The Block on Channel 9 – Five charming 1950s homes that have undergone major renovations will be put to the ultimate test, The Block Grand Finale Auction, this Sunday, November 5, at 7 O’block on Channel 9 and 9Now.
But first, contestants will face the daunting task of impressing the public at the first “Domain Open For Inspections” in four years, tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The most controversial season of The Block ever has seen five Blockhead couples – Kyle and Leslie (WA), Leah and Ash (QLD), Kristy and Brett (SA), Steph and Gian (NSW), and Eliza and Liberty (VIC) – battling it out on and off-camera to take home the crown for their state.
After 12 gruelling weeks of blood, sweat and tears their houses are finished, and each one comes complete with a pool and secondary accommodation. Some boast hi-tech garage turning circles, while others have size on their side. Who will be victorious?
Ahead of the OFI’s tonight, host Scott Cam said:
“I think it’s the only show in the world where fans can come and see a live TV set like at the Domain Open For Inspections, and we all loved seeing them in their thousands in Charming Street. I know it’s also great for our contestants as they get to see just how much their hard work is loved by the viewers.”
As for auction day, Scott says:
“I get very nervous because as I have said since day one, I want every couple to have success after months of hard work building these homes.
“This year I think there are five beautiful and five very different homes which will appeal to unique buyers. I hope they do well at auction time as they all absolutely deserve it.”
Domain National Managing Editor, Alice Stolz, said after the inspections:
“The Block yet again created five dream homes and there’s nothing better than seeing fans and potential buyers check them out for themselves. It really was the ultimate open for inspections time”.
As for the auctions, she says:
“The property market has clawed its way back from last year’s downturn, with the national median just a whisker away from hitting a new price record.
“Hampton East is a sleepy suburb nestled into Melbourne’s beautiful bayside and is enjoying its moment in the sun. These Charming Street houses could not look sharper nor be more perfect for an idyllic family life.
“Whatever happens come auction day, I hope these renos have inspired many Aussies to take another look at those rather plain clinker-brick houses that they once might have thought were too dull. And also to think again about the simple life of suburbia. I’m telling you, it’s great out there.”
Executive Producer of The Block, Julian Cress, agreed. He said:
“There was a great atmosphere at the Domain Open For Inspections this year. After four years of not being able to do them, it was terrific to have thousands of fans turn up to see these magnificent homes.
“Most importantly for me was seeing the joy it brought to the contestants to open their homes and get such positive feedback on all their hard work.”
Looking ahead to the nailbiting auction day, Julian said:
“Hotly contested is an understatement. I can’t remember a series with such competitive contestants going into auction week. I have no doubt it will deliver a finale full of drama and an auction that will have everyone, including me, on the edge of our seats.
“It’s a volatile market right now and the only guarantee is that one team will win $100,000, but as usual, we will cross our fingers on auction day and hope for the best outcome for everyone.”
The highly anticipated auction order and reserve price reveals are set to be explosive, because the all-important order can make or break a team’s chance of taking home a $100,000 cash prize on top of their profits on auction day.
Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s richest reality program has awarded a total of $32,592,807.65 in prizemoney.
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 – Sunday 5 November, 2023 at 7.00pm.
Media Release – Nine
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The Block on Channel 9
