South Australian Michael Lynch, winner of Network Ten’s 2011 reality series, The Renovators has been accused of cheating after it was claimed he scored free plumbing work after promising ‘on-air plugs’ of the plumber’s business.
After selling his team’s fibro cottage for $440,000 in the show’s finale, the 27-year old tradie from Laura won the show, took out the inaugral title and clocked up $100,000 in prize money.
According to News Limited, months after the season, which is rumoured to not be renewed, wrapped up, it has been claimed that Lynch broke the rules by using free labour from a man named Michael Sidaros. Michael offered, in return, free on-air plugs for Sidaros’ business.
But after the on-air plugs ‘failed to materialise’, it is claimed that Sidaros is now claiming ‘up to $15,000′ in compensation from the show, however has declined to comment further due to legal reasons.
When approached by News Limited, both Lynch and Shine bosses Mark & Carl Fennessey declined to comment on the matter.
It’s a controversy that will further haunt Shine, months after their multi-million dollar production flopped in terms of viewership.
While the show was promised a 2012 ‘relaunch’, it’s becoming more and more likely that this will not eventuate. Not this year, anyway. But with no official confirmation out of TEN as of yet, fans can continue to speculate.
Source: AdelaideNow
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