The Block is back! This year, the competition has kicked into overdrive with The Block Triple Threat seeing nine teams go head-to-head for the ultimate prize.
By Kate-Marie Thorpe
Now in its 10th season, the Block 2015 format has shifted back to a more familiar, safer renovation format for the makeover of the upmarket South Yarra block.
THE LOCATION.
Last year’s competition saw the teams renovating a huge glass complex in downtown Prahran, Melbourne which proved an overwhelming task for some of the contestants, seeing three teams pull out. The end-of-series auction buyers didn’t respond well to the High Street industrial site, and producers are this year hoping the lighter development site will be a winner for the teams and auction alike.
Earlier last year, producers secured the Darling Street location for $5.7 million, which attracts a triple-A postcode which the previous site lacked. Long-time watchers may be clued in to the series tactic of taking run-down properties in locational hot spots and transforming them into renovation masterpieces which sell for record prices. Will 2015 attract the same success? Let’s hope so.
THE TEAMS.
Last year’s series saw Sydney brothers Shannon and Simon obliterate their reserve by $335,000 to claim the top prize. With a mix of fresh faces and all stars of previous seasons, will this year’s contestants be up for the challenge?
BROOKE AND AIMEE – VIC, Cousins
WHY THEY’LL WIN: If we’ve learnt anything from the past series, it’s that staying cool and collected at breaking point is a must – these ladies have the art of zen down pat.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: Lack of experience may see the pair fall behind when it comes to major construction and room strategy.
Self-confessed first-time renovators, Brooke and Aimee can be considered the underdogs of this season. Although don’t write them off just yet; Brooke is a full-time mum, while Aimee is a Triple-zero call operator, so they’ll be sure to keep calm under the pressure.
TIM AND ANASTASIA – SA, Couple
WHY THEY’LL WIN: They’ve renovated a 1930’s rundown bungalow in the past in just eight months.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: Anastasia is a ‘self-confessed shopaholic’, which may see this couple in trouble when it comes to budgeting.
These romantic lovebirds met on an online dating site and share 4 children between them. Will the power of love be enough to get them through ’til the end? Tim thinks so: “Anastasia and I don’t argue – we have a strong respect for each other’s opinions.”
JESS AND AYDEN – QLD, Couple
WHY THEY’LL WIN: They’re the typical Aussie battlers who know how to make it though the toughest of situations.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: When it comes to decorating, their style is homey and comfortable. Will this be enough to wow the judges?
Gold Coast couple Jess and Ayden know how to look adversity in the face. After losing his job two years ago, Ayden started up his own cabinet-making to save his house and family. When it comes to decor, the duo have vowed to keep it simple. “We hope to create a space that’s clean and fresh, where people feel they can escape and relax,” Jess says.
EBONY AND LUKE – WA, Brother and Sister
WHY THEY’LL WIN: The siblings are in their element when it comes to making a house into a home, being professional interior designers and carpenters.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: Age and experience may not be on their side when the teams are pushed to breaking point. Jess is 23, and Luke, 28.
Keeping it in the family, the dynamic duo from Bussleton, Western Australia are taking on the heavyweights this year. Both work in the property industry, but have confessed they have never collaborated before. Will their family ties be enough to hold them together?
CHARLOTTE AND JOSH – NSW, Couple
WHY THEY’LL WIN: Charlotte’s flair for style teamed with Josh’s insider knowledge may just be enough to win them the title.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: Having never worked on a project together, decision-making is a key factor which might spell disaster for the couple.
Hailing from Manly, Charlotte and Josh have been together for five years and have both worked on multi-million dollar properties. Possessing the gift of interior and food styling, Charlotte says of her personal taste: “My style is simple, using classic design and colour palettes.”
JESS AND MARK – NSW, Newly Engaged
WHY THEY’LL WIN: Both knowing the property game well will give the opposing NSW team a competitive advantage.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: The honeymoon may be over before it’s even begun if this newly-engaged couple don’t put their differences aside.
Over the peninsula, Jess and Mark are also fighting for the title of 2015 Block winners. Having just purchased a new apartment in Queenscliff on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and renovated their outdoor area complete with floating barbecue and LED lighting. With plans to start a family in the next 18 months, a big auction win would set up their future nicely.
BEC AND GEORGE – VIC, Couple
WHY THEY’LL WIN: Previous Block stars Bec and George know the game well, and how to play it.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: If history repeats itself, the couple may land themselves in hot water with their unique renovation style.
Triple threats Bec and George are back for another round of the Block after making their first appearance in 2013. Since their stint on the show, the couple have prepared themselves by working and studying in their property design field, which will give them an extra edge over their competitors.
DEANNE AND DARREN – VIC, Mother and Son
WHY THEY’LL WIN: This controversial couple have most certainly learnt their lessons last year’s Glasshouse, and are well prepared to face the competition.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: Last year’s defeat may have stung a little too deep for them to make a triumphant return.
All throughout last year’s season, these hotheads bickered and disagreed through every room of their two-bedroom apartment renovation. Returning for a second chance at glory, the pair will have to keep their ego’s in check and agree to disagree to make it through to the finals.
MATT AND KIM – WA, Couple
WHY THEY’LL WIN: Triple threats Matt and Kim know the name of the game and aren’t afraid of a little experimentation.
WHY THEY’LL STRUGGLE: The judges were horrified with their previous out-there decor, so they’ll need to tone it down if they want big scores.
Sky High contestants Matt and Kim shocked the judges with their Jackson Pollock inspired ‘crime-scene’ bedroom, so will we see a return of this left-of-centre style? “The viewers can expect a fusion of luxe furnishing, classic London apartment styles, with deco references,” says Matt.
THE GOSSIP.
2015 sees the return of Scott Cam and Shelly Craft as the hosts of The Block, with judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Neale Whitaker back for another season. In a first, three buyer’s advocates will judge contestants’ work alongside previous season’s judges to take a different property angle into consideration. Executive Producer Julian Cress said: “Everyone has an opinion on the rooms and apartments on The Block but no one’s opinion matters more for the contestants than the actual buyers on auction day.”
There already appears to be a speed bump in the way of the floor plans for the first floor contestants also. Planning permits revealed by the local council show that the ground level and adjoining courtyard are slated which won’t allow for signification alteration, giving the four teams on this level a massive disadvantage from the get-go. Working around this will be a challenge structurally, as well as the compromises that will have to occur between these competitors.
And what does veteran host Scotty Cam have to say of the tenth season? “I’m still getting over last year’s auction. It was tough. It was traumatic for me, traumatic for the contestants and traumatic for the people at home.” Let’s hope that this year brings a lighter mood to our screens.
Images sourced from 9JumpIn
