TV3 staff told: No more Story, no more Paul Henry show

Story and Paul Henry will not return to TV3 next year.

MediaWorks bosses have confirmed to staff that two of its flagship shows will not return next year but that Paul Henry will continue to be part of "the MediaWorks family".

It's understood he will continue to work for MediaWorks on special projects but will no longer front a daily show.

Chief news officer Hal Crawford held a newsroom meeting this morning to confirm both Story and Paul Henry will not be on air next year.

He also confirmed Story host Duncan Garner will take over the morning slot, left vacant by Paul Henry. It's yet to be announced what the future holds for co-host Heather du Plessis-Allan.

The Herald broke the story on Monday that Henry was stepping down from the role and that moves were underway to launch a new 7pm show.

Sources close to Henry say the presenter has no interest in daily news anymore and is eyeing a move to America, where he recently bought a property in Palm Springs.

It's understood development is underway on a new 7pm series, modelled on Australia's The Project and licenced by Rove McManus' production company Roving Enterprises, which produces The Project.

Speculation that comedian Guy Williams is involved in the new series was shot down by the presenter last night, who called the reports "a comical nightmare".

The Herald understands several people have been approached to host the new series and new premises have been leased, which are large enough to accommodate a live studio audience.

The moves come as TV3 is set to reveal its new season line up for 2017, including a change of hosts for The Bachelor NZ, which will see Dominic Bowden replace Mike Puru next year.