For a show aiming to offer a fresh approach to nightly news, such beginnings were encouraging. Ten announced its commitment to the production early and often, but as other elements of its evening line-up fell over, the show was bounced around with almost-callous disregard. In October 2011, following the axing of an ambitious news program hosted by George Negus, The Project moved to 6.30pm and was extended to an hour. Three months later, it shifted to 6pm, before moving back to 6.30pm in October 2012. Through it all, The Projectlooked like The Program That Refused to Die.

Hughes left last December and Pickering followed in April. Peter Helliar arrived in January and the writer-actor-comedian has proved a good choice as a replacement for Hughes. In July, with Pickering's seat still awkwardly vacant, it was announced that McManus would fill-

Now comes a reprise of Your Chair, a talent competition that invites "everyday people" to win a place at The Project's desk as guest hosts and a stunt that does the program few favours. While possibly providing a brief burst of publicity, it suggests a further debasement of the function of a host and the skill required to do that job with any finesse.

Arguably The Project's best shot at a healthy survival following the departure of key people and a sensible strategy for its future post-Pickering would've been to appoint and quickly establish a new person to fill the void, not to warm the seat with someone who intended to stay for only six months. In TV, and particularly in this key time zone, familiarity is an asset.

Beyond that – and even though his company does produce the thing – Rove might not be the best man for the job. Yes, he might be available, as his latest US venture, Riot, was axed in June. Yes, Helliar and Bickmore are proven playmates from his days hosting Rove [Live]. And, yes, he's a polished TV performer: genial and quick-witted, pop-culture savvy and happy to display his dagginess, so people warm to his lack of pretension.