The Block

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.”

The first seven of the 2012 teams for this years THE BLOCK are:

SOPHIE & DALE

Newlyweds, live in Melbourne

Style: Recycled vintage

Married less than a year ago, they have hopes 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 said.

She is a graphic designer turned primary school teacher, he is a landscape gardener with a shared passion for the environment.

BRENDAN & MICHELLE

Youngest couple, married, live in Melbourne

Style: Contemporary coastal

Both 22, what these newlyweds lack in age and experience they make up for in confidence.

“Brendan’s a real handyman – he picks up skills very quickly,” Michelle says, describing her husband as a “mix of McGyver and Bear Grylls.”

She is a project support officer with the CFA and Brendan is a youth worker and part-time model.

LARRY & JESSIE

First father and daughter team on The Block, live in Brisbane

Style: Rustic elegance

Jessie, a 22-year-old full-time student originally planned to audition for the show with her mother Michelle.

Tragically, she was killed in a plane crash in March 2011, leaving her family searching for ways to get through their grief 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.”

BRETT & RANA

First mother and son team on The Block, live in Melbourne

Style: Inviting elegance

Brett, 26, is the apple of his mother’s eye.

“I might be biased, but look at him … he’s cute as! And while he can be impatient, stubborn and quite bossy at times, he’s also incredibly thoughtful, caring and generous,” Rana, 46 said.

The mother of three sons wants to study interior design after selling her homewares and fashion business, while Brett, a drainer and machine operator, is currently renovating a house he bought three years ago.

BRAD & LARA

Dating, live near East Maitland

Style: TBC…they’re still deciding

Met five years ago in a pub near their home town of East Maitland, bonding over a shared love of Bon Jovi, The Foo Fighters and sport.

They have jumped into renovating boots-and-all, having relocated and refurbished two houses on vacant land, as well as adding an extension to a third property.

Brad is a fitter and machinist in a local mine, while Lara is a physical education teacher at the local high school.

Under pressure is worried about his other half: “she’s got great organisational skills, but can become a little erratic and emotional if things start to go wrong.”

ANDREW & MIKE

Brothers, Andrew lives in Byron, Mike in Bondi

Style: Rustic warmth with contemporary touch

Andrew, 37, is a project manager who has left love behind to join The Block. He proposed to girlfriend Emilie the same day he scored a spot on the show.

Mike, 29, lives in one of the Bondi houses he restored with his big brother, leaving Dee, his girlfriend of six years. They spend their weekends together treasure hunting.

“It’s paid off, with Mike putting himself through a business degree and then music diploma on the proceeds from “restoring things I found.”

BRAD & COURTNEY

Dating, live in WA

Style: Modern with a vintage twist

After a bumpy start – meeting on a bus trip with mutual friends – the pair have been inseperable ever since.

They have big dreams to renovate their own home, but have settled for small jobs on the house they rent from her parents..

“We’re fast learners and we know that we’ll gain invaluable experience on The Block.”

She’s a speech pathologist and he’s a project manager for a commercial property provider.

Source Daily Telegraph

Shaynna Blaze – Interior Designer (from the popular award winning show: ‘Selling Houses Australia’ – The LifeStyle Channel) has been announced as the third judge to appear on the forthcoming series of Channel 9’s ‘The Block.’ 

Shaynna will be joining the show’s judges: John McGrath and Neale Whitaker who will be returning in 2012.

Already on set at the South Melbourne site for weeks, Shaynna is enjoying combining her career in interior design with TV.

True to Nine’s usual form, we are currently being absolutely bombarded with ads for all their new shows that will start after Easter with on screen promos, extended length ads during ad breaks, mentions by sports commentary teams and more of the same on GO! and GEM. In fact, GO! now seem to spend more time promoting Nine than they do promoting themselves – especially in social media.

The likelihood of The Block and Celebrity Apprentice airing together is all but confirmed now based on the volume of promos for the two reality series. The Block is using 7 O’Block again – meaning it will be stripped across 7pm weeknights – while Celebrity Apprentice is being presented with its usual side-show like ads with contestants on sitting ducks as an example being used to promote the show. It will most likely air after The Block with 7.30 or 8pm starting times.

The Voice is also set to start after Easter with promos for the singing show hitting equally as hard as its reality counterparts The Block and Celebrity Apprentice.

And, sorry to say, the ads for Tricky Business are so frequent, they are at risk of turning people off the show before it even starts.

One thing is for sure, Nine’s programming will be awash of new content post Easter, and the network will use the Logies on April 15 to catapult Nine right back into the post-Easter ratings race in an attempt hopefully to claw back some of the massive head start that Seven have achieve in the first two months of the 2012 ratings year.

But with Seven set to return Dancing with the Stars, Downton Abbey, Australia’s Got Talent, Amazing Race Australia as well as premiere the much anticipated Titanic mini-series after Easter, Nine will have a hard-felt battle to topple the current number one network.

Where does that leave Ten? Unless Masterchef performs significantly better than last year, Ten will be left behind, well and truly caught in the cross-fire.

Easter non-ratings runs from April 1-14 this year, then it is ratings game-on after Easter, from April 15.

Will Nine be able to beat Seven in any ratings week this year? Will The Voice be a hit – or a big miss like Excess Baggage – now rating so poorly, it doesn’t even make top 100 digital? Will The Block perform as well this year as it did last year? What about Celebrity Apprentice – worked last year, but will it this year? Or will we all be sick of these shows before they start thanks to over promotion by Nine.

Tell us your thoughts. What will you be watching after Easter?

Nine has been touting its new ’7PM stripped reality’ plan since the end of last year, but now it seems one of its big 7PM players in 2011, The Celebrity Apprentice Australia, may move to ‘an 8pm burn’, if reports in The Daily Telegraph are true.

The tabloid claims that with post-Easter competition soaring post the enforced non-ratings period, Nine will screen The Celebrity Apprentice Australia ‘at least twice weekly’ after The Block, which will screen at 7PM.

After the success of stripping its reality television shows (The Block and Celebrity Apprentice Australia) in 2011, Nine set out to strip the format all year long, starting with Excess Baggage (now on GO!), leading into The Block and Celebrity Apprentice Australia, then into the Olympics, and finishing with Big Brother.

While Excess Baggage has not been the hit the network was expecting, Celebrity Apprentice Australia did prove itself in the timeslot in the final weeks of 2011 when it ran five nights a week as an ‘experiment’ to solidify the network’s confidence in stripping reality at 7PM, after successfully converting The Block into a five-night a week show in that format.

If Celebrity Apprentice Australia ran at 7PM after The Block, it would air in the heart of winter, allowing for a big potential audience. It would however be up against MasterChef Australia which will also return to a 7PM airing this year.

But even still, the news is still odd. If it is true, reality television could dominate the winter landscape for months with Dancing with the Stars, The Block, The Voice Australia, MasterChef Australia and Australia’s Got Talent all airing at that time.

More news on timeslots is set to surface as Easter draws near.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

I’m going to call it now – Seven will win 2012 ratings year in total people.

The third week of 2012 ratings survey is done and now it is already clear that Seven will win the year. With My Kitchen Rules nudging 2 million viewers on some nights, Revenge settling around the 1.8 million mark in overnight (5 city metro) ratings figures and Packed to the Rafters – while down on its glory days – is still reaching up to 1.5 million, Seven are winning most nights ratings. So far the network has all three weeks of the 2012 ratings survey convincingly. Even Seven’s Sunday night line up is outrating the cricket on Nine, and easily doing better than Ten’s Super Sunday.

Seven’s two digital channels 7TWO and 7mate regularly lead over their commercial opposition. Both channels have clear and distinct programming that does not overlap or eat into the main channel’s audeince – unlike Nine and Ten’s offerings. Even on a night that My Kitchen Rules pulls close to two million viewers, 7TWO and 7mate can both independently reach channel shares of over 5% each.

Obviously, winning the first three weeks is no guarantee that Seven can or will win the year – but if you look at what is coming up on Seven, compared to Nine and Ten, then the outcome is clear. I would even go so far as saying Seven would win 2012 if the weeks that the Olympic Games air were counted towards the year’s end result.

Three weeks from now, My Kitchen Rules will reach its finals week, then it is straight into the AFL season where Seven will air four games a week, including live games on Friday and Saturday nights.

After Easter, Australia’s Got Talent – a ratings power house last year – will return to Seven, as will Dancing with the Stars to its traditional Sunday night timeslot. Last year’s unexpected smash Downton Abbey will play out its second season, while Amazing Race Australia is back most likely in May. Then there is still Packed to the Rafters, Winners & Losers, and imports like the popular Criminal Minds still to come.

Looking further into the year, The X Factor is back, with auditions now well under way. New shows Good Christain Bitches and Once Upon A Time will also come to Seven soon.

Both Nine and Ten, like in 2011, have gotten off to a bad start in 2012. While Ten had some early success with Super Sunday, the night is now easily outrated by Seven. Ten have already made significant programming changes – most notably on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and double episodes of shows llike Homeland seem to randomly pop up unexpectedly. 

The Biggest Loser this year seems to be building, but it lags well behind Seven’s Kitchen. After Easter, Masterchef will return for its fourth season, but, given the drop in figures last year, Masterchef is not likley to draw the crowds it used to.  New reality series The Living Room, and Being Lara Bingle won’t set the ratings world on fire.

To Ten’s digitals, ELEVEN is doing well, usually amongst the highest rating digital channels, while ONE is yet to find an identity, lagging behind the other commercial digitals on most nights.

Nine have already started the year with a flop in the failed launch of Excess Baggage now airing on GO! to less than 100,000 viewers over its four nights on air. New series Alcatraz isn’t doing anywhere near the figures Revenge on Seven is doing while the One Day Cricket Series is perhaps now suffering from fatigue with audeinces now not reaching a million. Thankfully, finals week is here next week, while the NRL season is now underway.

Earthflight hasn’t done well, CSI is doing OK, 2 Broke Girls has settled around the 800,000 mark while Two and a Half Men and new episodes Top Gear are tanking.

Nine’s only real hit so far is new episodes of The Big Bang Theory, with some of the repeats being pulled up as a result. The show, however still airs up to 15 times a week between Nine and GO!.

Coming up on Nine – looking like after Easter now – will be either The Block or Celebrity Apprentice Australia stripped to 7pm. So far, there is no indication as to which will return first. New series Tricky Business – looking more and more like Nine’s attempt at a Rafter’s style show should premiere after Easter as well while The Voice is in production as well.

Then, of course, there are the 2012 Olympics – but they don’t count to the years’ rating result. After the Olympics comes Big Brother – which will either be a spectacular flop or a surprise success for Nine.

The program guide for GO! these days is less than inspiring – with the channel loaded mostly with sitcom and movie repeats – the once number one digital channel still manages to find an audeince though, but is now not the most watched digital channel on most nights. As for GEM – it needs as much of a make over as Ten’s ONE does.

It appears that Nine and Ten will have alot of work to do if they are going to be able to come close to Seven in 2012. Nine may manage one of the younger demographics, but, comparing the three commercial broacasters in both content currently on air and programming to come later, Seven are already clearly in front, and will stay that way in 2012.

[Any ratings figures quoted are OzTam 5 city metro figures.]

Interior designer Shaynna Blaze has joined reality home-renovation series, The Block, as the official third judge.

Blaze will join established show judges Neale Whittaker and John McGrath in the show’s upcoming fifth season.

While Blaze may be new talent to many, a good few of you may know her for her role as judge on the Foxtel series, Selling Houses Australia.

Having been on the set of the show since the beginning of production a few weeks ago, Blaze claims to be loving the new gig.

“I love it so much, it’s ridiculous,” she told The Herad Sun.

“It’s a good mix for me.

“I love my business and my clients, and having both of them is a really good balance.”

Blaze has also claimed to have been ‘blown away’ by the standard of this year’s couples.

The Block airs later this year on Nine.

Source: The Herald Sun