Everything you need to know about The Block 2023

While it feels like we’re just getting over the roller-coaster auctions that capped off the massive tree change season of The Block in 2022 – which saw Omar and Oz take home a record-breaking loot in prize money – it’s again time to get excited about the reality renovation show’s return in 2023.

It’s been 20 years since The Block first hit our screens when four apartments in Bondi were renovated and auctioned back in 2003. The finale was a hit, attracting an average of 3.1 million viewers, proving we’re a nation of keen property watchers. 

So, what’s next for the popular program? We’ve got the answers to some of your burning questions:

Where is The Block 2023? 

The Block is going back to the ‘burbs with filming for the 19th season of the show happening in Melbourne’s Hampton East, a bayside suburb 16 kilometres from the CBD. 

Production company MicJoy Pty Ltd purchased five properties in Charming Street in 2022.

The mid-century fixer-uppers at 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 Charming Steet were sold in an off-market deal for $14.3 million.

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Blockheads may be familiar with the area, The Block 2021 was filmed just two kilometres away from Charming Street, in the neighbouring suburb of Hampton. Mitch and Mark were crowned the winners. 

Who are The Block 2023 contestants?

Viewers might be keen to know, there are no celebrities, no influencers and no former contestants in the mix as in previous years when celebrity teammates were cast.

The contestants for 2023 have now been announced, with five teams of two competing for auction day glory. They are:

From Victoria, sisters Eliza and Liberty Paschke. The personal assistant and integration producer have no renovation experience – it will be interesting to see how they fare this season.

From Western Australia, Kyle and Leslie Cottone. The parents work as a firefighter and teachers aide so are no doubt used to handling pressure.

From Queensland, first-aid officer Leah, and builder, Ash Milton have the experience to get on the tools and treat any injuries that might happen on site. Let’s hope that’s not the case!

From South Australia, project manager Kristy, and safety officer, Brett Beams, should be able to keep the mammoth building project on track, and keep an eye on everyone to avoid OH&S issues.

The final contestants on The Block in 2023 are from NSW; architect Steph and her tech start-up worker husband, Gian Ottavio. Having an architect in the mix will certainly make things interesting this season.

We can’t wait to watch this group of hopefuls don the high-vis and tackle The Block this year.

But what exactly is in store for them?

“Our five new teams from across the country are all fired up to make their home states proud. But wait until you see their shock when they find out they’re building not one, but two new abodes, as we throw in a granny flat for good measure. And in a Block first, this year we give all teams their full building schedule ahead of time,” host Scott Cam said in a statement.

That will put an end to any sneaky photos being taken and leaked to teams, as seen in 2021 in one of the biggest cheating scandals to rock the show.

• Meet the contestants who will be battling it out on The Block this season

Is there a new judge on The Block?

It’s official. The Block will welcome a new judge in 2023 – Marty Fox, real estate agent, serial property flipper and chief executive of real estate agency WhiteFox. Fox has been in the industry for 15 years and will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight come judging time.

Fox will work alongside long-time judges Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze and Neale Whitaker.

Whitaker, in a recent post on his Instagram account, announced Fox would be joining the team, and the reasons behind his own reduced appearance on the show this season:

“I’m very proud to be completing my 17th season as a judge on The Block. It’s an amazing privilege to have been part of this iconic show for 13 years. For the 2023 season, however, I’ve put my family first and cut back on my judging weeks. My partner of 20 years, David, experienced some serious health issues earlier this year and my priority has been to spend more time at home.

“But I’m happy to announce that real estate guru Marty Fox has been able to bring his experience to The Block and join Shaynna and Darren on the weeks when I couldn’t be there.

“The best news of all is that David is making a great recovery and I’m looking forward to returning to The Block full-time for the show’s 20th anniversary season in 2024.”

• Get to know the new judge on The Block: Marty Fox

When will The Block 2023 be on TV?

Channel Nine confirmed in a recent Instagram post that The Block will air on Sunday, August 6

We’ll be hanging out until then, and have the popcorn at the ready for what will no doubt be another epic season of the hit reno show.

Nine is a majority owner of Domain.