Sacked Nine star Alex Cullen primed for major career return at Seven after accepting $50,000 from 'Mr Lambo' Adrian Portelli

Sky News AU

02-05-2025

Alex Cullen could be set to make a major career return as the host of a new show at Channel Seven months after he was sacked from rival Channel Nine.
In January, Nine parted ways with the 44-year-old former Today show presenter after he accepted a $50,000 cash reward from billionaire Adrian Portelli, 35.
Portelli called out to be branded "McLaren man" instead of "Mr Lambo", a name he received from his many appearances on Nine's The Block.
Cullen accepted the challenge during a live cross from the Australian Open at Melbourne Park and later shared the footage on his Instagram.
Portelli responded on social media, saying, "We have a winner. Well played, sir", and posted a screenshot of what appeared to show a bank transfer of $50,000 to the journalist.
Months later, Cullen is at the top of Seven's list of potential hosts for a newly developed news program, according to News.com.au on Friday.
The unnamed daytime program, which could air from 3pm to 5pm, is tipped to imitate Seven's The Daily Edition five years after that show was scrapped.
It comes as executives are "seriously stressed" about the success of Nine's game show Tipping Point and are reportedly desperate for a worthy rival.
It's understood Cullen's representatives have been in discussions with Seven for the coveted role.
The journalist, who was previously a reporter for Seven's Sunday Night from 2010 through 2019, is expected to screen-test within days.
The development comes after speculation Seven was eyeing Cullen for a role at Sunrise, as insiders claimed he was considered a potential recruit.
"Chatter is already rife that Sunrise is eyeing off Alex, and sources say bosses at Seven would 'jump at the chance' to steal a huge name from their biggest rival," an insider told New Idea in February.
"There's a lot of support for Alex - many feel he was treated harshly by bosses. It could be the perfect hotbed to make a star of Alex at Seven."
The source claimed while Cullens' Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic wasn't "the least bit surprised" that Seven was interested in the star, it didn't "sit well" with him that his pal could move on to a competitor.
After Cullen accepted Portelli's offer, Stefanovic dispelled ongoing rumours about his whereabouts and confirmed the sports reader and Nine agreed to part ways.
"Well, as most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week," he told breakfast viewers in January.
"What I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network.
"Alex is a terrific fella. What you see is what you get and has been a great mate to all of us over these years, and we wish Alex, his wife Bonny and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future."
A Nine spokesperson confirmed Cullen's departure to multiple outlets.
"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 statement read.
Followers quickly supported the 44-year-old presenter, and many hoped he would return as some boycotted Today until he did.
Cullen later took to social media to thank his supporters with a heartfelt message and a photo of his son.
"This has been a very difficult time, and I just want to say thank you to all the wonderful people who reached out," he wrote.
"I look forward to whatever comes next."
The $50,000 was reportedly donated to charity.
Under the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Journalist Code of Ethics, reporters must not allow personal interest or any belief, commitment, payment, gift or benefit to undermine accuracy, fairness or independence.