In an Aussie TV first, when The Golden Bachelor premiered earlier this week, Channel Nine put on a red carpet screening, bringing together all of the ladies and Bachelor Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden for a reunion.
Previously for shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, we’ve never seen our leading man or lady interact publicly with ALL of their contestants before the show even kicks off.
In fact in the media world, it’s usually solo interviews with the leading person to promote the show, and we only chat to the contestants afterwards as they’re being eliminated, or when the happy couple goes live after the big finale.
So what happened on this Aussie-first red carpet? Come on the journey with us as we unravel it.
Here’s what happened at The Golden Bachelor premiere
As the ladies all walked the red carpet, talking to various press outlets, one thing was obvious: the camaraderie and female friendship was a strong focus for this season.
The Golden Bachie ladies stuck together on the red carpet. Image: Chattr
Often arm in arm, and sticking together in pairs or groups of three, the ladies were excited to see the premiere of their upcoming season, with others notably keeping an eye out for Bear.
Lauren was very excited to get a photo with the Bachie himself, which was kinda giving vibes of, well, she hasn’t seen him very recently. So we’re ruling her out as the winner!
Laura Junner, Abbie Chatfield’s mum, happily posed on the carpet with Abbie and Adam Hyde, but didn’t engage much with the media, and while she may have interacted with Bear inside, we didn’t see her interact with him much on the red carpet. So we’re also ruling her out as a winner!
Laura stuck with her daughter Abbie. Image: Chattr
But one interaction DID catch our eye. And it was when Jan was in the background of interviews, waiting in turn with another fan-favourite Janette.
As Jan took her heels off to give her feet a break, she stayed chatting with Janette with the two of them keeping close the whole event, Janette’s arm often around Jan.
Jan took a cheeky heels break. Image: Chattr
Enter, Bear in the background.
Is it just us or is he looking directly at Jan?
Does Bear have eyes for just one lady? Image: Chattr
As it turns out, with our very own eyes, we watched him come over and greet Jan with a kiss on the cheek and a hug, while only briefly touching Janette’s arm, and not actively interacting with many of the other ladies on the red carpet.
Is it because he had already greeted Janette earlier? Is it because Jan is the one? Or is she the one who got away?
With Jan winning the First Impressions rose, we know on the show that Bear is keen on her, but months later in person, it also appeared that he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
However, it must be noted that Bear has remained very coy in interviews when talking about his final choice, even calling his final decision ‘unexpected’, which doesn’t necessarily align with Jan who is currently an obvious frontrunner.
“It will be totally unexpected to everyone, I think,” he said previously told Sky News. “All I can tell you is, I made the right decision.”
Insider spills on Bear’s actions during the screening of the episode
While media were situated in a different screening room to the cast, an insider who attended the event told Chattr that Bear sat with someone not from the show during the screening of the first episode, and left the room on two occasions.
The insider said: “Bear left the room when Kim gate-crashed the cocktail party, and when he gave Jan the First Impressions rose. Coincidence? Or could these be his final two?”
Love to chat about Reality TV? Want to share all your thoughts about Golden Bachelor, MKR, The Block and more in live threads? Join us in our new Facebook group and come chat!
A plot of land nicknamed the unofficial “sixth Block lot” is up for sale in Daylesford — home to host Scott Cam’s iconic Sawmill Shed, where contestants take part in judging and challenges.
The Sawmill is a premium Stratco shed that is currently on-site and will be included in the sale. Plans to transform it into a contemporary four-bedroom home called Barn House have also been drawn up by The Block architect Julian Brenchley of Group Architects.
Belle Propertie’s Natalie Fagan and Ashlee McKee are the realtors for the property, and the former told Domain about the listing.
“Lot 106 has stunning views, so it gives you the same sort of grandeur as what The Block houses have with the land size, the location, the possibilities,” Natalie said.
“Essentially, you’ll have no neighbours to your north. It’s just an open paddock, and it’s stunning,” she added of the view.
The Block 2025 contestants in Scotty’s Sawmill Shed. Image: Nine.
How far from The Block houses is the sixth lot?
The buyer of the plot of land where Scott’s Sawmill Shed sits will be neighbours with the purchasers of Robby and Mat’s renovated house.
The sixth lot — which is located at 2 Armistice Way, Daylesford — is just a stone’s throw from House One.
An aerial view of The Block site. Image: Google Maps.
How much is the sixth Block lot?
The plot of land is 2649 square metres and has been listed for sale at $1.1 million.
If you’re interested in purchasing the sixth Block lot, you can check out the listing here and reach out to the realtors.
When are The Block auctions?
The Block 2025 auctions will take place on Saturday, October 25, at The Block site in Daylesford. So, the attendees and contestants will know who the winner is — and whether the houses sold — then.
However, fans will have to wait until Sunday night to watch the auction action unfold on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The Block auction airs on October 26th at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
One of Australian reality TV’s biggest nights is almost here — The Block auctions — and fans are wondering whether they can be there to watch it all unfold in person on Saturday.
While the all-important auctions won’t air until Sunday night at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now, they’re actually taking place the day before in Daylesford.
In past seasons, fans have been able to attend in person, which is a fun day out for those eager to see the action up close.
So, can the public attendThe Block 2025 auctions? Read on to find out.
The Block 2022 auctions. Image: Nine.
Will The Block fans be able to watch the auctions in person?
Unfortunately not. The auctions are invite-only, and only those on the list will be able to attend the event. The crowd will include a mix of registered bidders, professional buyer’s agents, and contestants’ family members.
When and where are the auctions taking place?
The auctions will take place on Saturday at The Block site in Daylesford. So, the attendees and contestants will know who the winner is — and whether the houses sold — then.
However, fans will have to wait until Sunday night to watch the auction action unfold on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Each house will be given a reserve ahead of the auctions, and interested buyers will make bids. Whatever the house sells for (if it sells) over the reserve goes in the contestant’s pocket. Plus, the team that makes the biggest profit will also score a $100,000 prize.
The reserves haven’t been revealed yet, and some of the houses boast state-of-the-art amenities that they’ve earned through challenge wins, such as Mat and Robby’s pickleball court and Britt and Taz’s smart kitchen appliances.
“It might be a different story this week when we find out the auction reserve,” Emma said. “But, so far, we’ve been told that all the reserves are the same because they go off the original floor plan of the house design.”
The Block auction airs on October 26th at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Ready to swap your nine-to-five for three months of renovating a house on national TV? Then it’s time to apply for The Block 2026.
Applications are open to couples and friends from across Australia who believe they have the creativity, stamina, and patience (for both renovations and each other) to take on the challenge. No professional experience is required, just a willingness to commit fully.
Selected couples will spend approximately 12 weeks transforming rundown properties into dream homes, navigating deadlines, design challenges, and the occasional sleepless night along the way.
Next year’s season will be taking place in Mount Eliza, a beachside suburb on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia.
So, if you’re thinking of applying for The Block 2026, here’s what to know.
The guidelines stipulate that hopefuls will need to be available for a 12-week shoot period from February 2026. Applicants will need to fill out a fairly extensive questionnaire. It begins with basic identity questions and then launches into more detailed questions. Among them are “What is your dream job?” and “What influences and inspires your design?”.
Finally, you’ll be asked to upload a video of you and your teammate.
When do applications for The Block 2026 close?
If you’re thinking about applying to be on The Block 2026, then you’d better get in quickly! Applications officially close at midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Han and Can on The Block. Image: Nine.
How hard is it to get cast?
The Block receives thousands of applications every year, and some Redditors have detailed their experiences of applying for the show.
“We applied last year and got to the top 26, but are still undecided if we will again. I was curious about how others who have applied and not got in,” one person wrote.
They added that they didn’t spend much time on their application, but managed to almost get cast on the popular renovation show.
“We didn’t even really try last year, we just chucked our hat in the ring… and were totally shocked to get as far as we did. I mean, we did the in-person interviews and hadn’t even looked up Daylesford lol, we would try to be a bit more prepped next time,” they added.
Good luck to all The Block 2026 applicants!
The Block auction airs on October 26th on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The Block 2025 auctions are just days away, and in the lead-up, the contestants have been back at their houses meeting potential buyers.
However, making the trip to Daylesford has been a little harder for Emma and Ben, who welcomed their baby boy Bailey Coulter Cox into the world a month ago. Bailey was born four weeks early, so the couple were only able to take him home in early October.
Despite having a newborn in their life, the Melbourne-based couple told Chattr they’ve still been able to make plenty of trips to meet buyers at their renovated house.
“We’ve been back and forth from the Block the last week; we only got Bailey out of the hospital a week ago. So, since having Bailey out, we’ve been up and back and doing events and meeting potential buyers. So we’re getting there as much as we can. We’re actually going there after this as well,” Emma explained.
Emma and Ben added that Britt and Taz — who are from Western Australia — don’t have the luxury of driving back and forth to the Victorian properties, so they’ve been spending a lot of time at their renovated house.
Britt and Taz at their completed Block house. Image: Nine.
“Britt and Taz have been there the most; they’ve just taken work off. That was our intention, too. But with Bailey arriving early, it just meant we’ve had to be home for midwife appointments and hospital things,” Ben said.
“So realistically, we would have liked to have been out there a bit more, but we’re making the trip out as much as we can for the really important stuff.”
Emma pointed out that with a newborn baby, it’s important not to have him around too many people, especially with all the crowds and activity at The Block houses.
“It’s quite busy at The Block. They’ve got lots of events and sponsors and people walking through the houses most days. So we thought that with a brand new, fresh baby, it might be a bit harder to be there. 24/7, as well.”
What will the reserve prices be at The Block 2025 auctions?
Neither the official reserve prices nor the auction order has been revealed yet for the 2025 Block houses. So, viewers will watch that play out ahead of the actual auctions, which air on Sunday, October 26.
However, the price guides released earlier in the season have given an indication of what they might be. The official price guides on the real estate website Domain, where all five properties are listed, have been priced between $3 million and $3.3 million.
This year, all of the houses originally had the same floor plan, suggesting that they’d have the same reserve. But, there have been a substantial amount of sponsor prizes given away, including Britt and Taz’s win of kitchen appliances worth around $175,000, as well as Mat and Robby’s $50,000 pickleball court and their $50,000 outdoor fireplace.
“It might be a different story this week when we find out the auction reserve,” Emma said. “But, so far, we’ve been told that all the reserves are the same because they go off the original floor plan of the house design.”
The Block auction airs on October 26th on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Filming for The Block 2025 wrapped in June, but the season didn’t hit screens until late July — so by the time viewers were watching the drama unfold, the teams had already finished their renovations and had moved past all the on-site bickering.
However, watching it all play out on TV screens apparently resurfaced some bad blood between the contestants. In an interview with Chattr, Ben and Emma hinted that some tensions had flared up again as the episodes went to air.
“We’re getting to the final week of the episodes, and we’ve got to remind ourselves that we finished the show all really friendly, and as you watch it back, you sort of relive the moments as if they just happened,” Ben told Chattr.
“And so, you know, it opened old wounds for some, but I think everyone will move past it and be back to being friends like we were when we finished the show.”
Sonny, Alicia, Britt and Taz having a disagreement after a Body Corp meeting. Image: Nine.
Where do Emma and Ben stand with the other teams?
Emma shared that she and Ben have stayed on good terms with all of their fellow Blockheads since filming wrapped.
“We actually had an event last night, and we were all hanging out, taking selfies with each other, having a good time. So I guess we can talk on our behalf. We definitely get along with everyone in the crew, still. We chat to everyone, see, catch up with them when we’re at the Block.”
Ben added that he believes that most of their neighbours are still friendly, and said that he had a great relationship with Robby and Mat — despite the competing wine cellar drama that viewers saw play out on TV.
“They were really good sports about it,” he explained. “They, you know, said their two cents worth, and it was all part of the show, and in the spirit of competition. But, I reckon they were champs. They were honest to God, the best sports, and we got along well with them.”
The Block auction airs on October 26th on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Michael and Rielli were sent to the elimination challenge, where they competed against Danielle and Marko, and were sent home after losing by one point. Perhaps one of the most detrimental moments of the cook was when Michael dropped a tray of ribs.
In an interview with Chattr, Danielle said she had a mixed reaction when she saw Michael make the monumental slip.
“When Michael dropped the tray of ribs, like, there was a part of it that felt bad for them, like, obviously not a nice feeling. But then at the same time, I guess him dropping it brought us a little bit closer to possibly getting ahead of them,” she said.
Michael picking up the tray of ribs. Image: Seven.
“They definitely have that different side to them. Obviously, you see one side on the TV and that sort of stuff, but both of them are actually really good people,” he said.
Danielle added: “We got on really well with Michael and Riley, and they definitely have a softer side. I think they just didn’t want to go home. And also, like they’re really proud of what they do as well, they didn’t want to embarrass themselves.”
While Marko and Danielle were sad to see Michael and Rielli go, they admitted it was better than the alternative — being sent home themselves.
“It was bittersweet when Michael and Rielli were eliminated, to be honest. We both felt happy that one more team is eliminated, which means we’re getting closer to winning, but sad as sharing the MKR experience with Michael and Rielli was super fun and they definitely made things interesting to say the least.
How Marko and Danielle feel about the third round of MKR Instant Restaurants
At the end of Monday night’s episode, Colin and Manu revealed that the remaining contestants will be touring around Australia once again for the Ultimate Instant Restaurant round.
Speaking to Chattr, Danielle and Marko said they were thrilled by the news, especially given how well their first Instant Restaurant went.
Marko and Danielle at the first Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
“To be honest, we actually were delighted! Clearly, we seem to thrive better in that environment, so we’re looking forward to proving ourselves again at the Ultimate Instant Restaurant,” Danielle said.
“Our strategy is to replicate as much as possible what we did in our first Instant Restaurant. That means aiming to accomplish as much as possible during preparation time before things get too hectic,” she added.
My Kitchen Rules (MKR) airs on Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:30pm on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
The Amazing Race Australia2025 finale was a nail-biter, with Steve and Bernie Curry completing the final puzzle moments before Rob Mills and Georgie Tunny. The two teams raced to the finish, but while viewers saw Bernie and Steve reach the mat first and Rob and Georgie arrive just after, was the race really as close as it looked?
In a post-win interview, winners Steve and Bernie told Chattr that the race was unbelievably tight.
“Less than four seconds. Yeah, it was close,” Steve explained.
“We were almost to the point where we arrived at this beautiful, sort of Temple, hotel thing, and there were all these people who were doing high fives along the way,” Bernie added. “And there was a chance that, if we were goofing around too much there, that they would have come in behind us [and won].”
“Imagine you lose 100 grand because you’re busy high-fiving the locals,” Steve laughed.
Rob and Georgie reaching the mat just after the Curry brothers. Image: Ten.
However, on the plus side, if Georgie and Rob did manage to beat out Steve and Bernie at the last minute and win the show, they would have gotten married on the mat.
“They didn’t show this in the edit, but we still offered them the chance. We said we’d still like to see it, and they chose not to,” Steve explained, adding that the couple didn’t want to take away from Steve and Bernie’s moment.
Steve and Bernie’s strategic winning move
A smart move made early on by Bernie ended up playing a huge part in the brothers’ win on The Amazing Race Australia 2025.
The season’s final challenge was a memory puzzle that involved keeping track of logos that popped up throughout the entire race. Having watched previous seasons with similar final puzzles, Bernie came prepared.
“Bernie is a student of these shows. Loves these shows. And he did say at the very start of the race, he said, ‘Mate, I will guarantee you there will be a puzzle at the end which revolves around our recollection of symbols,'” Steve told Chattr.
Bernie and Steve putting together the final puzzle. Image: Ten.
“So we’d get to that mat, and you’re so cooked. You’re so cooked every time you get to the mat, that my brain isn’t thinking about symbols or retaining them. His was.”
Bernie had an idea that the final challenges would involve the symbols along the way at some point, so he jotted them down after every stop.
“I noticed a bunch of them. I didn’t see all of them, but I did say, ‘Steve, see, look, look up the flag there. See that little, that little symbol, little star’. And then we’d go home to the hotel that night, and I’d pull out the notebook, and I’d go, ‘Right. What did we do? Where did we start? We started here. What did we see? There’s a star symbol?”
Bernie admitted that he and Steve had high hopes of winning the entire show, which is why they were so diligent about taking note of the symbols.
“You wouldn’t be writing down these symbols if you didn’t feel as though you were going to get to the point where you’re going to use the symbols, so you had to have some sort of confidence that there was a chance you might make it to that final puzzle if you’re going to be writing down the symbols.”
Throughout the season of The Amazing Race Australia 2025, Georgie Tunny and Rob Mills made it clear that if they won, they’d get officially married on the mat. Unfortunately for them — and for us as viewers — Georgie and Rob came a close second to the Curry brothers, and we missed out on the first The Amazing Race wedding ever.
During a post-elimination interview with Chattr, Georgie and Rob revealed just how close the wedding was to happening.
“We were just chatting [to producers] in the pre-interviews. And, people always ask us — which is lovely, legitimately —when are you guys getting married? And I was like, ‘Hey, if we win The Amazing Race and we win $100,000 for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, we’ll get married.’ Because what could be better than that? And then the closer we got, we’re like, ‘Are we going to actually get married?'” Georgie explained.
Georgie Tunny and Rob Mills on The Amazing Race. Image: Ten.
“It was wild, but as we progressed, we’re like, ‘No, yep, that’s going to happen’. The producers were taking it seriously, like Beau had a full script in case we got married, in case we won. They got us rings that we have. There was this huge bouquet, which I saw after,” she added.
“We were like, ‘No, sorry guys, we did not win’ because they were prepping like we could have won, because we were the favourites heading into that last round.”
Georgie added that if they’d reached the mat first, host Beau Ryan was ready to officiate their wedding.
“Beau had done a three-hour online course, and we’re like, ‘We’re so sorry, Beau, because we didn’t win and we made you sit there and do all that’, but yeah, he was ready. So yeah, we were going to get married by Beau Ryan in Java.”
However, in hindsight, Rob added that their parents probably wouldn’t have been “furious” at them for saying “I do” in Java without them there.
Georgie Tunny and Rob Mills on The Amazing Race. Image: Ten.
Rob Mills and Georgie Tunny’s wedding plans
Rob and Georgie got engaged back in 2021 during a road trip in Sydney. The couple told Chattr that although their Amazing Race wedding was only moments from happening, they’re yet to make any firm plans for their actual big day.
“We think next year, next year could be the year, but we haven’t made any plans. And I hear that’s really important with weddings,” Georgie joked, with Rob added, “Apparently, you have to plan them.”
Georgie explained that part of the allure of getting married on The Amazing Race was the fact that they wouldn’t have to play into part in planning their own wedding.
“This is another part of the thing, because it would have been great to get away with the wedding and not plan anything and have, like, a full production team figure it out,” she said.
However, Rob added that despite not getting a televised wedding on The Amazing Race, the show’s producers are still keen to help them plan their big day.
“So at the end of the race, after the drinks, so many of the segment producers, or the challenge producers, came up and said, if you need us to progress, to plan anything for you, let us know.”
The premiere for The Golden Bachelor is just around the corner and we’re all a bit excited to see a different kind of love story play out on our screens, as widower Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden enters a new chapter of his love life.
Among the 20 women vying for his heart, there’s one familiar face: Laura Junner, a 64-year-old primary school teacher, and the mother of well-known Bachie star, podcaster, and influencer Abbie Chatfield.
Abbie first rose to fame on Matt Agnew’s season of The Bachelor in 2019, coming in as runner-up. She went on to launch a successful podcast career and is now one of Australia’s most well-known influencers.
So will Laura follow in her daughter’s footsteps and find her own love story? We can’t wait to find out.
Here’s everything we know about The Golden Bachelor’s Laura Junner
Laura resides in Queensland and is described as a ‘true pocket rocket with a heart of gold’. She’s been married twice and is ready to embrace life with a special someone by her side.
Saying her proudest achievement to date is her ‘two beautiful daughters’ (Abbie and Jolie) Laura said she applied for The Bachelor because it’s ‘definitely her time’. Laura said she’s looking for an emotionally present and kind partner.
With one daughter in the limelight, Laura isn’t a complete stranger to the Bachie world, and often appears on some of Abbie’s social media content. Plus, she had a brief cameo on Abbie’s season of The Bachelor, where she met Matt Agnew during hometown visits and politely sipped wine while he contemplated brutally dumping her daughter at the end of the show.
Laura’s first appearance on TV was on the 2019 season of The Bachelor. Image: Channel 10
What has happened on Laura’s journey on The Golden Bachelor so far?
The Golden Bachelor premieres on Monday October 20, silly! Come back for more updates then.
The Golden Bachelor will air Monday October 20 on Channel 9 and 9now.
Mat told New Idea that he’s having a baby boy with his long-time friend, Leah Cocks. He revealed that Leah, who’s in a same-sex relationship, initially approached him with the idea years ago.
“I didn’t know if I was ready at that stage of my life, and I think I was terrified because I have a very good life that I worked decades to be able to have,” he said.
About a year later, Mat decided he was ready to be a dad and asked Leah if she still wanted to go ahead with the process.
“I was ecstatic when it was a yes,” Leah told the publication, with Mat adding: “I wouldn’t have done it with just anyone. It’s only because it’s her”.
Leah said that, after a round of IVF, she found out she was pregnant the first week that Robby and Mat began filming The Block. However, she decided not to tell Mat while he was in Daylesford, because she didn’t want to distract him.
When Mat returned from the show, Leah was already three months pregnant, and decided to share the exciting news with him at his salon.
“After Mat returned, I booked in to get my hair done, the very last appointment that he had for the day, and I sat there in my baggy clothes and gave him a card. It had the ultrasound in it, and Mat just looked at me and said, ‘Congratulations!’”
It took Mat a moment to put the pieces together before realising the ultrasound was his baby. “I suddenly realised I’m going to be a dad!”
The Block auction airs on October 26th on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The reserve prices determine how much The Block 2025 houses need to sell for — and ultimately, how much profit the contestants take home. But do the bonus prizes they’ve won throughout the season have any impact on that number?
With the auctions just around the corner, The Block teams are still waiting to find out their official reserve prices. However, the price guides released earlier in the season have given an indication of what they might be.
The official price guides on the real estate website Domain, where all five properties are listed, have been priced between $3 million and $3.3 million.
This year, all of the houses originally had the same floor plan, suggesting that they’d have the same reserve. However, there have been some additional additions, such as a wine cellar by both Robby and Mat, as well as Emma and Ben.
Ben and Emma’s wine cellar. Image: Nine.Mat and Robby’s wine cellar. Image: Nine.
Additionally, the contestants have won a substantial amount of sponsor prizes, including Mat and Robby’s $50,000 pickleball court and their $50,000 outdoor fireplace, as well as Britt and Taz’s win of kitchen appliances worth around $175,000. So, will these bonuses increase the reserve prices for the contestants who won them?
According to Emma and Ben, neither the prizes from challenge wins nor the extra rooms will affect the reserve prices.
“No, it doesn’t, that’s what we’ve been told,” Ben told Chattr.
“It might be a different story this week when we find out the auction reserve,” Emma added. “But, so far, we’ve been told that all the reserves are the same because they go off the original floor plan of the house design.”
Ben and Emma on The Block. Image: Nine.
What order would Ben and Emma want to go in The Block auction?
Each year, the contestants clash over auction order, often arguing that the house tipped to make the biggest profit should go first to set the tone for the day. Going last in the auctions is often considered a strong placement, too, because buyers who’ve missed out earlier might get more competitive.
The order for the 2025 auction orders hasn’t been decided yet, and Emma and Ben told Chattr they’re still trying to decide which spot would be ideal for them.
“We’re still discussing that,” Ben explained. “We’ve discussed it with our agent, and he’s still a little bit on the fence about whether he wants to go higher or lower [in the order]. We’ve got a couple more days to work it out.”
Emma added that she and Ben wanted to work out the order with their fellow contestants.
“On one of the [Block] getaways. We spoke to Scotty about it, and he said that it’s been won and lost from every position. So he didn’t say there was an advantage going first or last or I don’t know.
“I think it’s something we need to put a bit more thought into as well. We have been thinking about it, but even more so, have put some thought into it with our real estate and chat to our neighbours and see where everyone wants to go.”
No wonder fans are calling Emma and Ben the sweetest pair The Block has ever seen.
The Block auction airs on October 26th on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Billionaire The Blockbuyer Adrian Portelli has been spotted filming a video in Emma and Ben’s Daylesford wine cellar, despite repeatedly indicating he wouldn’t be attending this year’s auctions.
Ray White real estate agent Jamee Favorito shared a video talking to Adrian about his path to success — and the background looked suspiciously familiar. It wasn’t long until followers pointed out in the comments section that Adrian and Jamee filmed the clip in Emma and Ben’s cellar.
“Bro at The Block… after they said he wouldn’t be back…” One person wrote. Another commented: “Stop buying the houses. I want to see actual auctions.” Jamee replied, saying that “someone just needs to outbid him”, and the user bit back, pointing out that it’s extremely hard to outbid a billionaire.
So, does Adrian’s appearance at House One mean that he’s a potential buyer? When Chattr asked Emma and Ben about Adrian visiting their house, they stayed coy.
“It’s AI, it’s AI,” Ben joked, notably not giving a simple explanation for Adrian’s visit.
On top of that, Jamee has repeatedly popped up at The Block this season, and Emma and Ben’s real estate agent is his Ray White colleague, Aaron Hill.
Will Adrian Portelli buy one of The Block 2025 houses?
During last year’s The Block auctions, where he spent $15 million and bought all five houses, Adrian Portelli said that it would be his last time at The Block auction day.
“I think this is the final one [auction day],” he said. “So, I’m going to hang the boots up and go out with a bang. So, I did.”
Then, earlier this year, The Block host Scott Cam told Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie that the show asked him not to come back, later reneaging and clarifying that Adrian wasn’t ‘banned’.
“We said to Adrian, ‘We’d love you not to come next year, if that’s alright…’ He said, ‘Yeah, okay, he won’t come,’” he explained.
“But he may come,” Scott continued. “We don’t know, but we do want to give mums and dads the opportunity to have a crack at a Block house … but if Adrian comes and wants to buy the lot of them, well, that rules them out.”
In July, the billionaire revealed he’d signed on for My Reno Rules, a new renovation series on Channel 7 — The Block’s rival network — making a return to the auctions seem even less likely.
However, as a Reddit user pointed out, Adrian initially said last year would be his last auction, not his last The Block purchase.
“He did say last year that he won’t be attending auctions but could send a buyer’s advocate like he did last year for two of the houses…” they wrote.
Another suggested that the clip of Adrian in Emma and Ben’s cellar might be a marketing technique to create buzz.
“Maybe done through the REA, because they know the level of interest in Portelli, and chasing clicks and views. Looks like it is working!”
Regardless, we can’t wait to see whether Adrian will attend this year’s auctions!
The Block auction airs on October 26th on Channel 9 and 9Now.
“He arrived five weeks early because we were due two days after the actual auction, which I am grateful for, because I think if I was sitting at the auction heavily pregnant, I would be even more nervous,” Emma told Chattr.
Emma shared that she was in labour for just six hours, adding that Bailey was “on a mission to get here.”
“The birth was amazing. I couldn’t fault the amazing midwives that we had. It was a quick birth,” she said, while Ben laughed, “I bet you that’s the first time you’ve heard anyone say that the birth was amazing.”
The couple explained that ahead of the auction, all of the cast have been attending events at the Block site to meet potential buyers, adding that a few of the cast have already met baby Bailey.
“Taz and Britt have met Bailey and Robby and Sonny, actually, just through events that we’ve been at the last week,” Emma said.
“We’ve been back and forth from the Block the last week, we only got Bailey out of the hospital a week ago. So, since having Bailey out, we’ve been up and back and doing events and meeting potential buyers. So we’re getting there as much as we can. We’re actually going there after this as well,” she added.
Emma and Ben confirmed that baby Bailey will be at The Block auctions on Saturday, October 25th, and shared an adorable detail about what he will wear.
“The Block was talking about getting some little high vis for him, so he might be rocking some Hard Yakka or something,” Emma laughed.
She added that she and Ben have been discussing who will be taking care of Bailey while the auction takes place.
“I’m saying to Ben, maybe you won’t hold Bailey at the auction, because Ben’s feeling super nervous about the auction. I mean, so am I, but I feel like I’ll hold on to Bailey on auction day.”
“[We’re feeling] a bit of everything. It’s been nice. We’ve got a few events on before then, which are good distractions,” Ben added.
“We’re sort of just taking it one day, an event at a time, and I guess until next week. I reckon Monday, we’ll probably be done with all our events, and it’ll start sinking in that it’s imminent, but at the moment, I’m just excited.”
The Block auction airs on October 26th on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The Block 2025 is nearing the end, and contestants — and fans — are gearing up for the all-important auction day.
On The Block, each house is set a reserve price at the end of the renovations. In the past, the reserve has varied depending on the size of the houses. However, every house this year has identical layouts, so they should all sit around the same mark.
On auction day, contestants get to take home whatever the houses sell for over the reserve. The house that has the highest amount of over-reserved money scores an extra $100,000 in prize money and is crowned the winner of The Block. Last year’s winners, Maddy and Charlotte, pocketed a whopping $1.65 million, including their winner’s prize.
While the winner of The Block 2025 isn’t officially revealed until the live auction, fans are sharing their predictions online, and there seems to be one team that viewers are convinced will win.
On top of that, in September, Australian betting site Sportsbet indicated which team may be walking out of the auctions triumphant. The odds have since been taken down now that the auction is nearing.
Han and Can on The Block. Image: Nine.
Who do viewers think will win The Block?
The Block Facebook group is overflowing with fan predictions about who will win this season — and the overwhelming favourite is House 3, renovated by Britt and Taz.
However, House One (by Emma and Ben) and House Five (by Mat and Robby) are also popular choices among viewers.
One user even questioned if any of the houses would sell without Adrian Portelli and Danny Wallis spending up big at the auctions.
“It’ll be interesting to see if anyone wins. Their reserves are quite high and for any of them to walk away with substantial money the houses would have to sell for about $3.5 million. It’s a lot of money. Not sure they’re worth that much or there’s too many people around prepared to pay that,” they wrote.
What are the betting odds of who wins The Block 2025?
In September, fan favourites Robby and Mat had the best odds to win The Block 2025 with a return of $2.00, and Emma and Ben were second with $3.25.
Britt and Taz sat in the middle of the pack with a return of $4.00, and Sonny and Alicia were fourth with $7.50.
The betting website had Han and Can with the worst odds to win the show, at $10.00.
Robby and Mat on The Block. Image: Nine.
How do betting odds work?
Betting odds are tied to dollar amounts, and those with lower odds are recognised as more likely to win, hence the lower return. For example, if someone bets $1.00 on Mat and Robby winning The Block and they do, they’d receive the amount that outcome is listed at, which is $2.00.
The return is based on how much someone bets, so if they bet $10.00 on the same thing, they’d receive $20.00. If they bet $100, they’d receive $200.00 and so on.
The Block 2025 airs on Sundays at 7:30pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Each week The Block 2025 cast will unveil their finished rooms to the judges in the hope of scoring glowing reviews and snagging some prize money to put towards their renovations.
During The Block 2025 premiere, the contestants were given a budget of $250,000 for their renovation. If they win challenges and the weekly room reveals, they have the potential to earn extra cash and furnishing vouchers.
Unlike some recent years, they were also given the entire renovation schedule, with suggested budgets for each room. In another new twist, every house this year is exactly the same in size and layout, so it will be up to the contestants to show their creativity and initiative in styling and make their choices really stand out.
However, it’s not just the winning teams that score prize money this year. The team that spends the least each week takes home a Commonwealth Bank $10,000 award for the best budget, matching the amount the best room receives in prize money.
Robby and Mat
Week 12 – Front Yard
It was a bit underwhelming this week, with the boys clearly facing budget challenges as they struggled to get everything finished. Still, the judges acknowledged it was a solid effort.
Cash Spent: Over by $57,151
Scores:
Dave: 9.5
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 38
Week 11 – Backyard and Pool
The judges loved everything about Robby and Mat’s backyard — from the stunning open fireplace to the pool. While the cabana felt a little more basic compared to the others, there was still plenty of love for the space.
Cash Spent: $57,151
Scores:
Dave: 9.5
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 38
Week 10 – Terrace and Shed
The judges couldn’t get enough of Robby and Mat’s spaces, especially the much-anticipated reveal of the wine cellar. Their shed-turned-gym was another standout, ticking all the right boxes. With three perfect tens, it was a huge week for the boys — and an emotional one too.
Cash Spent: Over by $14,232
Scores:
Darren: 10
Marty: 10
Shaynna: 10
Total: 30
Week 9 – Back of House
Robby and Mat delivered another beautiful space this week. The European laundry was a little too small for a luxury home like this one in Daylesford, but there was so much to love — especially their stunning powder room. Their only real miss was the decision not to tile the mudroom.
Scores:
Darren: 8.5
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 8.5
Total: 25.5
Week 8 – Guest Suite
It was a tough week for the boys, who unfortunately didn’t get to finish their guest suite. However, the judges loved the bedroom and didn’t mind that there was no kitchenette. It was just such a shame when they saw the unfinished bathroom — the judges agreed they would have been real contenders this week.
Cash Spent: $33,374
Scores:
Darren: 7
Marty: 7
Shaynna: 6.5
Total: 20.5
Week 7 – Kitchen (Tied winners with Britt and Taz)
There was plenty to love in Robby and Mat’s kitchen this week. The judges were impressed with the appliance choices and the sleek styling, while Shaynna praised the space for having real heart. The only question mark was the fake door leading into the main bedroom — but overall, it was a glowing week for the boys.
Cash Spent: $19,413
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty:9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 28.5
Week 6 – Rumpus Room
Not the boys’ finest week. They didn’t get to finish their rumpus room after a floorboard supply issue left them short. The judges thought they completely dropped the ball — the design was a poor effort and not very Daylesford. Shaynna was especially unimpressed with the overload of indoor plants.
Cash spent: $21,225
Scores:
Darren: 6
Marty: 6
Shaynna: 6
Total: 18
Week 5 – Living and Dining Room – Winners
Another week, another stand out result for Robby and Matt. Marty was left speechless (in the best way). He was very confident that this room will appeal to buyers. Shaynna was pleasantly surprised with the styling and the furniture choices were excellent. An extra point was awarded after playing the gnome.
Cash spent: $21,225
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 29.5 (after playing the gnome)
Week 4 – Main Bedroom
All three judges were impressed with the painting. Darren and Shaynna loved the four-poster bed, though Shaynna felt it was a little off-centre. Overall, the spaces were strong and very hard to fault.
Cash spent: $17,933
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 8
Shaynna: 8
Total: 25
Week 3 – Main Bathroom
It was a strong week for both Robby and Matt, resonating with two of the judges. Darren described the bathroom styling as his “love language,” while Shaynna felt it lacked the same bravery they had shown in Weeks 1 and 2, but still loved a lot of things about it.
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.75
Shaynna: 8
Total: 27.25
Week 2 – Kids Bedroom
Feeling bold after a few champagnes at last week’s celebratory dinner, Robby and Mat chose a daring material for their bedhead. However, the decision didn’t sit well with the judges, who said the room felt more like a grandma’s than a kid’s.
Cash spent: $24,432
Scores:
Darren: 7.5
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 6.5
Total: 20.5
Week 1 – Bathroom reveal
Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.
Robby and Mat were the only ones to have horizontal towel rails, which the judges loved. Shaynna, Darren and Marty loved the room and said it was a strong start for the mates.
Cash spent: $25,394
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 8.5
Total: 26.5
Sonny and Alicia
Week 12 – Front Yard – Winners
There was plenty of love for Sonny and Alicia this week — they didn’t put a foot wrong. The judges adored the plant choices, loved the open lawn for kids to play on, and couldn’t get enough of that kangaroo sculpture. After three months of trying, Sonny and Alicia finally take out the win! They score an MG for the house and another for home — which they’re gifting to Alicia’s mum — plus $10,000 in cash.
Cash Spent: $131,551
Scores:
Dave: 9
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 10
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 38
Week 11 – Backyard and Pool
Darren called it the perfect Aussie garden — plenty of space for the kids to run around and enjoy. The pool cabana was a standout, and the huge outdoor table made for the ultimate entertaining setup. There was a lot to love this week.
Cash Spent: $18,551
Scores:
Dave: 9
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.75
Shaynna: 9
Total: 36.75
Week 10 – Terrace and Shed
There was plenty of love for Sonny and Alicia’s spaces this week. The judges were blown away by the outdoor kitchen and the high-end finishes in the alfresco area. And as for the shed — simple, functional, and spot on.
Cash Spent: Over by $18,215
Scores:
Darren: 10
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 29
Week 9 – Back of House
The judges felt Sonny and Alicia missed the mark on the layout of the laundry and pantry, but they praised them for including a fridge. The mudroom was a real highlight, and the garage — complete with that perfect wallpaper feature. Overall, it was a good week for them.
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 9
Total: 26.5
Week 8 – Guest Suite
It was a great week for Sonny and Alicia, with the judges agreeing they’d really stepped it up. The judges loved the colour drenching, and the styling in both the bedroom and bathroom was minimal, but it absolutely worked.
Cash Spent: $31,077
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 28.5
Week 7 – Kitchen
Shaynna and Darren were big fans of this kitchen, especially the bold blue — a colour rarely seen on The Block. But Marty wasn’t impressed, calling it “as bland as a piece of bread.” His harsh critique even had Alicia admitting she’s starting to take his comments personally. Still, the judges agreed the reworked living and dining spaces were a huge improvement and finally feel like they’ve come together. Sonny and Alicia also took the $10,000 Commonwealth Bank budget award again.
Cash Spent: $12,103
Scores
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 9
Total: 27
Week 6 – Rumpus Room
A huge week for Sonny and Alicia! The judges loved everything about their rumpus room — especially the burgundy colour drenching, which Darren had been waiting on all season. Shaynna said the space feels quintessentially Daylesford. And to top it all off, Sonny and Alicia finished week 6 on a high, taking home the $260,000 Titanium caravan.
Cash spent: $19,999
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9
Total: 27.5
Week 5 – Living and Dining Room
This week was nothing short of a disaster. The judges found fault with almost everything, starting with the spatial planning — which they felt was completely off. The living room felt cramped and cluttered, a huge missed opportunity that left the judges disappointed. They said Sonny and Alicia had a lot of work to do before the auction as they’ll have to completely salvage it with new furniture choices. However, one positive was that the judges loved the brick fireplace.
Cash spent: $19,999
Scores:
Darren: 8
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 6.5
Total: 20.5
Week 4 – Main Bedroom
The judges kicked off with praise for Sonny and Alicia, calling their lighting plan the best on The Block this week. But that’s where the compliments ended. The painting missed the mark, and the room felt too spacious. Shaynna thought it all came across as corporate, while Marty said the walk-in wardrobe looked like it belonged in a Southbank apartment. Sonny and Alicia were devastated.
Cash spent: $19,172
Scores:
Darren: 7
Marty: 7.5
Shaynna: 7
Total: 21.5
Week 3 – Main Bathroom
Sonny and Alicia’s bathroom could woo buyers, but the judges weren’t loving the scattershot layout — and one side’s styling totally fell flat. The pair promised it’ll all click once the main bedroom and walk-in robe are unveiled. On the bright side, the Gold Coast duo snagged their second $10k Commonwealth Bank win in a row.
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 27.5
Week 2 – Kids Bedroom
The judges were relatively impressed with Sonny and Alicia’s room, but felt like they could have pushed harder. However, the Blockheads said that they had their eye on the long game and wanted to appeal to a broad market.
Cash spent: $14,970
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 7.5
Shaynna: 8
Total: 24.5
Week 1 – Bathroom reveal
Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.
Cash spent: $14,739
Marty, Darren and Shaynna loved Sonny and Alica’s colour palette and said they were off to a great start.
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 8
Total: 25.5
Han and Can
Week 12 – Front Yard
There were mixed feelings about the Japanese-inspired front garden. Shaynna felt it didn’t quite flow with the interior, while Dave Franklin was a big fan of the design.
Cash Spent: $51,132
Scores:
Dave: 9
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 8.5
Total: 35.5
Week 11 – Backyard and Pool
Marty wasn’t a fan of Han and Can’s Japanese-inspired garden from the start, while Shaynna, Darren and Dave had mixed opinions. But today, Shaynna was their biggest supporter. The judges did all agree on one thing — the Japanese-inspired arbour was a standout.
Cash Spent: $9,753
Scores:
Dave: 8
Darren: 8
Marty: 7.5
Shaynna: 8
Total: 31.5
Week 10 – Terrace and Shed
It wasn’t the best week for Han and Can, with the judges struggling to find much to love. Both the Alfresco and Shed areas were clearly unfinished, and the design choices didn’t quite hit the mark. Shaynna wasn’t convinced by the Japanese garden either, calling it a bit redundant. In the shed, Han poured plenty of energy into the art studio, but the judges felt most of it just wasn’t needed.
Still, there was a silver lining — the girls took out the $20,000 Commonwealth Bank Jackpot Award. So, not a total loss after all.
Cash Spent: Over by $20,455
Scores:
Darren: 7
Marty: 7
Shaynna: 7
Total: 21
Week 9 – Back of House
There was a lot to love in this space for the girls this week. The judges praised the layout and how the team cleverly switched it up, noting the beautiful colour palette and great finishing touches. The garage was beautifully done, rounding out an impressive week.
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 27.5
Week 8 – Guest Suite
Unfortunately for the girls, this week didn’t quite go to plan — they weren’t able to finish their guest suite. However, the judges loved their bathroom, and Darren especially praised their bold use of colour in the bedroom.
Cash Spent: $38,787
Scores:
Darren: 8
Marty:8
Shaynna: 7.5
Total: 24
Week 7 – Kitchen
It was a week of highs and lows for Han and Can. Marty and Darren adored the kitchen and were full of praise, but Shaynna wasn’t convinced. For her, it lacked soul and missed the essence of Daylesford. Marty, ever the real estate agent, called it flamboyant and highly marketable. But when it came to the rangehood, all the judges — and even host Scott Cam — agreed it was far too low. Overall? A real mix of feedback for the girls.
Cash Spent- $20,845
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 8
Total: 26.5
Week 6 – Rumpus Room – Winners
Lots of love this week for Han and Can. The judges loved the layout of the cinema room, and the furniture choices were perfect — including the couch. Marty thinks this room is very marketable. Easily their best feedback so far in the competition. The girls took out the win, plus their first 10, meaning that $20,000 went straight into their bank.
Cash Spent: $32,412
Scores:
Darren: 10
Marty: 9.75
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 29.25
Week 5 – Living and Dining Room
It looks like Han and Can are back on track this week. All three judges thought they did an incredible job getting the vibe just right. Shaynna said it’s as if they have grown up. Every element in the room worked beautifully, creating a space that impressed across the board. The real star of the show was the custom-made Christian Cole table, which the judges absolutely adored.
Cash spent: $32,412
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9
Total: 27.5
Week 4 – Main Bedroom
Marty came in swinging, saying he hated everything about Han and Can’s room this week. The bold blue was “too much” and needed to go. The judges did like the walk-in wardrobe, but Shaynna wasn’t convinced. She felt the girls’ home was having an identity crisis, with the main bedroom, wardrobe and bathroom all feeling completely different.
Cash spent: $18,643
Scores:
Darren: 6.5
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 7
Total: 20
Week 3 – Main Bathroom – Winners
All eyes were on the see-through bath — bold, different, and totally loved by the judges. The colour palette? Big tick. And with Han sick all week, the girls still pulled off an absolute stunner of a bathroom. An extra point was awarded after playing the gnome.
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9
Total: 29
Week 2 – Kids Bedroom
At first glance, Shaynna, Marty and Darren loved Han and Can’s room, but on closer inspection, they felt like too much was going on, and said the nursery was too busy and impractical for a baby.
Cash spent: $15,477
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 7.5
Shaynna: 7.5
Total: 24
Week 1 – Bathroom reveal
Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.
Cash spent: $19,711
The judges were devastated for Han and Can that they weren’t able to finish their first room. Aside from the unfinished elements, they weren’t impressed with overall styling or the high vanity and horizontal towel rails.
Scores:
Darren: 6.5
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 6.5
Total: 19.5
Britt and Taz
Week 12 – Front Yard
It was disappointing feedback for Britt and Taz this week. The judges felt the front garden was too sparse, with not enough planting to bring it to life. They did, however, love the outdoor cinema along the side of the house.
Cash Spent: $116,920
Scores:
Dave: 7.5
Darren: 9
Marty: 7
Shaynna: 7.5
Total: 31
Week 11 – Backyard and Pool
There was plenty of love for Britt and Taz’s wellness-inspired back garden. The judges adored the plant choices and how seamlessly everything flowed together outdoors. While there was some debate about the practicality of the outdoor creeks, overall, it was a positive week for the pair.
Cash Spent: $40,348
Scores:
Dave: 9.5
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.75
Total: 37.75
Week 10 – Terrace and Shed
The judges were impressed with the outdoor alfresco area but felt it was missing a lounge space to really complete it. They loved one half of the shed but said the speakeasy didn’t meet compliance. And after suggesting a Pilates studio week after week, they were left wondering why Britt and Taz didn’t take their advice.
Cash Spent: Over by $7,930
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9
Total: 27
Week 9 – Back of House – Winners
There wasn’t much to fault this week for Britt and Taz. Out of all the houses, they nailed their storage — it was just right. The colour palette was beautiful, the mudroom was stunning, and the garage felt like a real destination.
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 10
Total: 28
Week 8 – Guest Suite
The judges absolutely loved Britt and Taz’s bedroom — the styling was beautiful and full of charm. They did think it was a little too rustic, but overall, there were plenty of positives. The judges really felt for Britt and Taz after seeing their unfinished bathroom, but their bedroom earned them some well-deserved praise.
Cash Spent: $33,804
Scores:
Darren: 6.5
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 6
Total: 19
Week 7 – Kitchen – Tied winners with Robby and Mat
Britt and Taz bounced back to the top this week with a kitchen that wowed the judges from every angle. The E&S appliances from week 2 added to the impact, but it was the design that truly stole the show. The ceiling left everyone impressed, Darren raved about the smart layout and breathtaking architecture, and Shaynna felt the space had a real emotional connection.
Cash Spent: $17,968
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 28.5
Week 6 – Rumpus Room
Unfortunately, not a great week for Britt and Taz as the judges think they completely missed the mark by turning the rumpus into a wellness room. This means they only have one living space in what’s meant to be a luxury home. The judges have advised Britt and Taz to rethink what they are doing. But will they listen? They plan to consult their real estate agent.
Cash Spent: $33,585
Scores:
Darren: 7
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 7
Total: 20.5
Week 5 – Living and Dining Room
Another strong room from Britt & Taz. The judges were taken by the timber detailing in the roof, calling it a beautiful blend of mid-century country — very Daylesford. Shaynna even said that it could have been a perfect 10, but the layout let it down as the couch wasn’t quite in the right place.
Cash spent: $33,585
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 28.5
Week 4 – Main Bedroom – Winners
The judges glided into the main bedroom and were hit with instant wow factor. Britt’s styling and design skills left them seriously impressed, with big love for the furniture choices in both the bedroom and the walk-in. The paintwork wasn’t perfect, but it hardly mattered — this was about as close to perfect as it gets, crowning this week’s winners.
Cash spent: $15,074
Scores:
Darren: 10
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 29
Week 3 – Main Bathroom
Marty reckoned the room had “upmarket abattoir” vibes — luckily, Britt and Taz took it on the chin. The judges weren’t sold on the bathroom’s design choices either, with an arched shower screen and a square door that Marty thought was a total mismatch.
Scores:
Darren: 7.5
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 7.5
Total: 21.5
Week 2 – Kids Bedroom – Winners
The judges thought Britt and Taz nailed the modern contemporary country theme, and had plenty of compliments for their use of colour.
Cash spent: $16,970
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 28
Week 1 – Bathroom reveal
Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.
Cash spent: $21,350
Marty, Darren and Shaynna thought that Britt and Taz were off to a good start, but had a bit of advice for the couple. They didn’t like that they used floor to ceiling tiles, and thought the vanity was too high.
Scores:
Darren: 8
Marty: 8
Shaynna: 8
Total: 24
Emma and Ben
Week 12 – Front Yard
A grand front yard and a stunning way to finish for Em and Ben. The planting was perfect, and the judges were full of praise for the landscaping — a beautiful end to their journey on The Block.
Cash Spent: $149,903
Scores:
Dave: 9
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 37
Week 11 – Backyard and Pool – Winners
The judges were in love with the landscaping — it gave them major Daylesford vibes with those rolling hills. They praised the stunning plant choices, and the pool cabana was another standout. It was all positives this week for Em and Ben. Emma and Ben play their secret gnome and win by half a point.
Cash Spent: $19,375
Scores:
Dave: 9.5
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 38.5 after playing the gnome
Week 10 – Terrace and Shed
The judges loved Emma and Ben’s stunning architectural choices in their Alfresco area. Shaynna, though, felt it leaned a little too far into the black-on-black look. She wanted to see a touch more colour and softness to balance it out. They were also big fans of the garage, especially that incredible golf simulator. But again, Shaynna thought the overall vibe was a bit too masculine.
Cash Spent: Over by $15,167
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 8
Total: 26
Week 9 – Back of House
Some mixed feedback for Emma and Ben this week. The judges loved the elevated appliances in the laundry but felt the space itself wasn’t very functional — and the same went for the pantry area. They agreed that this week, Emma and Ben’s planning slightly missed the mark. The powder room was divine, while the garage was just okay.
Scores:
Darren: 7.5
Marty: 7.5
Shaynna: 7
Total: 22
Week 8 – Guest Suite – Winners
Emma and Ben racked up the compliments this week for the incredible job they pulled off. Darren loved every detail — and so did Shaynna — with both awarding them perfect tens.
Emma and Ben not only took out the win with two perfect scores, making it a massive $30,000 night, but when you add their Domain Challenge win, they walked away with an impressive $80,000 in total this week.
Cash Spent: $35,399
Scores:
Darren: 10
Marty:9.5
Shaynna: 10
Total: 29.5
Week 7 – Kitchen
The judges were instantly impressed as soon as they walked in. Emma and Ben had completely transformed the living and dining areas, and Shaynna declared that they’d “saved this house”. All three judges loved the kitchen for its simplicity and styling. The only critique? The fridge placement — sitting awkwardly right next to the main bedroom entrance.
Cash spent: $12,223
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 8.5
Shaynna: 8.5
Total: 26
Week 6 – Rumpus room
Emma and Ben’s rumpus room reveal totally wowed Marty, who loved the vibe and said it felt very Daylesford. Shaynna, on the other hand, wished it leaned a little more kid friendly. But overall? The judges agree — Emma and Ben have officially set the standard for the rest of the competition. Plus, an extra $10,000 for having the best budget of the week.
Cash Spent: $22,269
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9.5
Shaynna: 9
Total: 28
Week 5 – Living and Dining Room
Unfortunately, this was Emma and Ben’s first room that didn’t win the judges over. The layout felt off, with the couch in the wrong place, and overall, the space just didn’t deliver. The grandeur of the ceiling was the highlight, but that’s as good as it got for this week’s reveal. Shaynna said the space lacked sophistication and felt a bit corporate.
Cash spent: $22,269
Scores:
Darren: 8
Marty: 6.5
Shaynna: 7.5
Total: 22
Week 4 – Main Bedroom
The judges were seriously impressed this week, especially with the bold burgundy palette. Marty said buyers will love the main bedroom and the luxury of the walk-in wardrobe. For Emma and Ben, the verdict was clear — close to perfect coming in second for this week’s room reveal.
Cash spent: $24,575
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 9.5
Total: 28
Week 3 – Main Bathroom
Em and Ben’s bathroom was a hit with the judges, who were obsessed with the tile choice — pure Daylesford vibes. Bold without tipping into tacky, the space sealed their status as Shaynna’s pick for frontrunners in the comp so far.
Scores:
Darren: 9.5
Marty: 9
Shaynna: 8.5
Total: 28
Week 2 – Kids Bedroom
Marty, Shaynna and Darren deemed both of Emma and Ben’s room strong and said that they were both executed to a very high standard.
Cash spent: $17,554
Scores:
Darren: 9
Marty: 8
Shaynna: 8.5
Total: 25.5
Week 1 – Bathroom reveal
Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.Image: 9Now.
All three judges loved Emma and Ben’s room, with the only real negative they pointed out being the curved nib wall and a few rough finishes.
Cash spent: $22,552
Scores:
Darren: 8.5
Marty: 7.5
Shaynna: 8
Total: 24
The Block 2025 airs on Sundays at 7:30pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Danielle and Marko topped the leaderboard in the My Kitchen Rules (MKR) 2025’s Instant Restaurant phase, but their reign as frontrunners came crashing down during the pick-a-fridge challenge, which landed them in the elimination round.
The couple were up against Justin and Will and Lol and Lil, and all three teams were tasked with making a dessert. Danielle and Marko opted for a poached pear, strawberry crumble and chocolate ganache. While their presentation was impressive, Manu said their strawberry was too acidic to be in the crumble, and Colin said there were too many elements going on in their dish.
The couple were sent to the elimination round to compete against Michael and Rielli and told Chattr their fall from grace was a tough reality check.
“It was definitely very humbling and unexpected,” Marko said. “I think with our dessert, we wanted to make a statement. And instead of making a statement, we got ourselves kind of locked in at the bottom. So now we’ve got to fight for our lives to make sure we don’t go home.”
Danielle said that looking back at their dessert choice, she wishes they had chosen a more straightforward dish.
“We did too much,” she said. “We wanted to try and show lots of different techniques and that we could do a couple of different things, but that kind of backfired in our situation. One of the judges mentioned that we gave them two desserts instead of one.”
Danielle and Marko. Image: Seven.
Do Danielle and Marko think contestants will score them strategically?
The elimination round will be judged by both the contestants’ fellow competitors — and Manu and Colin, and Danielle and Marko admitted that they’re concerned the other team will score them strategically.
“We are almost expecting people to be a little bit strategic, because I think we’re a much bigger threat than Michael and Rielli, but that just means that we have to be undeniable, and we have to be levels above them, and I think we can do that,” he said.
While some of the contestants may have scored strategically so far, Danielle said that he and Marko would never consider taking that route.
“Throughout the whole competition, something we’ve prided ourselves on, regardless of where we are, at the top, at the bottom, is that we will not strategically score, we will score the food on how we feel about it, and that’s all. We don’t really care if someone’s a way better cook than us and they deserve a ten, then they deserve a ten.”
My Kitchen Rules (MKR) airs on Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:30pm on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
A Victorian real estate auctioneer has weighed in on whichThe Block 2025 house will take out the biggest sale — and his choice may surprise fans.
With just one room reveal left, Britt and Taz and Robby and Mat, are tied for the most wins with four a piece, suggesting that their houses will be hot commodities at the auction. On top of that, The Block judge Marty Fox told Domain that he believes Robby and Mat’s house will sell for the most, adding that he thinks Britt and Taz will be hot on their heels.
However, experienced Victorian-based Sales executive and auctioneer Robert Le, from Marshall White real estate agency, told Chattr that he thinks House One will take out the win on auction day.
“Based on this year’s The Block properties, I feel that Emma and Ben from House One will likely be the winners,” he said.
“The style and design they have incorporated are not only sympathetic to the region in which this home is nestled.”
Robert pointed out that Ben and Emma’s interiors are a perfect balance of contemporary sophistication and country warmth, blending modern finishes with inviting textures that reflect the Daylesford charm.
“Warm internal colour tones with a bold exterior finish provide a lovely contrast of colour, and the northern aspect allows for an abundance of natural light through the entertaining areas. The overall quality of finish is appealing, and it would certainly make a great home away from home.”
Emma and Ben’s house on The Block. Image: Nine/Domain.
The winners of The Block will walk away with a $100,000 cash prize, but every team also gets to keep any profit their property makes above the reserve price— provided it actually sells.
While Robert believes Ben and Emma will walk away as the winners of The Block 2025, he told Chattr that he believes all five houses have a strong chance of selling at auction. He breaks down the best selling points of each of the houses below.
House 2 – Han and Can
Han and Can’s house on The Block. Image: Nine/Domain.
“The tranquil Japanese-inspired gardens and minimalistic finish will certainly appeal to buyers who seek a home of a simplistic nature. The consistency of curvature in feature walls provides a stark contrast to the actual footprint of the home and softens the space.”
Britt and Taz’s house on The Block. Image: Nine/Domain.
“A very well-designed and thoughtful floor plan which allows the ultimate entertaining and/or relaxing lifestyle. Neutral colour tones, combined with the use of natural materials, create a sense of peace and tranquillity. Offering all the creature comforts of the ultimate getaway home.”
Sonny and Alicia’s house on The Block. Image: Nine/Domain.
“This home exudes country charm while incorporating the modern comforts of today’s home. Warm and inviting, it is a home where a family can gather together and enjoy the space, or otherwise take out the Titanium Caravan and enjoy the rolling hills of Daylesford.”
Robby and Mat’s house on The Block. Image: Domain/Nine.
“An extremely family-friendly home with all the outdoor entertainment options and facilities suitable for all ages. With the preferred northern aspect to the pool and pickleball court, this home is ideal for year-round enjoyment.”
Han and Can‘s romantic relationship has been tested on The Block, and a body language expert believes the stress of the show has pushed them apart.
During the episode that aired on Monday, October 13, The Block producers showed Han and Can sitting further and further apart during their on camera interviews, until they were at an almost comical distance. However, Combined Communications Specialist and Body Language Expert Scott Taylor told Chattr that he believes the drift between the two women started long before that moment.
“Our bodies indicate a lot through our nonverbal cues. For instance, we lean into what we like and we open up our ‘power zone’ areas (under our chin, belly button and our groin) or leave them uncovered when we feel comfortable, safe and relaxed. We also have our “Ventral Area” in the front of our chest that we leave uncovered or open when feeling comfortable,” Scott explained.
“In comparison to 3 to 4 weeks ago, when Han and Cam sat on the lounge, they now cross their knees in a way that blocks the other out (we would cross our knees towards someone if feeling connected and close). They are also doing this as they sit further apart on the lounge, and at times, you can even see them angled away from each other. The combination of these items indicates a lack of closeness.”
Throughout the season, Han and Can have clashed multiple times, particularly after receiving low scores for some of their rooms, including their main bedroom, which earned them the lowest score of the week with just 20 out of 30.
Han and Can in their main bedroom. Image: Nine.
Scott believes that at the start of the season, Han displayed confidence, but that has since dissipated.
“Confident people take space, and this was earlier indicated by how and where they would place their hands (around each other and also on the lounge, etc), but now both are more closed off and withdrawn with this. Han’s earlier stance on the lounge in earlier episodes also indicated this confidence but that has been replaced with the more recent episodes,” he told Chattr.
The body language expert also pointed out that both women frequently show disagreement with one another through their nonverbal cues during conversations.
“In various discussions on the items they are working on, you can clearly see lip compression and lip withdrawal from both of them. The lip compression occurs when there is negative conversation happening (when a person is not happy with what’s being said), and full lip withdrawal is even stronger. You can see this happening with more frequency on the show now. I’m sure fatigue and stress have also translated into them both having a shorter fuse.”
Are Han and Can still together?
Apparently so! Despite their frequent squabbles, The Block creator, Julian Cress, told TV WEEK that the couple are still together.
“Han and Can are fine,”he said. “They have arguments, but they’re both really bright adults. You could watch them fight and think, ‘Will they even be together tomorrow as a couple?’
“And I’m telling you that they’re well and truly still together now – even after all the fights they had under the pressure on The Block.”
Han and Can on The Block. Image: Nine.
During an interview towards the start of the season, Han and Can told Chattr that viewers have missed out on seeing how “playful and affectionate” they can be with each other.
“We’re both naturally fun, playful and affectionate when not under extreme pressure,” Han and Can say. “We love to laugh, dream up ideas together, and bring those ideas to life. We’re both perfectionists, and we take pride in creating something special, which meant during the show, we were often so busy on site or on the road that our lighter moments happened late at night back in the vans.
“If we had our time again, we’d have a bigger team and start the show with a builder to take some of the pressure off and allow us to enjoy those moments more often.”
The Block 2025 airs on Sundays at 7:30pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The competition is fierce on My Kitchen Rules (MKR)2025, with top cooks Anne and Maree narrowly losing an elimination cook against Lol and Lil. While the duo from Logan were sad to see Anne and Maree exit the competition, they were ecstatic to make it through to the next round of MKR, and also to rub it in Michael’s face.
Throughout the competition, Michael has consistently predicted that young cooks Lol and Lil would be going home early due to their lack of experience and age.
After the girls won the first Kitchen Headquarters elimination challenge, Lol tells Chattr they happily shaded Michael. “I’m pretty sure we [said something like], ‘How does it feel being wrong three times Michael? Maybe you should not speak anymore’,” Lol jokes.
“It’s the best feeling in the world, honestly. I’m so glad we didn’t go home, because if we did, it just would have proved him right, and that would have hurt.”
Lol also admits that the elimination cook-off is extremely tough, and although they came out victorious against Anne and Maree, they don’t want to be in this position again.
“The elimination cook-off is not nice. It’s probably the hardest challenge we’ve done so far, and so we will do everything we can to never end up there again,” she says.
The pair were determined to “shut [the other teams] all up” and “prove themselves”, with Lil saying they specifically tried to showcase their technique and flavour.
“We were so proud. [It was] such a different vibe to the first cook in HQ,” Lil says. “We knew that we pushed ourselves to the best of our ability, there was no way we could have done it any better with the time.”
Lol and Lil were competing against Anne and Maree. Image: Seven
Lol believes Anne and Maree had some bad luck
Anne and Maree did extremely well during the first MKR Instant Restaurant round, coming second on the leaderboard, so fans were surprised to see the mother-daughter duo go home.
Lol says she believed Anne and Maree would have gone further, but there was some bad luck in the mix.
“We love Anne and Maree. It was probably the most bittersweet moment so far [when they were eliminated], because we only just got them back,” Lol says.
“I was expecting them to go further. I think it was a little bit of bad luck, and also maybe the choice of recipes that got them into the elimination.”
Lol and Lil on MKR. Image: Seven
How are Lol and Lil preparing for the next MKR challenge?
The duo say they have improved since they started competing on MKR, and are constantly practising behind the scenes.
“We have learned so much and [are] taking everything on board, especially from Manu and Colin,” Lol says.
Lil notes they also pay close attention to all the feedback from the judges, even when it’s not their dish.
“We listen to everything, all their critiques… not only on our food, but other people’s food [too]. We just really take that in, and then we also have been stocking our brains with all these new recipes and just learning, learning, learning as we’ve been going on,” Lil says.
While we’re sad to see Anne and Maree go, we’re so pleased that Lol and Lil were able to prove everybody wrong, once again.
My Kitchen Rules (MKR) airs on Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:30pm on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
