Latest news with #AlexCullen
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Alex Cullen announces TV return after being stood down by Nine over Adrian Portelli scandal
Alex Cullen has made a major career announcement following his shock dismissal from Channel Nine. The former Today Show presenter was dumped by Nine earlier this year after he accepted a $50,000 payment from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli for calling him 'McLaren Man' live on air. Now, it has been revealed that the journalist is set to return to television following the scandal. Speaking to Stellar magazine on Sunday, the 44-year-old revealed he will be joining 7News. 'After everything went down [at Nine this year], Seven were one of the first on the phone to say: 'You have our support, and if you want to come back, we're a phone call away",' he said. 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. 'I can't tell you how much that meant to me and my family,' he told the publication. He went on to say that he is excited to see some of his old colleagues at the network after previously working at Seven on shows including Sunrise and Sunday Night. 'It's not very nice being the story,' he said, adding: 'It's better telling the story.' In January, Today host Karl Stefanovic made the announcement that Alex had parted ways with 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 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 - that's for sure.' The scandal kicked off when Portelli, growing tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo', offered a cash reward to the first person to use his new moniker, 'McLaren Man', on air. 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, as well as 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.. 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. The sum was donated to charity by Portelli. 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. Portelli posted details of two $25,000 payments made on his behalf to both the Salvation Army and the RSPCA. 'Alex Cullen… on behalf of you, mate, $25,000 to the Salvation Army and $25,000 to the RSPCA,' Portelli wrote on Instagram. 'I've kept pretty quiet about what unfolded with Alex, but even before he'd heard from Ch9, we had a conversation where he expressed his desire to donate the money. 'That speaks volumes about his character. Alex, you're an absolute gentleman. 'If Ch9 let you go (though I really hope they don't!), I'd be more than happy to collaborate with you on something. True class, mate!' Following his departure from Nine, Alex picked up a new role in June, as a sports presenter on Melbourne's Gold 1043.3's top-rating breakfast program The Christian O'Connell Show.
News.com.au
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘I really went to some dark places': Ousted Today presenter Alex Cullen confirms TV return, signs new deal with Seven
Former Today Show presenter Alex Cullen has revealed his TV comeback – nearly seven months after his departure from Nine Network in the wake of the 'Lambo guy' controversy that nearly ended his career. In a Stellar exclusive, Cullen speaks for the first time about the fallout from his decision to accept a public offer from billionaire businessman Adrian Portelli – widely known as 'Lambo guy' – to be the first TV host to use Portelli's preferred nickname of 'McLaren Man' on air in return for a $50,000 payment. Cullen was stood down from his role as sports presenter of the Today show soon after, and later announced that he was leaving the network in the wake of the incident. Speaking to the Stellar podcast Something To Talk About, Cullen described it as 'the hardest, toughest week of my career'. Listen to the full interview with Alex Cullen on Something To Talk About: 'Never in a million years did I expect that all to go down. That week was just a whirlwind, like, is this really happening? And it absolutely was.' Cullen also reflected on the toll that his being in the middle of a media storm had taken on his family: 'You know, you try and shield your kids from what's going on'. 'Did they know what was going on? I think they did. They saw me on the phone, pacing, trying to survive.' In the interview, Cullen — who has since moved his family to Melbourne, where he will join breakfast radio show The Christian O'Connell Show as a sports presenter from tomorrow — also exclusively revealed ro Stellar that he has signed a new TV deal with the Seven Network. 'It's been in the works for a little while, and it's wonderful to be going back to Seven,' Cullen told Something To Talk About. 'After everything went down [at Nine earlier this year], Seven were one of the first on the phone to say: 'You have our support, and if you want to come back, we're a phone call away.'' Cullen admitted that he thought his media career was over after he left Nine. 'You question your judgement. You question everything, really … you just think, you idiot. 'I really went to some dark places. Because everything you work towards – everything you love and know – is suddenly gone. And you're like, whoa. OK, what now? That was a hard pill to swallow. I thought, I'm out now. There's no way I'm getting back in.' In the revealing interview with the Stellar podcast, Cullen explained that he was at peace with how his relationship with Nine ended, and that he had spoken to Portelli in the aftermath. 'He felt bad about what had transpired, and I assured him: hey, it was me standing there that morning saying those words,' Cullen said.
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Alex Cullen breaks his silence on shock sacking from Channel Nine: 'It was the toughest week of my career'
Alex Cullen has spoken out about his shock sacking from Channel Nine. The Today show reporter was sacked by the network after he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli for calling him 'McLaren Man' live on air. Reflecting on the incident with Stellar this week, the journalist said it was the most difficult moment of his working life. 'It was the hardest, toughest week of my career by a country mile,' he said. 'You are in the eye of the storm. You're the front page of the Herald Sun.' 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. When asked, with the benefit of hindsight, if he was glad he was let go, Alex said that he hadn't quite decided. 'I haven't quite come to an answer on that yet,' he said. Today host Karl Stefanovic made the announcement that Alex had parted ways with the network live on air in January. '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 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, that's for sure.' A Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia at the time: '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 Adrian Portelli, growing tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo', offered a cash reward to the first person to use his new moniker, 'McLaren Man', on air. 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. The sum has been donated to charity by Portelli. 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. Portelli posted details of $25,000 payments made on his behalf to both the Salvation Army and the RSPCA. 'Alex Cullen… on behalf of you, mate, $25,000 to the Salvation Army and $25,000 to the RSPCA,' Portelli wrote on Instagram. 'I've kept pretty quiet about what unfolded with Alex, but even before he'd heard from Ch9, we had a conversation where he expressed his desire to donate the money. 'That speaks volumes about his character. Alex, you're an absolute gentleman. 'If Ch9 let you go (though I really hope they don't!), I'd be more than happy to collaborate with you on something. True class, mate!' Following his departure from Nine, Alex picked up a new role in June, as a sports presenter on Melbourne 's Gold 1043.3's top-rating breakfast program The Christian O'Connell Show. 'Alex Cullen is a 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. 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.'
Daily Telegraph
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Ex-Today Show host Alex Cullen lists Summer Hill Federation home for rent
Starting over … Alex Cullen is moving on in Melbourne. Crestfallen former Today Show sports presenter Alex Cullen has listed his Summer Hill home for rental follow his relocation to Melbourne. Cullen will shortly turn up as the sports jock on Christian O'Connell's Gold 104.3 breakfast radio show which recently lost its top FM ranking. Cullen's charming 1912 Queen Anne Federation home, Kironga has only been on the market for a week, but has already seen its asking rent trimmed from $1800 a week to $1700. The four-bedroom, two bathroom home features original charm from its living and entertaining spaces to it's a rear yard with lemon and avocado trees. Cullen, and his Nine Entertainment journalist wife Bonnie, paid $1.9m in 2020 when the house on 556sq m was marketed as a 'highly rewarding refurbishment project.' MORE: 'Won't be back': Portelli's shock Block admission Billionaire Adrian Portelli found himself at the centre of more controversy when he gifted $50,000 to Alex Cullen. Picture: NewsWire/David Crosling Portelli's post announcing Cullen's prize. Picture: Instagram MORE: How Lambo Guy Adrian Portelli swept Block auctions 'This family friendly home is nestled in a highly sought after pocket,' the Harris Tripp leasing agent Kristian Lovicu advises in the marketing. The property management department has been struggling with a nearby luxury five bedroom, two bathroom Rosemount Ave bungalow still on the market after 75 days, according to Cotality, at $1750 a week. It sold last year at $5.4m. PropTrack data shows just 10 four bedroom lettings in the past year with a 33 days median time on market. Cullen was let go by Nine in January for briefly accepting a $50,000 gift from Block billionaire, and Melbourne raffle ticket seller, Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli. MORE: Secret Block meeting proves finale was 'rigged' Gold 104.3's Christian O'Connell with new recruit Alex Cullen. MORE: Experts slam Portelli: Block is a dud investment The $50,000 was publicly offered by Portelli for the first television journalist to call him McLaren Guy not Lambo Guy. O'Connell announced Cullen's hiring on air joking that 'Channel 9 might go 'listen, we can't have that', but commercial breakfast radio, we are very much up for payola. Come on in. Don't worry Alex, you've found a home here, my friend.' ' I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates,' O'Connell said. Melbourne-bound reporter Alex Cullen is seeking $1700-a-week tenants for his former Summer Hill home. The 1912 Queen Anne Federation home has only been on the market for a week. '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.' Cullen advised his recent appointment was '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.'
News.com.au
15-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Ex-Today Show host Alex Cullen lists Summer Hill Federation home for rent
Crestfallen former Today Show sports presenter Alex Cullen has listed his Summer Hill home for rental follow his relocation to Melbourne. Cullen will shortly turn up as the sports jock on Christian O'Connell's Gold 104.3 breakfast radio show which recently lost its top FM ranking. Cullen's charming 1912 Queen Anne Federation home, Kironga has only been on the market for a week, but has already seen its asking rent trimmed from $1800 a week to $1700. The four-bedroom, two bathroom home features original charm from its living and entertaining spaces to it's a rear yard with lemon and avocado trees. Cullen, and his Nine Entertainment journalist wife Bonnie, paid $1.9m in 2020 when the house on 556sq m was marketed as a 'highly rewarding refurbishment project.' 'This family friendly home is nestled in a highly sought after pocket,' the Harris Tripp leasing agent Kristian Lovicu advises in the marketing. The property management department has been struggling with a nearby luxury five bedroom, two bathroom Rosemount Ave bungalow still on the market after 75 days, according to Cotality, at $1750 a week. It sold last year at $5.4m. PropTrack data shows just 10 four bedroom lettings in the past year with a 33 days median time on market. Cullen was let go by Nine in January for briefly accepting a $50,000 gift from Block billionaire, and Melbourne raffle ticket seller, Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli. The $50,000 was publicly offered by Portelli for the first television journalist to call him McLaren Guy not Lambo Guy. O'Connell announced Cullen's hiring on air joking that 'Channel 9 might go 'listen, we can't have that', but commercial breakfast radio, we are very much up for payola. Come on in. Don't worry Alex, you've found a home here, my friend.' ' I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates,' O'Connell 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.' Cullen advised his recent appointment was '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.'
