Ex-Today show presenter Alex Cullen to join The Christian O'Connell Show as resident sports guru following shock dismissal
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.
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