Weekend Today’s Belinda Russell shares emotional message for co-host Roz Kelly after she lost coveted role to Danika Mason in reshuffle at Nine
Today on Weekend, Belinda Russell expressed a touching homage to her long-term work partner and fellow host, Roz Kelly, after her unexpected exit from the Nine Network.
On a Saturday, the breakfast television host shared two pictures on Instagram, symbolizing their last broadcast together.
In the first photo, they’re captured making funny faces alongside newsreader Mark Burrows on set, while in the second, a closer shot shows them grinning from behind the news desk.
Russell’s last post was captioned, ‘Final news update (hopefully temporary). I miss you already,’ accompanied by a broken link symbol and a fiery red heart emoji.
Roz recently said goodbye, a move happening mere weeks following her departure from her position at Nine, thus concluding an important phase of her career with that network.
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Her departure comes after some significant changes occurred out of public view, as Kelly was not chosen for the prominent sportscaster position on the Today show – a role that eventually was given to the up-and-coming talent, Danika Mason.
After the shocking news broke that Alex Cullen, my all-time favorite sports anchor, was unexpectedly let go in January following revelations of a $50,000 payment from businessman Adrian ‘Lambo Guy’, I couldn’t help but feel utterly devastated and outraged.
Initially, it seemed like Kelly had a strong chance for the part; however, it became clear that she lost the opportunity when Mason got an outstanding endorsement from Peter V’landys, a key figure in the Australian Rugby League Commission.
During the lavish Las Vegas broadcast of NRL coverage in March, Mason had the chance to mingle with high-ranking sports and media professionals, which appeared to reap rewards for her diligence.
This action significantly strengthens Mason’s position, as he is presently involved with ex-Bulldogs athlete Liam Knight, and is recognized as one of Nine’s emerging stars in sports broadcasting.
Currently, it’s reported that Kelly hasn’t found a new job opportunity since she left, leading many to wonder about her future plans in the world of sports journalism.
As a devoted partner to the retired South African cricketer Morne Morkel and mother of our two wonderful kids, I spent five memorable years residing in the vibrant city of Cape Town. However, with Morne hanging up his cricket gear, we decided to return to our cherished Sydney, where our heart is.
Today, Karl Stefanovic shared on air that Cullen decided to part ways with the network after the altercation involving Portelli.
It’s important to note that during the last week, our team member, Alex Cullen, hasn’t been appearing on the air with us. This is what Stefanovic shared with our viewers back then.
It’s been widely discussed about the events leading up to it, but allow me to share some insights: Last night, Alex and Nine reached an agreement that Alex will part ways with the network.
Alex has indeed been a cherished member of our Today family for the past five years. He consistently brings a warm smile and infectious laughter to our team, making it hard not to like him. It is without a doubt that we will deeply miss him when he departs from us.
Stefanovic expressed, ‘Alex is an outstanding guy, he’s authentic through and through, and he’s been a wonderful friend to everyone here for many years now. We wish Alex, his wife Bonnie, and their lovely children nothing but happiness and success in the future.’
A representative from Nine Communications confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Alex Cullen, presenter and journalist for Today, has agreed to part ways with the network after a review of a recent event.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I found myself at the center of an exciting twist when the familiar tag ‘Mr Lambo’ started feeling stale for Portelli, age 35. To spark a fresh wave, he enticingly proposed a cash incentive to the first individual who dared to christen him ‘McLaren Man’ live on air. True to form, Cullen rose to the occasion just over a week later on the Today show, giving life to this new nickname.
Afterward, the business owner from The Block seemed to share an image of a $50,000 bank transaction to the host on Instagram.
Violating journalistic integrity by accepting money, presents, or advantages to compromise objectivity, and misusing a journalistic role for personal advantage, are both unacceptable actions according to the ethical guidelines set forth by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union in the field of journalism.
Due to a questionable action, Cullen was temporarily removed from his position at Nine and was absent from the show during their investigation into the payment. Subsequently, Portelli chose to give the money to charity.
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2025-06-15 14:48