Nine
Get ready to celebrate two decades of design, drama, and dazzling renovations as The Block returns for its incredible 20th season. This year, Australia’s favourite home renovation show heads to the stunning coastal location of Phillip Island, where five couples from around Australia will transform an abandoned resort into luxury family holiday homes.
Meet The Block’s Ricky and Haydn
Among the new contestants are best mates Ricky and Haydn from Melbourne, VIC. These loveable larrikins have been inseparable for 20 years, sharing a bond that goes beyond friendship. They became especially close in 2009 after Haydn’s father passed away and Ricky lost one of his best mates. Their shared experiences have solidified their brotherly connection, and they’re ready to take on the challenge of The Block together.
Ricky, 34, a plumber, is extremely hardworking and isn’t afraid to get on the tools to get the job done. He owns his own electrical company and is accustomed to managing a team. Outside of work, Ricky is a fitness enthusiast, hitting the gym most days and waking up at 4 a.m. to go stand-up paddleboarding in Port Melbourne Bay. “The Block is a big deal, and a bigger deal being the 20th season,” he said. “To be part of that is amazing and humbling. I plan to enjoy every minute of it.”
Haydn, 37, an IT manager, is about to become a father for the first time. He and his wife Chelsea, who will be eight and a half months pregnant when the show starts, have been trying for nearly a decade to have a baby and finally conceived naturally last year. The opportunity to be on The Block came at a pivotal moment, and with Chelsea’s support, Haydn decided to seize the chance to potentially set up his young family’s future. “It was touch and go as I will be missing out on those crucial moments,” he said. “But the decision has been made and my lovely wife Chelsea has supported me through it.”
Although they don’t have much renovation experience—aside from Ricky’s apartment renovation in Seaford, which went $70,000 over budget—they’re eager to dive into the project. They know styling might be a challenge, but their unique fashion sense, described as fluro and “something out of the 1990s,” will surely bring a distinct flair to their build.
Ricky and Haydn’s strong bond and complementary skills will be their greatest asset on The Block. They’re not just looking to work hard but also to make friends and ensure everyone enjoys the experience. “We bring out the best in people,” Ricky said. “We are all about making sure people enjoy their time and moments because that is what life is about.”
As The Block embarks on its 20th season, fans are sure to be entertained by Ricky and Haydn’s camaraderie, determination, and heartfelt journey. Don’t miss the new season of The Block and check in to see Ricky and Haydn’s first room reveals!
