Brittany Higgins, Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial live updates: Lisa Wilkinson’s ‘explosive’ texts about Brittany Higgins’ The Project interview – and her planning lunch on her exclusive boat – are revealed

Lisa Wilkinson wrote to her The Project producer Angus Llewellyn on January 19, 2021, when she first heard about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations.

The messages were revealed in Mr Llewellyn’s affidavit, published on the Federal Court website on Tuesday.

Ms Wilkinson wrote: “I have an explosive political story for the Sunday Project. Called Craig and Sarah and we are making progress. March issue.

“I told Craig I only want to work on this with you. He agrees. Call me when you can.’

The next day, January 20, Llewelyn replied: “Hi Lisa. Sounds intriguing!”

“I can start this on Friday if necessary?” Is it for this Sunday? If not, I’ll be back from vacation on Monday and then I can do it.”

Ms Wilkinson said: “This is an extraordinary cover-up involving Linda Reynolds, Michaelia Cash and (the Prime Minister’s Office).

“Sarah thinks it’s so explosive that we should do it in three parts, starting at 7pm. This is for March. Enjoy your holiday.

“The woman at the center of it all is ready to talk. She is based in Canberra. We can raise it. Could you meet her on Monday?

Ms Wilkinson sent him a timeline prepared by Ms Higgins outlining the details of her alleged rape.

In his evidence, Mr Llewellyn said he found the timeline “intriguing” and believed Ms Higgins’ allegations were “worth exploring”.

On 26 January Mr Llewelyn attended a dinner on Mrs Wilkinson’s private boat.

“We sat separately from other guests and had a private conversation,” his testimony says.

During the boat party, they agreed that the story needed investigation because it was “very disturbing” but would get a lot of attention if it aired.

The couple decided to come face to face with Ms Higgins and her current fiancé David Sharaz to gauge her credibility.

The next day Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz boarded a plane to Sydney to meet Ms Wilkinson and Mr Llewellyn at the Darling Hotel in Pyrmont.

The conversation was recorded and lasted about five hours.

Ms Higgins’ allegations were aired on The Project approximately three weeks later, on 15 February 2021.