Alex Cullen is set to return to television presenting, eight months after leaving the Nine Network.
The former Today show news and sport presenter has signed with Channel Seven to front a new afternoon news program.
Speaking on GOLD104.3’s The Christian O’Connell Show (where Cullen also works as the resident sports guru) Cullen said the move marked an important new chapter.
“It was a significant day yesterday with me, signing a contract with Seven, which was really exciting. I’m going to be the Afternoon Host on Channel Seven. So we’re going to be taking you through the afternoon from three o’clock” he explained.
Alex Cullen stands beside Christian O’Connell
Cullen also outlined the program’s target audience, saying with a laugh: “We’re going to get all the nannas, the pensioners, the stay-at-home mums! We’re going to do something a little bit later in the month.”
The father-of-three hinted the show had been in the works for some time, saying: “Commercial TV moves at a glacial pace and we want to get this right.”
O’Connell joked that Cullen would be up against Tipping Point, Channel Nine’s afternoon game show and consistent ratings juggernaut. But Cullen responded confidently: “They are doing well… but not for long!”
The new show will launch later this month, with Seven positioning it as an alternative news-led option in the mid-afternoon slot.
Homecoming
Cullen announced he would be joining not only Seven, but the GOLD network back in July this year.
The appointments come after Cullen stood down from his on-air role at the Today show after controversy erupted over his acceptance of a $50,000 gift from billionaire Adrian Portelli.
At the time 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 drama began after Portelli, eager to ditch his “Lambo Guy” label, offered the cash to the first TV journalist to call him “McLaren Man.” Cullen took the bait during a lighthearted exchange on Today with Stefanovic, only to face disciplinary action from Nine soon after.
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”.
Man image: Alex Cullen