The Block 2016: meet the new contestants

They’re fresh-faced, excited and raring to go. For now.

Ten regular Australians – among them a policeman, a property stylist and a couple of teachers – are about to become household names as they take part in Channel Nine’s The Block: the renovation challenge known for testing relationships to the nth degree.

Of course, this test comes with the allure of a prize pool in the millions. As host Scott Cam is fond of saying, The Block is Australia’s richest TV game show. 

Millions of viewers are again tipped to tune in to critique cushions, opine over openings and choose a favourite couple. 

Part of the show’s enduring appeal – this is the 12th season – is in the casting: the formula of identifiable, relatable and, at times, polarising contestants has repeatedly proven a success.

Lining up to take on the challenge of renovating a heritage-listed former Port Melbourne soap factory are:

Will and Karlie

The Queenslanders are already renovating on their own project at home, but nothing is quite like The Block. Both 25, they’ve been together for nine years. 

Plans for an art deco-industrial mix in their apartment have been dubbed “in-deco”.

Dan and Carleen

The most experienced of this year’s couples, the West Australians have been married for nine years. The Block is their seventh renovation project together.

They’re planning to match the style of the building’s exterior in their apartment by mixing art deco with a contemporary touch. 

Kim and Chris

Based in Newcastle, this school teacher and NSW Police detective have been married for four years and have two children – a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. They’ve renovated before, including a cubby house.

The kids have prepared them for the biggest challenge of The Block: sleep deprivation

Ben and Andy

Renovation rookies, these 25-year-old best mates from Geelong know they’re in for a tough induction. They’re both PE teachers and met while studying fitness together.

Their toughest challenge before coming into the show was deciding who would be “on the tools” and who would be shopping and styling. A game of table tennis decided it.

Julia and Sasha

Sasha is an account executive and Julia is a property stylist. Their recent Melbourne renovation was featured in the glossy pages of a style magazine. But will The Block be different? Julia has confessed to melting down in a crisis.

They plan to bring the glamour to the building, with gold splashes against a base of monochrome.

The Block returns to Channel Nine on Sunday at 7pm.