Alex Cullen grew emotional during a live broadcast on The Christian O’Connell Show on Monday, sharing heartfelt reflections on his family’s fresh start in Melbourne.

Settling into a New Chapter

The 45-year-old sports presenter, who parted ways with the Today show in January 2025 following a controversy over a $50,000 gift from The Block bidder Adrian Portelli, described life as vastly improved since relocating late last year.

Speaking to co-host Christian O’Connell on Gold 104.3, Cullen recounted a poignant family moment. “We had a moment, Bonnie and I, we just looked at each other and went, how good is this? Last year was really hard for us. We lived in Sydney for twenty-five years and we’re in Melbourne now,” he said.

He continued, “We had this moment where we thought to ourselves, ‘Gee, look at the journey we’re on. This is such a wonderful community we’re now part of. We’re making friends.’ The kids are settled, they’re happy, a really wonderful moment for our family.”

“It’s been a rollercoaster, it really has. You have those moments where you just look at each other and go, look at where we are, at this wonderful place, this community we’re now part of. It was just a really special moment for us,” Cullen added.

New Role on Gold 104.3

In June 2025, Cullen joined Melbourne’s Gold 104.3 breakfast program as a sports presenter. Host Christian O’Connell announced the hire live on air, praising Cullen’s skills.

“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!” O’Connell said. He noted differences in commercial radio rules compared to television: “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.”

Cullen expressed enthusiasm in a statement: “This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it, 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.”

The Controversy That Led to Departure

The saga began when Portelli, seeking to shift from his ‘Mr Lambo’ nickname to ‘McLaren Man,’ offered $50,000 to the first media figure to use it on air. Cullen did so during a Today segment, prompting Portelli to post what appeared to be a bank transfer on Instagram.

The move breached journalistic ethics on accepting gifts that could undermine independence, as outlined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance. Nine suspended Cullen pending review and ultimately agreed to his exit.

Host Karl Stefanovic announced the departure live: “As most of you are well aware, Alex has not been on air with us this past week. There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed he would finish with the network.”

A Nine spokesperson confirmed: “Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist Alex Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.”

Despite Portelli’s later claim that Cullen intended the funds for charity, Nine proceeded with the separation.