Today's Alex Cullen tipped to land major TV gig after shock exit
It's been three months since it was announced that Today presenter Alex Cullen would be 'stepping down permanently' from his role on the Channel 9 breakfast show. The sports presenter, who joined the program in 2020, parted ways with the network after accepting a $50,000 gift from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli.
While the father-of-three has been hosting corporate events and spending time with his family since leaving Today, it's rumoured that he may be making a return to TV very soon. According to news.com.au, Alex is a top contender to host a new show on Channel 7.
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The publication claims that Seven is looking to launch an afternoon news program similar to The Daily Edition, which was hosted by Sally Obermeder and aired from 2013 to 2020. The network is reportedly concerned about the enormous success of Nine's game show Tipping Point, and hopes a 3pm to 5pm news show would assist the dwindling ratings of The Chase.
Alex is rumoured to screen-test with the network in the coming days, but he's not the only TV personality in the running. Nine's Belinda Russell, Seven news presenter Michael Usher, Weekend Sunrise host David Woiwod, and reporters Katrina Blowers and Blake Johnson are also reportedly being looked at.
Alex finished up with Nine in January after accepting a $50,000 gift from entrepreneur and billionaire Adrian Portelli, who became known as 'Mr Lambo' following his appearances on The Block.
Adrian pledged to give $50,000 to the first person who called him 'McLaren Man' on air in an attempt to change his nickname. He then posted a screenshot on Instagram of what appeared to be a bank transfer to an account with Alex's name after he took him up on the offer.
Alex was subsequently absent from screens for an entire week before it was announced that he would be leaving Today and the network.
'Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist, Alex Cullen, that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident,' a Nine spokesperson confirmed in a statement.
It was revealed in February that Danika Mason would be taking over Alex's role as sports presenter on Today.
Danika first joined Channel 9 in 2012 as an intern and has since been the network's NRL sideline sports reporter and Australian Open courtside reporter. She has also produced segments behind the scenes for Today sport and the Sunday Footy Show, and interviewed some of the biggest sporting legends in the world.
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Danika has continued working with Wide World of Sports since stepping into her new role on Today, reporting on Sunday afternoon footy and Thursday nights on the sideline.
Outside of her career achievements, Danika made headlines in 2023 when she called off her wedding three weeks before she was meant to tie the knot to her partner of three years, Todd Liubinskas.
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