The highly anticipated 20th season of Channel Nine's renovation reality show, 'The Block', commenced on Monday night with five fresh-faced couples embarking on the challenge of transforming dilapidated properties into luxurious holiday homes. While each season promises "The Biggest Block Ever", this year is set to be one of the most dramatic in the show's history, as one couple will be bowing out mid-competition.
The opening episode hinted at a familiar storyline, as one team would be calling it quits. While viewers were left to speculate on the identity of the departing pair, the contestants' names have already been revealed. In April, it was revealed that Jesse and Paige, the Blue Team, decided to pull the plug on their 'Block' journey six weeks into filming, succumbing to the immense pressure of the high-stakes environment.
A production source revealed to Yahoo Lifestyle that "everyone was utterly stunned when the Western Australian team left Phillip Island", leaving Channel Nine scrambling to find a replacement. "Producers were taken aback by their decision to quit. It wasn't on their bingo card when they cast the season," the insider added. "This was intended to be the wholesome, back-to-basics season of 'The Block' that viewers had been yearning for."
Maddy and Charlotte, sisters from New South Wales, stepped in to replace Jesse and Paige, given just 24 hours' notice to take on the challenge. Despite their youth, the dynamic duo possess a wealth of renovation experience, having previously undertaken the transformation of a 1950s weatherboard cottage.
'The Block' executive producer, Julian Cress, recently shed light on the dramatic turn of events. "We didn't make it through the entire series with all five teams. We had to replace one of them along the way, which was a very dramatic moment," he told TV Tonight. "It was a very difficult decision for them to come to, but there was a very strong reason why they decided to do it, and it will be unfolding in the coming weeks."
Cress, who co-created the series in 2003 alongside David Barbour, clarified that the show's producers did not try to force the team to stay, as "it's impossible to tell somebody to do 'The Block'".
"If you even take your eye off the ball on 'The Block' for a day, you get your backside handed to you. Nobody can do it unless they're 100% committed to the task at hand," he continued. "I'm not saying these people left because they were lazy. They wanted to do it, but it just became enormously challenging at some point, and their reasons for leaving are pretty remarkable. I think it will start a very interesting conversation amongst the audience."
This season's familiar faces include hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft, while real estate director Marty Fox has joined the judging panel alongside Shaynna Blaze and Darren Whitaker, replacing longtime judge Neale Whitaker.
Dan Reilly takes on the role of sole foreman this year, as Keith Schleiger was unable to relocate to Phillip Island. Both Neale and Keith are expected to make guest appearances throughout the season.
Steph and Gian, the victors of the 2023 season, will be returning for the 20th anniversary edition, following the sale of their stunning home for a record-breaking $5,000,000. Their reserve was set at $3.350 million, resulting in a profit of $1.65 million, which, combined with the $100,000 prize money, amounted to a total of $1.75 million in winnings. The pair now operate their own business, Japandi Estate.
'The Block' premieres at 7:30 pm on Monday, 12th August on Channel Nine. The show will air on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays throughout the 2024 season.
