The Block’s judging panel may be in for a serious shake-up, with Woman’s Day reporting Nine is quietly testing out new faces behind the scenes, including a very familiar one: Matty J.
According to the outlet, the network is interested in bringing in a younger “culture expert” who can connect with the next wave of Australian home buyers — and one of the names said to be in the mix is the former Bachelor star.
Matty appeared on the series this season alongside wife Laura Byrne, and insiders say the move would make sense given the way he has reinvented himself in the years since reality TV.
“Matty is funny, but he’s also not afraid to say when he doesn’t like something,” says the source.
At 39, Matty is reportedly being seen as someone who could bring fresh energy to the panel, while also appealing to younger viewers.
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While Darren Palmer and Marty Fox may be feeling the heat, sources say Shaynna Blaze appears to have the strongest position in the current trio.
Having been part of The Block for more than a decade, Shaynna is said to be deeply woven into the franchise — both professionally and financially.
“With money in Cavalier Productions, who produce the show, Shaynna is not only deeply embedded in the franchise as a judge but also financially. She even likes to joke that she could almost be Scotty Cam’s boss,” says the industry insider.
“She’s part of The Block family,” adds the source. “As long as Shaynna wants to be there, you would imagine that chair is hers.”
That reportedly leaves Darren and Marty as the judges most likely to be under pressure if Nine decides the show has one expert too many.
Insiders stress that there is no bad blood between the current panel, and in fact say they all get along well, which may be part of the issue.
The concern, according to the report, is that producers want more tension and debate from the judging table rather than three experts arriving at the same conclusion every time.
“The best judging panels have some tension,” the source said. “Not nasty tension but different opinions.”
“You want one person saying, ‘This is beautifully designed,’ and someone else saying, ‘Maybe, but I’m 35 with two kids and I would never buy it’. That’s the conversation viewers can have at home.
“The boys are great at what they do, but there’s a feeling they occupy similar territory.”
Chattr has reached out to Nine for a comment.
The Block 2027 airs Sunday — Wednesday on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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