The Block 2024 is heading to Victoria’s Phillip Island, and for the first time, contestants will be building holiday houses.
Show executive producer and co-creator Julian Cress said they wanted to “do something special” to mark the show’s 20th season.
“The longevity of the show stems from the fact we are able to make it in a different location so it remains fresh,” Cress said. “So, this year we are doing holiday houses for the first time.”
“Building the perfect holiday home for an Australian family is a new project and requires a new way of thinking. “
The new batch of contestants have spent the past few months in the seaside town of Cowes, about a two-hour drive from Melbourne.
And it’s not just any ordinary sea change – this year, The Block is taking over a former holiday resort set on over a hectare.
Property records show Island Cove Villas at 113-119 Justice Road was bought in September 2023 for $8,758,000.
“I think it’s the best location we’ve ever had for the show,” Cress said.
“It’s a really big parcel of real estate which will be fantastic to go to market. It’s been a long time since we’ve had contestants going to market with ‘quarter-acre blocks’, which is really the sweet spot for Australian families.”
According to the property listing, there were nine dwellings on the site, including a double-storey sandstone mansion with five bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The other eight buildings comprised six two-bedroom villas and two three-bedroom villas. And then there’s a full-size tennis court, large children’s playground, barbecue pavilions, two spas and a swimming pool.
“When I drove into the site for the first time I knew it was going to be a big job for our contestants,” said host Scott Cam. “The houses are enormous and when you walk around the site, there are surprises at every turn.”
It’s safe to say the 2024 contestants have their work cut out!
Yes! Filming wrapped on the season earlier in June.
The Block’s arrival into town sent chins wagging earlier in the year, with locals posting rumours, photos and videos on social media.
“The warm welcome we were given from the local community made it a very special experience for the entire cast, the crew, hosts and judges,” said Cress.
“Without giving too much away, the audience is going to be in for some major surprises across this series.”
The contestants for The Block 2024 have been revealed as:
Rumours are swirling that one of the teams called it quits part way through filming but Channel Nine is yet to confirm this.
The season is also set to feature guest appearances from previous contestants, including Steph and Gian, Eliza and Liberty, Jimmy and Tam, Alisa and Lysandra, Ronnie and Georgia, Michael and Carlene, Kyal and Kara, Tom and Sarah-Jane, Omar and Oz, Dale and Sophie, and Andy and Deb.
“We have so many amazing contestants whose lives have been changed significantly over the years, and in some cases, they have built global businesses off the back of their appearances on The Block,” said Cress.
The judges from last year’s season – Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer, and Marty Fox – will all return in 2024.
“We will never forget the contribution made by Neale Whitaker and he certainly won’t be missing out on some appearances on the 20th season as well,” said Cress.
Long-time The Block foreman Keith Schleiger also stepped down from his role this year, with Dan Reilly taking on the role of sole foreman, but will make special guest appearances throughout the season.
Hosts Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft have been on Phillip Island with the contestants during filming.
Block Island premieres on Monday, August 12 at 7:30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now. Nine is a majority owner of Domain.
A popular holiday destination, Phillip Island is connected to the mainland via a bridge and is perhaps best known for its sandy beaches, penguin parade and the grand prix circuit.
In the 2021 census, the island’s population was 13,800.
The median house price in Cowes – the island’s largest township – is $774,000, having jumped 41 per cent in five years, according to Domain Group’s latest House Price Report.
The result of The Block renovations will be high-end luxury homes designed by architect Julian Brenchley.
The last of The Block 2023 homes finally sold in late February, four months after the nail-biting auction finale.
Leah and Ash were the only contestants to walk away from Charming Street in Hampton East empty-handed, having elected to pass in their property.
The Queensland couple can now finally celebrate after they netted a $155,000 profit from the sale.