Richard Reid has unveiled a bold new look – and he’s not afraid to poke fun at himself in the process.

The former Today show entertainment reporter turned heads on Wednesday night as he arrived at the launch of the Mitch Churi Chat Show at Midtown Bar & Lounge in Sydney.

Ditching his trademark polished suits, Reid, 60, stepped out in double denim, rocking a sleeveless vest and flared jeans that channelled serious retro energy.

And the seasoned TV star is more than aware of the transformation.

‘I’m embracing my 1970s Robert Redford era. Sort of a “porn star meets ageing lifeguard” vibe,’ he told Daily Mail.

‘At this point in my life, I’m all about having fun and sharing a laugh.’

Richard Reid (pictured) has unveiled a bold new look – and he’s not afraid to poke fun at himself in the process

The former Today show reporter, 60, turned heads on Wednesday night as he arrived at the launch of the Mitch Churi Chat Show at Midtown Bar & Lounge in Sydney

Cheekily, he added: ‘I’m still on the hunt for a cherry red Corvette!’

Photos from the night show Reid striking a pose on the media wall, flashing his trademark grin while mingling with friends, including Studio 10’s Angela Bishop, Human Nature’s Phil Burton, and Churi himself.

It marks a dramatic shift from his days as the clean-cut, gossip-spilling correspondent on Channel Nine’s Today, where he built a loyal following thanks to his quick wit and Hollywood scoops.

Since leaving the breakfast show, Reid has kept busy with a string of TV appearances – most memorably being crowned King of the Jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2019.

He has also appeared on Studio 10 and carved out a career as an in-demand media personality and event host.

Reid previously made headlines when he revealed that his least favourite A-list encounter was with embattled talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

‘Everyone knows that I found Ellen was no picnic,’ said Richard, who has made no secret of his animosity towards the fallen daytime doyenne in the past.

‘So when all the reports came out this year about her [alleged bullying of staff], I did have a little moment of “I told you so…”,’ he added.

Richard appeared to be taking inspiration from 1970s Robert Redford (left) and Burt Reynolds (right)

Photos from the night show Reid flashing his trademark grin while mingling with friends including Studio 10’s Angela Bishop and Human Nature’s Phil Burton

He also posed for a photo alongside Churi himself

Richard, who worked Hollywood red carpets for years while living in America, went on to reveal his two favourite stars to interview.

He said Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock were always a pleasure to speak to.

Back in 2021, Richard blasted Ellen after her highly publicised toxic workplace scandal.

He said it was ‘about time’ fans realised Ellen was a ‘bitter, uncaring control freak’, as he recalled his own negative encounters with her.

‘Twenty-two years [ago] I had a first-hand taste of the DeGeneres brand of terror that left half her staff cowering for cover and the other half drowning in tears,’ he wrote in a column for news.com.au.

Richard explained that in 1998, he’d travelled to Los Angeles to interview Ellen’s then-girlfriend Anne Heche about her new movie.

He’d dressed in his best suit and tie for the occasion, and while waiting for a lift spotted Anne skipping around the corner in a ‘Hollywood boho-chic’ ensemble.

Richard quickly realised ‘how incredibly overdressed’ he was, and felt foolish in the presence of Anne, who playfully told him how ‘sharp’ he looked.

Reid previously made headlines when he revealed that his least favourite A-list encounter was with embattled talk show host Ellen DeGeneres (pictured)

Richard claimed that in 1998 he’d travelled to Los Angeles to interview Ellen’s then-girlfriend Anne Heche (left) about her new movie

In the same light-hearted manner, he replied with: ‘Is that what you’re wearing?’

But after the words fell from his mouth, Ellen came shooting around the corner and snapped, ‘You can’t talk to my girlfriend that way. She can wear whatever she wants. Why do you even care what she’s wearing?’

Ellen then apparently refused to get in the same elevator as Richard, while Anne mouthed an apology to him.

In 2004, Richard encountered Ellen for a second time while working a red carpet for Access Hollywood.

As he tried to interview her, Ellen looked at him and simply said: ‘You.’

She then asked who he worked for, before declining to talk to him and instead speaking to rival program Entertainment Tonight.

‘My interactions with Ellen lasted no more than five or six minutes in total, but it was enough for me to see the true colours behind her fake persona of sweetness and still send shivers down my spine more than two decades on,’ he said.