The Block 2015: the show's nine most memorable competitors

By
Emily Power
October 17, 2017
Gav and Waz with fellow contestant Amity in 2003.

1. Gav and Waz, 2003, season 1

From strutting around in their jocks on the construction site in Bondi to making history as the first same-sex couple on Aussie reality television, it’s impossible for fans to forget them, even 12 years on. They now have a business, Designer Boys Collections, selling wholesale artwork to interior designers, architects and boutiques.

SEP 28 The Block contestantsS29_Dan & Dani_072.jpg

2. Dan and Dani, 2012, season 5

This couple were perhaps the most fiery and combative to ever tackle a Block renovation. They argued constantly through the series set in Dorcas Street, South Melbourne, and annoyed fellow contestants by using power tools into the night. These days, Dan has graduated to the show’s second in charge foreman – known as “foreboy”.

Winners of The Block auction Jamie Nicholson and Andrew Rochford celebrate in Whistler Street, Manly on Sunday 25, July, 2004    SMH News Block   photo by Peter Morris   story Jonathan Chancellor SPECIALX 00000

Photo: Peter Morris

3. Andrew and Jamie, 2004, season 2

TV presenter and medico Dr Andrew Rochford started his small screen career on The Block. He and his now wife won the second season, set in Sydney’s Manly, pocketing $178,000.  They were called in after another contestant’s criminal past was revealed and withdrew in a cloud of controversy.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 11:  EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY NIGHT Contestants look on during the auction for the Prahran apartments that were renovated as part of the Channel 9 television program The Block Glasshouse on October 11, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Fairfax Media)

4. Simon and Shannon, 2014, season 9

The brothers from Sydney were fan favourites, not only for their good looks but amiable personalities and cheeky sense of humour. They blitzed their rivals to take home in $435,000 in victory prize money. They have since started their own design consultancy and are in hot demand.

5. Dea and Darren, 2014 and 2015, seasons 9 and 10 

There has never been as polarising a contestant as Dea, with her straight-talking manner and natural flair for interior design, which she has since made a career out of. Dea and her husband Darren, who got on judge Shaynna Blaze’s nerves, backed up their disappointing turn on the Glasshouse series with a record-breaking jackpot on Triple Threat this year, winning $935,000.

The Block's Alisa and Lysandra. For Private Capital. The Block Sky High - Alisa & Lysandra

6. Alisa and Lysandra, 2013 and 2014, seasons 7 and 8

The sisters were accused of laziness for appearing to leave most of the hard labour in their Albert Park apartment to their tradesmen. The apartment was later seized by police under an insider trading investigation – for which a young banker, who bid for the property at auction, went to jail – and later re-sold.

The Block Phil Rankine and Amity Dry NO CAPTION PROVIDED

7. Phil and Amity, 2003 and 2013, seasons 1 and 6

The couple had no renovation experienced when they enlisted for the debut series in beachside Bondi. Their leap of faith changed their lives, Dry launched a pop career on the back of the show, and they returned for the All Stars season, held in Bondi to celebrate 10 years of the program, which they won.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 26TH 2014;Contestants reveal Room 1 Guest bedroom) the Block Triple Threat on Sunday the 26th of October2014 in Melbourne Australia.   (Photo by Martin Philbey) *** Local Caption***The Block Triple Threat Of the three new contestants Tim and Anastasia impressed the judges the least coming in last place

Photo: Martin Philbey

8. Tim and Anastasia, 2015, season 10 

Anastasia pulled no punches during her time in reno hell on South Yarra’s Darling Street, feuding with Dea and walking off the set alongside her husband when their budget ran out with rooms still to finish. They returned and pulled off a miracle, pushing hard to complete their property before auction. They were rewarded for persistence, pocketing $755,000.

Contestants Matt and Kim infront of the crowds as they line up for the open for inspection at The Block on the corner Park Street and Eastern Road, South Melbourne. 13th July 2013. THE SUNDAY  AGE / MAL FAIRCLOUGH

Photo: Mal Fairclough

9. Matt and Kim, 2013, season 7

Best known for their rainbow paint-splattered “crime scene” bedroom, this couple pushed the boundaries creatively, but the judges didn’t always appreciate their unique point of view. They moved on to their own reality show for Channel Nine in Perth, Matt and Kim To The Rescue, making over properties for families in need, and working in interiors for property companies.

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