Former Today Show presenter Alex Cullen has taken to Instagram to share an update on his next hosting gig after being axed by Nine following revelations he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block millionaire Adrian Portelli.
Cullen shared a photo of himself with his arm draped over the shoulders of Penrith Panther’s coach Ivan Cleary with the accompanying caption:
“Great to host the @penrithpanthers corporate partners meet and greet tonight. Thanks for having me and always good to see super coach Ivan Cleary. #nrl @pantherspenrithleaguesclub #nrl #penrithpanthers”.
Fans quickly flocked to the post to let the father-of-three know how missed he was on the breakfast show.
“Absolutely beautiful photo Alex, we soo miss you on The Today Show,” wrote one fan.
While another praised Cullen for his latest career move writing: “Congrats, Alex! Great to see you back”.
Alex Cullen shared this photo of him with Penrith Panther’s coach Ivan Cleary on his Instagram.
‘Lambo Guy’
Cullen stood down from his role at the end of January after it emerged he had taken a bribe from Portelli who was eager to ditch his “Lambo Guy” label.
Portelli had offered the cash to the first TV journalist to call him “McLaren Man.” Cullen took the bait during a lighthearted exchange on The Today Show with Karl Stefanovic, only to face disciplinary action from Nine soon after.
Today host Karl Stefanovic confirmed Cullen’s departure on-air, describing him as a “terrific fella” and praising his five years with the team. “We’re going to miss him terribly,” Stefanovic said, wishing Cullen and his family all the best.
The network immediately sidelined the host, releasing a statement to the media saying they were arranging for the money to be returned to Portelli, adding they were taking the matter “very seriously”, before eventually severing ties with the journalist.
Cullen’s replacement, Danika Mason.
Cullen’s replacement
Long-time Nine presenter Danika Mason has since been announced as Cullen’s replacement, stepping into the role of sports presenter on The Today Show.
Mason is already a familiar face for Nine viewers, thanks to her work 9News, The Sunday Footy Show, NRL on Nine, and Wide World of Sports.
Pictured: Alex Cullen and Ivan Cleary