Alex Cullen gets emotional about having to move to Melbourne after getting axed from the Today show over Adrian Portelli cash gift

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Alex Cullen got emotional during Monday’s broadcast of The Christian O’Connell Show while talking about his recent move to Melbourne.

I was so relieved to hear that the presenter, who unfortunately lost his job on the Today show back in January 2025 after accepting a gift from Adrian Portelli, is doing much better. He shared on Gold 104.3 that things are really back on track for him now, and as a longtime fan, it’s just great to hear!

My wife, Bonnie, and I shared a special moment recently, just looking at each other and thinking about how wonderful things are. It’s been a tough year for us; we lived in Sydney for twenty-five years before moving to Melbourne, as you know,” the sports presenter explained to his co-host.

He said his life had significantly improved since he relocated to Melbourne late last year. 

He described a heartwarming moment when his family realized how far they’d come and how much they were enjoying their new community. He said they were making friends and the kids were happy and settled, making it a truly special time for everyone.

It’s been an incredible journey, full of ups and downs. There were times we just paused and realized how far we’d come, and how grateful we were to be part of such a supportive community. It was a truly special feeling.

This good news follows a tough time for Cullen. Earlier in 2025, he received $50,000 for being the first on-air personality to use the nickname ‘McLaren Man’ – a term coined by Portelli – which ultimately led to his departure from Channel Nine after a significant controversy.

He reportedly started a new job in June as a sports presenter on Melbourne radio station Gold 104.3’s breakfast show, The Christian O’Connell Show.

Host Christian O’Connell confirmed the exciting news live on-air.

Christian excitedly announced, ‘This is Alex Cullen – you may know him as the journalist who famously accepted fifty thousand dollars… He’s the one!’ Alex is a talented journalist currently seeking employment.

Christian explained that commercial radio operates under different regulations than television, and they were pleased to have Alex join their team.

Channel Nine might object, but we’re definitely open to offering incentives for airplay. Don’t worry, Alex, you’re safe here with us,” he reassured.

Alex shared his excitement at joining the show in a statement.

‘This is such an exciting next chapter for me,’ he wrote. 

I began my career in radio, and I’m really excited to be returning to the industry by joining a show that’s known for being warm and genuine.

I’m really excited to start working with Christian, Pats, and Rio on the show, and my family and I are so happy to be moving to and getting to know Melbourne. We’re all thrilled to make it our new home.

Last year, Karl Stefanovic, the host of Today, announced live on television that Alex had departed from the network.

‘As most of you are well aware, Alex has not been on air with us this past week,’ a solemn Stefanovic told viewers.

There’s been a lot of news about what happened, and I can confirm that Alex and Nine reached an agreement last night for him to leave the network.

A Nine representative confirmed to Daily Mail that Alex Cullen will be leaving Today after a review of a recent event. Nine and Cullen have reached an agreement regarding his departure.

The controversy started when Portelli, known for a long time as ‘Mr Lambo,’ announced a cash prize for the first person to call him by a new name on the radio. Alex took him up on the offer during the Today show.

The Block contestant then shared a screenshot on Instagram showing what looked like a $50,000 bank transfer made to the show’s host.

Taking money, gifts, or favors that could compromise unbiased reporting, and using your position as a journalist for personal profit, both violate the ethical standards set by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.

Alex was suspended by Nine after performing a risky stunt, and was taken off the air while the network looked into a payment issue.

Despite claims that Alex planned to donate the money to charity, Nine terminated their working relationship with him.

People started calling Portelli ‘Mr Lambo’ after he drove a yellow Lamborghini to a 2022 auction for the TV show, The Block.

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2026-03-24 10:49