Channel Nine's blog

Sunday, May 6 at 7.30pm on Channel Nine

Revenge

Lust, sex, betrayal and revenge – this story is as juicy as any soap opera and almost
as farfetched. It started out as a love triangle between an international model, her
sports star boyfriend, and her unscrupulous and obsessed mother. And it spiralled out
of control from there. There was a murder plot, a couple of Nigerian hit men, and a sensational trial. But what makes this tale truly incredible is how a wronged daughter chose to deal with her mother’s treachery.

Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Nick Greenaway

The Longest Run

You can’t help but be inspired by the young woman you’re about to meet. Quite simply, it’s amazing Turia Pitt is even alive today. Six months ago, she was caught in a bushfire while competing in an ultra-marathon race through the Kimberley. She and another competitor, Kate Sanderson, suffered terrible burns. Doctors warned Turia probably wouldn’t make it. But the dogged, fighting spirit of this long distance runner pulled her back from the brink. That and the love of a remarkable young man.

Reporter: Michael Usher
Producers: Ali Smith, Stephen Rice

The Final Frontier

James Cameron thinks big whether directing a movie epic like Titanic or creating the awesome alien world of Avatar. And he loves a challenge when he’s away from Hollywood, as well. His latest adventure is as sweeping in scope as anything he’s conjured for the silver screen. Cameron decided to explore the blackest depths of our oceans, as far as man has ever ventured, piloting a tiny sub eleven kilometres below
the water’s surface. It was a treacherous, some might say foolhardy, undertaking.
But he did it – with the help of a little Aussie know how.

Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: David Alrich

Produced by Southern Star John Edwards for the Nine Network and Screen Australia, the highly anticipated two-part mini-series Howzat! is currently filming in and around Melbourne for six weeks.

Lachy Hulme (Beaconsfield, Offspring), leads an outstanding cast of some of Australia’s most sought after actors in the mini-series which tells the story of how Kerry Packer took on the cricket Establishment and won.

In 1976 Australian businessman Kerry Packer, annoyed at not having been granted TV broadcasting rights by the Australian Cricket Board and fearing the game was dying, threw the cricket world into turmoil by secretly signing up fifty of the world’s best cricketers and creating ‘World Series Cricket’. Continue reading »

STYLE: Rustic warmth with a contemporary touch

Brothers Andrew, 37, and Mike, 29, bring considerable renovating experience to The Block, fresh from recently transforming two derelict homes in Sydney’s Bondi.

But it’s not the renovation side of The Block that worries these energetic brothers from NSW. It’s the thought of leaving their loved ones behind for ten weeks.

Andrew is a project manager and handyman who lives in Byron Bay with his fiancee Emilie. He says: “I proposed to her and a few hours later the phone rang with the incredible news Mike and I had made it through to be on The Block. It was a mad 24 hours of celebrating, absolutely the best day of my life. Then it dawned on me that I’d have to leave Emilie all alone.”

Mike, a labourer, lives in one of the Bondi houses they restored and is going to miss Dee, his girlfriend of six years, desperately. Mike and Dee spend their weekends treasure hunting.

“I’ve been scouring through second-hand stores and rubbish tips since I was a kid and actually put myself through a business degree at university and then a diploma at the Australian Institute of Music on the proceeds from restoring things I found,” says Mike.

Of working together, Mike credits his brother with guiding them through the challenges of the mammoth renovations on the Bondi properties.

“Andrew is incredibly energetic, motivated and passionate about everything he tries his hand at,” Mike says. “His ability to visualise, together with his great practical knowledge, usually results in a smooth execution. But like anyone who works together very closely, we definitely have our moments.”

The brotherly love cuts both ways, with Andrew describing Mike as having a “can do” attitude and always offering unconditional support.

If they win The Block, Andrew plans to use some of the money to pay for carpentry courses so he can obtain his own building licence. Mike has a more relaxed ambition. “I’d be lazing around my private island, drinking mocktails while running an online business,” he jokes.

STYLE: Eclectic contemporary

Not every couple can say they met in the back of a stretch Hummer. But that’s exactly how it was for Dan, 28, and Dani, 26, from Melbourne.

“We were celebrating a mutual friend’s birthday in London and Dan was brought along as a potential date for the birthday girl,” recalls Dani. “Needless to say I got in first.”

Dan, a carpenter, and Dani, a business analyst, recently purchased their own apartment in Richmond, just around the corner from the last series of The Block.

“We had planned to apply for the last series but Dan went and broke his wrist,” says Dani. “We were heartbroken when we saw the couples renovating around The Block from our house, so this year we were even more determined to get in.”

Dani has no renovation experience, while Dan’s is confined to his carpentry trade which has seen him work on numerous restaurant renovations and shop fit-outs.

“We may not be the most experienced, but I reckon my creativity and willingness to learn, matched with Dan’s carpentry knowledge and attention to detail, will be enough to get the job done,” says Dani.

“With Dani’s flair for design and my finishing skills, our rooms will be a cut above the rest,” Dan boldly claims.

“Dan also possesses unrelenting determination to get the job done. We don’t ever say die, and that’s our secret weapon,” adds Dani.

Like any couple, these two acknowledge that they have their weaknesses. Dan can be a little single-minded at times (Dani says he has selective hearing), and Dani has a tendency to get stressed out easily (especially if Dan pushes her buttons).

Both agree that Dan is the more practical one, especially when it comes to budgeting.

They describe their design style as modern and industrial, bordering on the eclectic.

“I’d say our style is ever-evolving, often influenced by our mood at any given time or even by something we may have seen that day,” says Dan.

Dan is a keen golfer who also goes to the gym to pump weights and Dani shares his passion for fitness, regularly taking part in early-morning boot-camp drills.

STYLE: Modern with a vintage twist

It wasn’t exactly love at first sight when Brad, 26, and Courtney, 24, met on a bus trip organised by a mutual friend three years ago.

“There was only one seat left and we got stuck next to each other,” says Brad. “Brad was wearing these awful sunglasses, so I let him know in no uncertain terms what I thought of them,” says Courtney.

Brad stomped on his sunglasses and they’ve been together ever since.

The couple have big dreams but little hands-on renovating experience, having only tackled small DIY jobs around a home they rent from Courtney’s parents.

Courtney says, “We’re fast learners. We know that we’ll gain invaluable experience on The Block. It’s the ultimate learning ground for young couples hoping to get into the market. How often does someone give you money to do your dream renovation? And if we get nothing else out of it, hopefully Brad will become more handy.”

This vivacious couple describe their design style as a contrast of modern and vintage. “We love mixing the old with the new and the cheap with the expensive,” explains Brad.

Courtney, a speech pathologist, is feisty and fun, but tends to stress when things aren’t done her way, and Brad, a project manager for a commercial property provider, is an easy-going, laidback Aussie bloke.

In their spare time, they like to keep fit. Brad is into surfing and Aussie Rules, while Courtney enjoys a game of netball. They also love the beach.

If they win some money on The Block, they plan on buying the house they’re currently renting and renovating it. They dream of one day moving to country Western Australia and starting a family.

STYLE: Inviting elegance

The Block’s first ever mother and son couple, Brett, 26, and Rana, 46, hail from the north-western outskirts of Melbourne.

Rana, on the loose after selling her homewares and fashion business, describes herself as a “domestic goddess who’s ready to get her hands dirty on another project”, and describes her son as impatient, stubborn and quite bossy, but also incredibly thoughtful, caring and generous.

Brett, a drainer and machine operator, is currently renovating the house that he bought three years ago, a three-bedroom brick-veneer.

“So far I’ve tiled a stack-stone feature wall, painted, done some plastering, demolition, grinding, and jack-hammered concrete,” he says.

Rana has renovated her last two homes. “I was hands-on with the painting, wall-papering, demolition and landscape design, as well as project-managing both houses. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.”

Brett thinks his mother is a perfectionist who pays too much attention to detail, but also believes that he gets his competitive streak from her.

“Mum might be a fussy perfectionist but she never puts up with second best, which is a trait I greatly admire,” says Brett.

Rana thinks Brett’s handyman talents and ability to learn new skills quickly will be crucial to their success on The Block.

“I’ve never known anyone to work as hard as Brett and when it comes to renovating houses, he’s a natural. He might not be a tradie but he certainly always knows what to do,” she says proudly. “His work ethic is to be admired. There’s nothing he won’t take on.”

STYLE: TBC… they’re still deciding

When Brad and Lara, both 30, met five years ago in a pub near their home town of East Maitland in NSW, they bonded over a common love of Bon Jovi, the Foo Fighters and sport. They have never looked back.

After two years of travelling, the duo have settled back in their mining town, Lara works as a physical education teacher at the local high school, and Brad works a fitter and machinist in one of the mines.

They’re coming into the competition with a bit of renovating experience, having already relocated and refurbished two houses on vacant land, as well as completing the renovation and extension of an old weatherboard house.

“We did all the painting, polished the floorboards, supervised all the plumbing and installed a new kitchen and bathroom,” says Lara. “Not to mention that it was done on a strict budget and carried out in just six months,” Brad declares. “It was our own mini-Block experience.”

When it comes to renovating, they agree that Lara is the more creative one, while Brad is the more practical. “Brad is very handy and always has a willingness to learn,” says Lara.

“I’m a jack of all trades but a master of none. We’ve still got a lot of learning to do and hopefully we can do that on The Block,” says Brad.

According to Brad, Lara’s got great organisational skills, but can become a little erratic and emotional if things start to go wrong. Lara admits that Brad is the calm one, but thinks he gets distracted too easily.

The couple may have issues to resolve when it comes to deciding on a design theme, with Lara labelling her style as modern contemporary and Brad describing his as classic federation.

“We’ll probably meet in the middle somewhere. That’s what usually happens. Doesn’t everyone?” asks Brad.

Aside from renovating, Lara and Brad, who played first grade rugby league until sidelined by injury four years ago, spend their weekends at home watching sport and gardening.

If they win The Block, they plan to use the prize money to take an extended holiday to Canada and South America.

STYLE: Contemporary coastal

Brendan and Michelle, both 22, are the youngest couple selected to compete in this series of The Block.

But what these young newlyweds lack in age and experience they more than make for with confidence.

“Brendan is a real handyman – he picks up skills very quickly,” says his adoring wife. “He’s like a mix of McGyver and Bear Grylls.” Brendan jumps in, saying: “You give me a pen and a piece of string and I’ll win The Block.”

Brendan and Michelle met in Year Ten at school. “I tried to pick her up but failed,” recalls Brendan. Then, six years ago, they were reacquainted at a conference for school captains where Michelle was the one to make the move.

Says Brendan: “We’re the perfect match. She’s creative and has all the good ideas, and then she makes me do them.”

Michelle is a project support officer with the CFA and Brendan is a youth worker and part-time model.
The couple are renovating the house they purchased shortly after getting married.

“We’ve painted the interiors, resealed the roof, installed new lights throughout, fitted a new wardrobe in the master bedroom and revamped the garden,” explains Brendan.

“We are about to embark on our bathroom, update the kitchen, and plan to paint the outside of the house too,” adds Michelle.

The pair label their design style as contemporary coastal. “We love natural materials and furnishings with lots of warmth and character,” says Brendan.

If they won The Block, this young couple would put the prize money towards a house by the sea.

STYLE: Rustic elegance 

Larry, 51, and Jessie, 22, from Brisbane are the first father and daughter team to compete on The Block. 
Jessie, a full-time student, originally planned to audition for The Block with her mother, Michelle.

Tragically, Michelle died in a plane crash in March 2011. For Jessie and Larry, it was a devastating time. Through their grief they searched for ways to honour her memory and decided they would pursue one of her dreams together. 

“Dad knew how much she wanted to do it and could see how much I loved The Block, and said he would do it with me – for my mum,” says Jessie. 

The tragedy has brought them even closer together and they are looking forward to the experience of living and working side-by-side on The Block. 

Larry boasts that his daughter has impeccable attention to detail and picks up new skills very quickly. “Jessie’s eagerness to learn and thirst to acquire new talents will prove to be a great asset for us,” he says. 

Larry, a father of three and grandfather of two, likes to think of himself as a glass half-full kind of guy. Currently between jobs after being made redundant, he is immensely proud of the fact that his daughter is what he describes as “a complete young lady and my favourite girl on the planet, my favourite daughter”. Jessie jumps in quickly: “Your only daughter!” 

“As you can see, my dad has a wicked sense of humour. But he’s also very smart and charming – a total gentleman,” says Jessie. 

“Jessie is smart, capable, funny and full of life,” says Larry. And we never argue. I’m just always right.” 
Jessie’s renovation knowledge comes from growing up watching her mother and father renovate their homes. 

They work well as a team, arguing only when they are both too stubborn to admit they are wrong. 
“We intuitively balance and trust each other to recognise our strengths and weaknesses,” says Jessie.

Larry adds: “As long as you do everything I tell you to do, we’ll work fabulously as a team.” 

STYLE: Recycled vintage

Dale, 29, and Sophie, 24, from inner-suburban Melbourne have been married less than a year and dream of fixing up a house in the country and raising a family.

“Dale will spend the days tending to our organic vegie patch while I sew clothes and illustrate children’s books,” Sophie fantasises.

They met seven years ago at Dale’s cousin’s birthday party and haven’t looked back.

Sophie, a graphic designer turned primary school teacher, and Dale, a landscape gardener, share a passion for environmental conservation. They love to take old-world pieces and give them a new lease of life.

On weekends, Dale can often be found combing garage sales for hidden gems or scouring his neighbours’ rubbish in search of relics begging for a rebirth.

“We feel that we all have a role to play in preserving the earth’s resources,” says Dale.

The eco-friendly pair have had virtually no renovating experience, but through his work Dale has transformed many outdoor spaces.

He is also pretty handy with a power tool and has a general understanding of construction. Sophie has decorated and styled their home, her classroom and a new learning centre.

“We may not have much experience, but Dale’s hard-working attitude and his attention to detail will see us through,” says Sophie.

“Not to mention our secret weapon: Sophie’s creative flair and unique sense of style,” adds Dale.

This laidback pair believe they will work well as a team on The Block by sharing the workload and focusing on their strengths.

Both are keen AFL fans, with Dale supporting Essendon and Sophie following St Kilda.

Clearly a couple very much in love, Sophie and Dale hate to be apart. They had not lived together before their wedding day and have been inseparable since.

“The happiest day of my life was the day I married Sophie,” says Dale. “And if we get through on The Block, it’s sure going to make for an interesting honeymoon.”