Block Island is here, and it’s about to be your next TV obsession. To celebrate the 20th season of The Block, the show will be set in the beautiful location of Phillip Island, a cruisy two-hour drive from Melbourne, with the show premiering after the Olympics on Channel 9.
This season will feature new faces, special guests, all-stars returning and something that, we’re told, has never been seen before on The Block. Plus, there is even a Block baby on the way!
Before it hits screens, here’s everything you need to know about the contestants.
Ricky, 34, & Haydn, 37 – Melbourne, VIC.
These Melbourne mates have been best friends for 20 years and now they’re taking on the challenge of a lifetime that could change their futures.
When they start The Block, IT manager Haydn’s wife, Chelsea, will be eight and a half months pregnant, so there’ll be a Block baby this season! Plumber Ricky has always dreamt of taking part in The Block and knows his plumbing skills will help them succeed.
The fun-loving duo will also be bringing their quirky fashion sense, which can best be described as fluoro and “something out of the 1990s”.
Learn more about the team here.
Courtney, 32, & Grant, 30 – Sydney, NSW.
Event account manager and furniture designer Courtney and her husband of three years, Grant, a landscape business development manager, think this is the perfect next move for them.
“We don’t have kids, so I feel like this is a really good time. We want to go into it with a positive attitude and have fun,” Courtney said.
Grant is hopeful his profession will benefit him in the later stages of the competition. “I make sure my work is planned down to a tee, but that sometimes leaves me no time for my personal life,” he said.
The couple seem like they’ll make
a great team, although Grant admitted they don’t always see eye to eye.
“I think we will get on each other’s nerves a bit as we will be working long hours,” Grant said.
“But every time we argue, it doesn’t come from a bad place and we always have a joke afterwards.”
Learn more about the team here.
Kristian, 31, & Mimi, 28 – Adelaide, SA.
After meeting on a night out with their group fitness class, Kristian and Mimi tied the knot in November last year.
Proving opposites attract, perfectionist restaurant manager Mimi and laid-back electrician Kristian, who one day hopes to start his own business, complement each other well.
“In life we are completely different people,” said Mimi, who has a passion for acting. “We have disagreements, but when we came to renovating our home, we agreed on everything, which is a surprise.”
The couple take pride in their personal style, which is reflected in their Adelaide home.
“With our house, I would call the style modern contemporary, which we want to continue on The Block,” Kristian said.
“We like lots of different textures, different textured ceilings. I think we will surprise everyone.”
Kylie, 37, & Brad, 32 – Cairns, QLD.
This married couple from Far North Queensland don’t often have free time while raising their four children. But as long-time fans of the show who built their own house in Cairns together, the challenge seemed achievable.
“I guess it’s something we have always watched, and thought we could do it, so why not give it a crack?” said Brad, who is a plumber and an electrician, and hopes to save time and money by taking advantage of his skills.
Hairdresser and wholesale and supply business owner Kylie is ready to get building. “I will have a go at everything. I can handle a hammer and a drill and I’m not afraid to use it,” she said.
Learn more about the team here.
Jesse, 29, & Paige, 27 – Perth, WA.
This year’s youngest couple, carpenter Jesse and claims specialist Paige, are getting married later this year and hope their teamwork while planning their big day will rub off during their build.
But it isn’t only the construction that these two are looking forward to. “I’m definitely keen to meet everyone and make really good friends on The Block,” Jesse said.
Forging friendships might prove difficult for theatre lover Paige, who is aware she can come across as blunt, although she promises she means no harm.
“I feel like sometimes people think I could be mean or rude, but I’m never those things,” she said. “I’m just a direct person and I don’t beat around the bush.”
Learn more about the team here.
