Latest news with #AlexCullen
Sky News AU
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Ex-Today show presenter Alex Cullen to join The Christian O'Connell Show as resident sports guru following shock dismissal
Axed Today show presenter Alex Cullen has landed a new gig in breakfast radio, joining GOLD FM's The Christian O'Connell Show as its resident 'sports guru'. The Melbourne-based program, part of the ARN network, confirmed Cullen's appointment on Thursday. He will step into the role previously held by longtime co-host Jack Post, who announced his departure in May. The move will see Cullen relocate from Sydney to Melbourne with his wife Bonnie and their three children, marking a fresh start just months after his abrupt exit from the Nine Network. In January, Cullen was dismissed by Nine after accepting a $50,000 cash reward from billionaire The Block personality Adrian Portelli. Portelli, 35, had publicly requested to be dubbed "McLaren man" rather than "Mr Lambo"- a nickname tied to his multiple appearances on the reality show. O'Connell revealed the news to listeners live on air, hinting at Cullen's recent media headlines: "We've got some exciting news on the show- we're bringing in someone new to be a part of our radio family," he said. "…Alex Cullen is a brilliant journalist who is actually looking for a job- you might recognise the name - that guy, who took the $50,000. "Now, Channel Nine might go, 'Listen, we can't have that', but commercial breakfast radio, we're very much up for payola. "Don't worry Alex, you've found a home here, my friend," he joked. In a statement shared by ARN, O'Connell said that Cullen "is a real talent and a very likeable guy". "I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates," the British radio star said. "He came over for a rigorous interview with me- that to onlookers may have looked like a long lunch with flowing red wine- but we bonded over being dads and a shared love of storytelling and how sport could be delivered on my show. "I can't wait for him to join my team and start working together." Cullen, 44, also expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career. "This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that's so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. "I can't wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne, my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home." More to come.
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Alex Cullen confirms surprise new role after getting brutally fired from Today: 'This is an exciting next chapter for me'
Alex Cullen has confirmed his surprising new role, almost six months after he was fired from the Today show for accepting a $50,000 gift from controversial Block bidder Adrian Portelli. In January, the presenter, 44, was given the sizeable sum after he was the first media personality to use Portelli's self-proclaimed nickname 'McLaren Man' live on air - sparking a firestorm which resulted in him leaving Channel Nine. He has now secured a new role as a sports presenter on Melbourne 's Gold 1043.3's top-rating breakfast program The Christian O'Connell Show. Host Christian O'Connell confirmed the exciting news live on-air on Thursday. 'Alex Cullen is brilliant journalist who is looking for a job! You might recognise the name, he's the guy who took the $50,000... That's our guy!' Christian began. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Christian added the commercial radio sector had different rules than TV and so they were happy to welcome Alex to their team. 'Now Channel Nine might go, "Listen, we can't have that", but commercial breakfast radio... We are very much up for payola! Don't worry Alex, you have found a home here, my friend,' he said. Alex shared his excitement at joining the show in a statement. 'This is such an exciting next chapter for me,' he wrote. 'I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that's so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. 'I can't wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne – my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home.' He will officially join the show next month, after Christian's co- star Jack Post announced his resignation last month. Earlier this year, Alex was axed from the Nine Network after he accepted $50,000 from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli. Today host Karl Stefanovic made the announcement that Alex had left the network live on-air. 'As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,' a solemn Stefanovic told viewers. 'There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed he would finish with the network. 'Alex has, of course, been part of the Today family for five years now, he's always ready with a smile and a laugh and without hesitation speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly. 'A terrific fella, what you see is what you get and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years and we wish Alex, his wife Bonnie and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future.' A Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist Alex Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.' The scandal kicked off when Portelli had grown tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo' and offered the cash reward to the first person to use his new moniker on air, with Alex obliging on the Today show. The Block entrepreneur then posted what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to the presenter on Instagram. Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and improperly using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches of the journalism code of ethics as defined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union. The ill-advised stunt led to Alex being suspended by Nine and he did not appear on the show while the network investigated the payment. Nine's parting of ways with Alex went ahead despite Portelli's claim that the journalist intended the money to be paid to charity all along. Network insiders also told Daily Mail Australia that the stunt could have been beneficial for the network and Portelli, if Alex had advised the promoter that, as a journalist, he was unable to accept any payment for making the comment on-air.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dr Chris Brown 'in talks with Seven' amid rumours he is 'frustrated he is being overlooked' as Dancing With The Stars 'faces the axe'
Dr is reportedly in talks with Channel Seven over his future at the network, as rumours swirl that Dancing With The Stars could be on the chopping block. According to Woman's Day, the popular vet and TV presenter, 46, is feeling sidelined just a year after signing a reported $1 million deal with Seven. Now, insiders say he may be weighing up his next move - and could even return to Channel 10, the network he left in mid-2023. 'It looks like Dancing With The Stars is headed for the chopping block – despite Seven's denials - and there may not be much else for Dr Chris, who is furious that they've signed up former Today sports presenter Alex Cullen to host their newly revamped Daily Edition style program,' the source said. 'Chris would be a starring role in the current affairs line-up on Ten as a way of really securing him moving forward. He's 46 now and looking for longevity in his future. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'He loved his time at Seven, he's frustrated that he's being overlooked. He wanted his old I'm A Celebrity gig back, but the powers [that be] won't upset star Robert Irwin!' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Dr Chris Brown for comment. Brown has remained tight-lipped publicly, but speculation around the future of Dancing With The Stars has been building in recent months. While the glitzy series remains a solid performer in Seven's schedule, insiders claim it's also one of the network's most expensive to produce - reportedly costing close to $1 million per episode. The current season sees Brown co-hosting alongside Gold Logie winner Sonia Kruger. But with growing talk of a format refresh and cost-cutting across the board, both stars may soon be without a marquee show. Channel Seven has continuously denied Dancing With The Stars is being axed, but network reshuffles and talent contract shake-ups have become increasingly common amid sliding ratings and rising production costs. If DWTS is indeed rested or cancelled, Seven is expected to keep Brown within the fold, with internal discussions already underway to develop new formats for him. However, with Channel 10 reportedly plotting a new current affairs program, the door remains wide open for Brown's potential return. Chris signed a two-year contract with Seven worth more than $1million a year, following his contractual obligations for I'm A Celebrity at his former network. And it seems that It's not just Dr Chris feeling uncertain - the speculation around DWTS comes amid wider upheaval for Australia's TV stars. His DWTS co-host Sonia is another Seven personality facing a crossroads. The Gold Logie-winning presenter has become the queen of reality TV – fronting The Voice and Big Brother - and sources say she's not in any immediate danger. Still, if DWTS were dropped, Kruger would lose one of her marquee roles at Seven. Insiders claim Sonia has privately expressed concerns that further cast or format changes could 'destabilise' the dance show, after she already weathered the replacement of original host Daryl Somers. She recently took a well-earned European holiday with family, sparking chatter that the veteran host might be eyeing a slower life abroad if her commitments dry up.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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 Alex is a top contender to host a new show on Channel 7. RELATED: All the new Aussie reality TV shows set to premiere in 2025: 'Going to be huge' Australian Idol host reveals secret to live TV winner announcement: 'Foolproof' Matt Doran unveils surprising new look after quitting Weekend Sunrise: 'Unreal' 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. SHOP: ☀️ Tax laws to burn Aussies on summer essential: 'Many of us struggle' 🕯️Expert's easy tips for a cosier home while lowering energy bills: 'Cost-effective' 💅 Aussie company making beauty more accessible and less of a burden 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.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sacked Channel Nine star Alex Cullen primed for shock new career move as he's scouted by rival network
Sacked Channel Nine star Alex Cullen is set to make a shock career move, three months after the Today show presenter was axed from the network. In January, Cullen was fired from Channel Nine after he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli for calling him 'McLaren Man' live on air. Cullen, 44, is now in line to host a new afternoon news program on Channel Seven, according to The Seven Network plan to air the show before the Larry Emdur-hosted game show The Chase, in a bid to increase ratings. Cullen's representatives are in talks with Seven to sign him, which would be a return for the veteran sports journalist who was a presenter on their current affairs program Sunday Night from 2010 - 2019. He has been rumoured to be making the move since March when Seven West Media's The Nightly marked a year of its existence as the country's favourite PDF newspaper with a star-studded soiree at the Sydney Opera House. Cullen attended the star-studded event, hinting at a potential move to his former employer. It follows reports that Cullen was axed from the Nine Network after he accepted $50,000 from Portelli. The Today presenter was given the sizeable sum after he was the first media personality to use Portelli's self-proclaimed nickname 'McLaren Man' live on air - sparking a firestorm. Days later, Today host Karl Stefanovic announced that Cullen had left the network. 'As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,' a solemn Stefanovic told viewers at the time. 'There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network. 'Alex has, of course, been part of the Today family for five years now, he's always ready with a smile and a laugh and without hesitation speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly, for sure. 'A terrific fella, what you see is what you get and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years and we wish Alex, his wife Bonnie and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future.' A Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist Alex Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.' The scandal kicked off when Portelli had grown tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo' and offered the cash reward to the first person to use his new moniker on air, with Cullen obliging on the Today show. The Block entrepreneur then posted what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to the presenter on Instagram. Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and improperly using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches of the journalism code of ethics as defined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union. The ill-advised stunt led to Cullen being suspended by Nine and he did not appear on the show while the network investigated the payment. Nine's parting of ways with Cullen went ahead despite Portelli's claim that Cullen intended the money to be paid to charity all along. Network insiders also told Daily Mail Australia that the stunt could have been beneficial for the network and Portelli, if Cullen had advised the promoter that, as a journalist, he was unable to accept any payment for making the comment on-air. Portelli first received the unwanted nickname 'Mr Lambo' after turning up to a 2022 auction of popular house makeover show The Block in a yellow Lamborghini.
