welcomes Lisa Wilkinson

As far as Channel Ten's concerned, Lisa Wilkinson leaving the Today show is very much their gain as they prepare for her to join their team in the new year.

During Tuesday night's episode of The Project, hosts Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar welcomed the 57-year-old in a special segment.

"Nine’s loss is our gain here at Network Ten," 36-year-old Gold Logie winner Carrie said.

"An incredible woman - smart, funny, down to earth. We couldn’t be more excited," she added.

Meanwhile 39-year-old Waleed brought his humour to the segment, singing his praises for Lisa as he laughed: "That is great. I have always really loved Lisa and it is nice to be able to contractually say it now".

During the segment a prerecorded clip also played, which detailed Lisa's departure from Nine's breakfast television show Today.

On Monday night a statement released by Ten confirmed Lisa would start her role in January 2018, which would involve hosting The Sunday Project, as well as appearing during the nightly show throughout the week.

Her "senior hosting and editing role" will no doubt allow the broadcaster to draw on her 30+ years of journalistic experience, ranging from holding editorships at women's magazines, to covering breaking news stories on location, for a high-rating breakfast television show.

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram