Recap | The Block on Channel 9 and 9Now (17 September)

The Block on Channel 9 – It’s that time again, folks – it’s Room Reveal Sunday on The Block!

Several struggle to finish their rooms, but the judges are left breathless by one space in particular. A mammoth prize is also unveiled, before a venting session sees frustrations and friendships laid on the line.

Let’s dig in, shall we? 

The great news is, the Blockheads have made time amongst their conspiracy theorising to put together excellent master bedrooms and walk in robes (finished or not) and we’re about to find out who has taken top honours.

Kyle and Leslie are exhausted and missing their two young children. And suddenly, it’s all too much. Kyle chokes back a sob as Leslie admits their children are finding it hard without their mum and dad around.

“It’s the longest we’ve been away from them,” Kyle says, as the tears flow.

Fingers crossed they get some good feedback tonight, because these guys could use a break.

As could House 4. They are also suffering from a distinct lack of sleep, due to the sheer size of their space. There is a lot – a LOT – of painting to do. “It’s laughable how much we have to get done,” admits Steph.

Kristy and Brett in House 3 have struggled to get a flow on this week, but are desperate to win anyway. That’s because tonight’s victor will score an exclusive trip to Phillip Island with Scott Cam and hipages’ Tom to do a hot lap of the legendary racetrack.

They plan to take Block besties Leah and Ash if/when they win.

Leah and Ash think they’re in good contention to potentially win. The pair are absolutely delighted with the outcome of their prized curved ceiling and Ash has been dominating the painting.

“It looks really good,” Dan marvels. “Ooh yeah,” agrees Keith.

But the foremen are less enthused by a detail in House 5. They have spotted a cheap timber bench top being used as a feature in the girls’ room and they’re not impressed at all.

It’s the latest in a string of tense encounters between Eliza and Liberty and their builders. Keith notes that the timber quality is way too cheap. “It’s really low end,” he explains.

The foremen suggest the builder could have called around and found them a quality piece of stone offcut that would have been a budget–friendly solution, while still maintaining quality. “…Going above and beyond for your client,” Dan says. He also helpfully adds that it’s probably too late now to make that happen.

The girls are outraged. They confront their builder Mark about it, and he explains they too, could have done some calling around to find an offcut. He’s also firm they can choose to install whatever type of benchtop they want. “It’s your house,” he says, noting the girls had asked to save money.

“What are our other options?” Eliza asks. “Nothing,” Mark says flatly.

Eliza points out that the foremen suggested Mark should have helped them more. Mark is not buying that feedback whatsoever.

So, with time ticking away until room reveal, the girls make a few half–hearted calls to find some stone. But they’ve left their run too late, and instead are forced to try and use a stain on the wood to improve the situation somewhat.

It’s a stretch, and they know it.

The build team bid them good night and good luck, as the dejected pair try and scramble. Liberty admits the builders started with a ‘whatever it takes” attitude that has since dwindled. “Do you think any of us had any idea quite what was involved?” ponders Eliza.

She and Liberty work through the night, emerging as shattered messes in the cold light of dawn.

Kristy in House 3 is also now in all sorts. She is upset with the placement and installation of most of her electrical work. “I’m not happy with it,” she says, despite having approved the placement herself.

But her lights won’t be properly fitted for Room Reveals and after being slammed for her lighting last week, it’s the final straw for Kristy.

And as we hit ‘tools down’ it becomes immediately clear that she won’t be alone in not completing her room. Leah and Ash have also not quite finished the job. “We’ve done probably the impossible,” Leah notes.

Eliza and Liberty are flummoxed as they concede that even when pulling two all–nighters, they can’t get their room over the line. “What’s it gonna take?” Liberty muses.

It’s time to wash off the paint, pop on their best threads and head to HQ for judging.

In a hilarious surprise, host Scott Cam has some special guests in the audience – his sons and their partners. This is the last kick for the girls, who had previously jokingly asked Scott if his sons were single.

“Have you seen my sons? They’re magnificent,” Scotty said at the time. The girls admitted that was why they were asking… and now, here they are, in the flesh. Alongside their girlfriends.

Scott jokes that the girls had claimed they didn’t care about his sons having girlfriends, but the girls are quick to shut down any such allegations.

“I did say to the girls you had partners, and they said, ‘We can take care of that!” Scotty teases, as the girls yelp back: “We did not say that!”

“How awkward,” Kristy says – and this seems like the time to quickly shift attention to judge feedback.

House 1 – Kyle and Leslie

The two spent $32,794 on their space this week, despite Scott earlier saying he would suggest teams spend $25,000. The judges immediately note the texture and lighting of the curved bedhead but question whether it’s just too rough for that position.

“I walk in here and I see everything I don’t want to see,” Shaynna Blaze says firmly.

So, looks like we’re not going to get that uplifting feedback the pair are seeking, this week anyway.

They’re not happy with the size of the bedside table, the lighting choices or the sunshine drenched sitting nook. “They need to think about what is liveable, not Instagrammable,” Marty Fox notes.

Their walk in robe gets a more positive rap, although the judges feel the set–up is too tight.

The pair are left disappointed, although defend their decisions. “I don’t think I will be making any changes to that room,” says Kyle.

House 2 – Leah and Ash

Before we go any further, it should be noted that both Shaynna and Marty have gone all out with their headwear choices this evening, with Shaynna rocking some hair bling and Marty donning a flat cap.

That important detail acknowledged, let’s turn our attention upwards, to the magnificent curved ceiling.

“That is art,” breathes Darren Palmer.

The two spent $32,372 on the room, which is impressive given the work involved.

They adore the vibe the room creates but they’re not big fans of Leah’s styling. The three judges note the mismatch of choices. “It’s in an argument with itself,” says Darren.

Despite the curved bench seat looking nice, Shaynna notes that it actually isn’t comfortable. Darren even reclines on the floor to prove his point that the zone could have benefited from some extra seating.

The judges aren’t convinced about the colour choice in the walk in robe, noting it feels slightly dated and oppressive. They can also see the two didn’t manage to finish, but appreciate the drama and intensity the space serves up.Play Video

Leah and Ash’s Master Bedroom and Walk-in Robe revealed

“The longer I stand in here, the more I’m excited to get to the next house,” says Marty. Yikes.

House 3 – Kristy and Brett

House 3 have also stepped beyond the $25,000 recommended spend, clocking up a whopping cash bill of $42,826.

“Light, airy, warm and cosy,” is how Marty describes the space upon entering. “It sort of gives you a big hug!”

“We don’t like hugging,” laughs Kristy.

Shaynna appreciates the floor plan and all three admire the lighting too. However, they do note the incorrect placement of the light switches and they’re frustrated to yet again see tiny bedside tables.

That said, overall, the space is a major hit.

The judges enjoy their walk in robe, noting it is spacious and the skylights allow stunning natural light. “I feel really uplifted,” says Shaynna.

House 4 – Steph and Gian

With a $20,000 wardrobe upgrade in play, the pair still managed to spend $44,065 on their huge walk in robe and master bedroom.

With gorgeous Hafele upgrades and a Hermes handbag, the judges agree the robe is pure luxury.

They note that some people don’t even have kitchens that size and Darren and Marty can’t stop themselves running their hands over the cupboard doors. Marty says the robe would be fitting of any 20 million dollar home.

Into the bedroom, the three judges are wowed by the result of the huge room. “It feels like a high end luxury hotel,” Scott reads. They especially appreciate the consistency the pair are using in their style choices.

“Steph’s eye is incredible,” marvels Shaynna. “She’s a talent,” agrees Marty.

“She’s going to have an incredible career,” finishes Shaynna, as Marty shares the room’s quality far surpasses what the house will sell for. “I’m excited for the buyer,” he notes.

House 5 – Eliza and Liberty

The girls spent $23,953 on their room, the only team to stick to Scotty’s suggested budget. And a part of that savings came down to the benchtop they were so distressed about. The judges too, aren’t fans of it. It’s more the colour they don’t like, and the girls shrug in recognition.

The judges are disappointed to see the unfinished painting and sloppy handiwork. “If you don’t know how to paint a wall coming into The Block, there is an issue,” says Darren.

They do admire the artwork Eliza splashed out for and the boucle bench seat, but once again they note the inadequate bedside tables.

Darren is concerned about the devotion to such a limited colour palette of orange and blue, adding there are other choices in the same range.

As they survey the space, Marty says, “They may not win a room, but it doesn’t mean that they cannot win The Block.”

The girls are chuffed to hear this and cling to the positive, as the judges enter their walk in robe.

They like the functionality and layout, but note the styling still needs work.

And the verdict is…

With a huge prize hanging in the balance, everyone is holding their breath as the scores are unveiled.

Along with $10,000 for the room win, the victors will also score a trip for two teams via helicopter, to the Phillip Island racetrack. Before they do a hot lap, they’ll also experience some pampering.

It’s a prize everyone is desperate for, particularly Kristy and Brett.

And right away, it’s clear things are neck and neck between Houses 3 and 4, with Darren giving both a whopping 9.5.

Marty gives Kristy and Brett a 9… and when he drops a 10 for Steph and Gian, the pair are ecstatic. It’s a surprising move from the new judge, who has become known for his very harsh critiques over the past few weeks.

It all comes down to Shaynna’s score… and when she gives House 4 a 9.5, the winner is determined.

The final scores are:
House 1: Kyle and Leslie – 21
House 2: Leah and Ash – 23.5
House 3: Kristy and Brett – 27.5
House 4: Steph and Gian – 29
House 5: Eliza and Liberty – 22.5

Scott reminds Steph and Gian they can bring another couple along for their prize. They announce they’d like to take their friends, Eliza and Liberty. “I think they really need it after the last few weeks they’ve had,” Gian observes.

Brett is in disbelief. “I’m genuinely shattered,” he says.

On the drive home, Houses 2 and 3 immediately start venting about their dream prize slipping through their fingers.

Kristy furiously notes that Steph claimed she merely felt sorry for the girls, adding she was frustrated the girls played a ‘sympathy’ move to score the prize.

She and Brett explain they simply think the prize is wasted on those who are going. They would have appreciated it more.

…And that’s where the whole disappointment and frustration ends.

Just joking. Next up is Kitchen Week and all that tension is about to skyrocket.

Strap yourselves in: We’ve got one hell of a hot lap ahead of us!

The Block on Nine and 9Now airs Sunday at 7.00pm and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm. Catch up on all the latest episodes on 9Now.

This recap has been used with permission from Channel 9

Special thanks to Lulu Wilkinson at Nine.

Link to 9Now HERE

Link to Lulu’s full recap including with extra video content and info HERE

The Block on Channel 9

About The Block

Get ready, Australia. The Block, the number one renovation reality program, returns for an incredible 19th season on Sunday, August 6, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

Set in the family-friendly Melbourne suburb of Hampton East, the new series features five houses designed and built in the 1950s and located on the aptly named Charming Street. These grand old dames are now aged in their 70s and way overdue for a contemporary update. 

For the first time in Block history, host Scott Cam will be providing contestants with the full renovation schedule ahead of time this season. So get your cameras out, Blockheads, it’s photo time. 

Adding to the year of Block firsts and amping up the stakes at play during the 48-hour House Decider Challenge, contestants will be seeing all finished designs of the houses on Day 1. Who will prevail and get the house of their choice?

Not only will they get the schedule and designs up front, but in another first, they’ll receive their entire budgets as well. 

However, the Blockheads will soon find out that it’s not all smooth sailing when renovating an original 1950s home – structural issues, extreme weather events, and a mountain of demolition will test our five keen couples every step of the way. 

Plus, The Block’s state-versus-state rivalry will be amplified by the sheer closeness of the houses this year. Who knew being able to peak into your neighbours builds would cause such tension?

The couples in contention are: sisters Eliza and Liberty Paschke (personal assistant, 37, and integration producer, 34, VIC); parents Kyle and Leslie Cottone (firefighter, 36, and teaching aide, 34, WA); parents Leah and Ash Milton (first aid officer, 31, and builder, 36, QLD); married couple Kristy and Brett Beames (project manager, 34, and safety officer, 34, SA); and newlyweds Steph and Gian Ottavio (architect, 27, and start up worker, 27, NSW).

Real estate expert Marty Fox isn’t the only new addition to the lineup this season. The formidable foremen Keith Schleiger and Dan Reilly will be joined on site with the fan favourite from last year, Tom Calleja.   

The nation fell in love with Tom and his wife Sarah-Jane because of their work ethic and relatable marital bickering, and he jumped at the chance to work with Scotty and come back as this year’s official Block plumber. 
 
The designs of the amazing homes in this series again come from The Block’s resident architect, Julian Brenchley.

At stake is $100,000 for the overall winner of The Block, on top of any profit the five couples can all make on the critical auction day. Plus bragging rights for the winners’ state. 

Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s richest reality program has awarded a total of $32,592,807.65 in prizemoney.

The Block – on Channel 9 and 9Now

Media Release – Nine

TV Central Nine content HERE