Alex Cullen and Adrian Portelli reunited during the My Reno Rules finale on Tuesday night, as the sacked sports presenter handed over the $1 million prize money.
The ex Nine star, 45, was fired from the Today show in January 2025 for accepting a $50,000 gift from the controversial Block bidder.
But this week, the pair came face-to-face again as the live finale saw judges award struggling Queensland parents Mitch and Shaz with the life-changing payday.
'I've brought a buddy along to help me give away the million dollars,' Adrian, 37, said as the live audience began to cheer.
He then joked, 'He's the man, with all the cash, give it up for my man, Alex Cullen,' referencing Alex's sacking over his cash gift last year.
'Hello Adrian, good to see you again,' Alex responded, laughing at Adrian's joke.
Alex Cullen, 45, and Adrian Portelli, 37, reunited during the My Reno Rules finale on Tuesday night, as the sacked sports presenter handed over the $1 million prize money
'It is so good to be here. I have with me, one million dollars,' he added as he held up the prize cheque.
Alex and Adrian could later be seen catching up during filming on the Melbourne set.
While talent took a break on set, Adrian stepped off the stage to have a friendly chat with Alex, who was all smiles as he interacted with the billionaire.
Dr Chris Brown, who hosted My Reno Rules, was also spotted mingling with Alex, before later hugging the contestants and congratulating the winners.
Last year, Today host Karl Stefanovic made the announcement that Alex had left the network live on-air.
'As most of you are well aware, Alex has not been on air with us this past week,' a solemn Karl told viewers.
'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 told Daily Mail: 'Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist Alex Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.'
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The ex Nine star was fired from the Today show in January 2025 for accepting a $50,000 gift from the controversial Block bidder
But this week, the pair came face-to-face again as the live finale saw judges award struggling Queensland parents Mitch and Shaz with the life-changing payday
'He's the man, with all the cash, give it up for my man, Alex Cullen,' Adrian joked as he introduced Alex on the show, referencing his sacking over a cash gift last year
'Hello Adrian, good to see you again,' Alex responded, laughing at Adrian's joke
Dr Chris Brown, who hosted My Reno Rules, was also spotted mingling with Alex
The pair seemed engrossed in conversation
The scandal kicked off when Adrian had grown tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo' and offered the cash reward to the first person to use his new moniker, 'McLaren Man', on air, with Alex obliging on the Today show.
The Block entrepreneur then posted what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to the presenter on Instagram.
Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and improperly using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches of the journalism code of ethics as defined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union.
The ill-advised stunt led to Alex being suspended by Nine and he did not appear on the show while the network investigated the payment.
It comes after Alex became emotional live on-air on Monday morning when he confirmed his departure from Gold 104.3's The Christian O'Connell Show.
'It's a difficult morning, but also a joyful one, one filled with gratitude. I just want to say this off the bat, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this wonderful show,' Alex began.
Alex revealed he was leaving the role after 11 months – effective immediately – so he could spend more time with his wife Bonnie and their three children.
'The last year, it has been so much fun juggling these three kids and two jobs. It has been chaotic, but a whole lot of fun. Working with Christian and you guys has been a privilege,' he said.
Dr Chris was then later seen hugging and congratulating the winning couple Mitch and Shaz
Adrian appeared to be enjoying his time on set
The billionaire and Dr Chris made quite the entrance during the series finale
Contestants stood on stage across from the My Reno Rules judges - Neale Whitaker, Simon Cohen, and Julia Green
'It has been wonderful... but the grind of holding down two jobs, at both ends of the day, was proving too much. Something had to give.'
The veteran presenter moved to Channel Seven last year and currently presents their afternoon news program 7NEWS with Alex Cullen.
'I had some really serious conversations with my wife. I decided the time is right to put that early morning alarm clock away for a while and concentrate my efforts on my TV roles and my very energetic young family,' he added.
'I told the kids yesterday, "Daddy is not going to be doing breakfast radio anymore." They were so pleased. Thank you to Christian for the laughs, the joy, and to our wonderful audience. It was an honour.'
Alex's replacement was revealed last month, when it was reported that veteran Kyle & Jackie O Show presenter 'Intern' Pete Deppeler would be joining Christian's breakfast program.
The move comes after more than 12 years on The Kyle & Jackie O Show.

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