The Block returns in 2023 for its 19th season on Sunday, August 6, at 7:00 pm on Nine and 9Now.
Set in the family-friendly Melbourne suburb of Hampton East, the new series features five houses designed and built in the 1950s and located on the aptly named Charming Street. The old houses are now aged in their 70s and the contestants will be tasked to give them a contemporary update.
For the first time in Block history, host Scott Cam will be providing contestants with the full renovation schedule ahead of time this season.
The contestants will be seeing all finished designs of the houses on Day 1 and they will also receive their entire budgets on Day 1 as well.
The contestants will soon find out that it’s not all smooth sailing when renovating an original 1950s home – structural issues, extreme weather events, and a mountain of demolition will test the five couples every step of the way.
Meet the new contestants below:
Kyle and Leslie
Parents from Perth, WA
This married couple met in a nightclub 12 years ago and immediately hit it off. They married in 2014 and are an incredibly strong couple who bounce off each other.
Kyle and Leslie have applied for The Block five times. Luca said “one last chance” and they ended up getting on the show. “It’s the ultimate challenge,” Leslie said. “Obviously there is the opportunity of financial reward at the end, but there are the rewards of everything you go through before that.”
Kyle, 36, firefighter
Kyle says being a firefighter is his dream job that took a few tries to get into. This hard-working family man is no-nonsense in the way he goes about things.
He is a huge sports fan and loves nothing more after a big day at work than sitting at home watching the footy with his family.
Leslie, 34, educational assistant
Leslie came to Australia from Zimbabwe with her parents and sister two decades ago.
She has a bright and bubbly personality, is very funny, warm and engaging, and is studying to become a teacher.
Leslie is very sociable and looking forward to making new friends on The Block, as well as the renovating experience.
“We’ve applied a few times and waited a long time, so we can’t wait to get started,” she said.
Leah and Ash
Parents from Brisbane, QLD
This married couple complement each other very well. Both are sociable, can be the life of the party, and are not afraid to express their opinions.
Leah and Ash have three children, Austin, 8, Marnie, 4, and Hugh, 2, and want to get out of their comfort zone on The Block.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what we arecapable of,” Leah said. “We’ve done the process of building renovations many, many times, but this is on a whole new level.”
Leah, 31, first aid trainer
Leah has a passion for building and design, and can see herself having a real future in that field. Her style of design on The Block will be bold and different and will turn heads. Her aim is to build a house with a modern art/deco feel.
Leah has a very generous nature, but she’s not afraid to express her opinions. She is described by her husband Ash as a “go getter”.
Ash, 38, builder
Ash had a career in sales before following his dream to start his own building company. He loves his children and is a fantastic family man. He could be described as your typical, laconic Queenslander.
“I’m a real bloke’s bloke,” he said. “I feel like I get along with everyone.” Ash will save money on The Block by using his skills as a builder/carpenter.
Kristy and Brett
Married from Adelaide, SA
Together for ten years and married for three, Kristy and Brett are strong characters who will never be far from the action or the drama on The Block this year.
Both are forthright in their opinions and won’t be afraid to stir the pot in Charming Street. They are very structured in their lives and looking forward to the unpredictability of The Block.
Kristy, 34, project manager
Kristy describes herself as very competitive, and that will show early on the program due to the dedication and drive that has marked her successful career.
She wants to create a house that will feature both Victorian and modern contemporary features and she isn’t afraid of getting on the tools, saying: “I’m all for getting my hands dirty.”
She isn’t afraid to call people out if she sees something she thinks is wrong. “If I see something that is wrong or someone is being unfair, I will be the first person to speak up,” she said.
Brett, 34, safety advisor
Brett works at a power substation but has a history of working as a tiler – which he wants to keep quiet on The Block.
“I’m a former tiler, but I don’t want to tell people that,” he said. “I want to keep it a surprise.”
Steph and Gian
Married from Sydney, NSW
They are childhood sweethearts who met on the school bus in year 7 and have been together ever since.
“We had an instant connection just as friends,” Gian said. They married last year in a glamorous ceremony and are adored by their family and friends.
Steph, 27, architect
Steph is confident and assured, and impressive in her profession. In her spare time she enjoys Pilates.
She won’t be shy to give her opinion, which might ruffle feathers. She is a kind soul and highly organised.
Design-wise, she will bring Japandi – a mix between Japanese and Scandinavian – to The Block. “As a residential architect I specialise in Scandinavian, art deco, mid-century homes,” she said.
Gian, 27, start-up worker
Working in finance, Gian is now with a tech start-up where he drives growth strategies. He is a problem solver and a great thinker who enjoys running and fitness when not working.
According to Steph, he has a fantastic attitude to life in general and is a whizz at budgeting.
Eliza and Liberty
Sisters from Melbourne, VIC
These mid-thirties sisters grew up in Adelaide, and now live in Melbourne together, and were as surprised as anyone when they ended up on The Block. They are very different personalities who complement each other
“I’m into health and fitness, and Eliza would rather sleep,” Liberty said.
Both say they lead great lives, but having the same routine day after day made them approach The Block as their way of stepping out of their comfort zone and doing something different.
Eliza, 37, personal assistant
Eliza has worked in the entertainment industry and as a radio producer, so she is no stranger to television.
She has a fantastic attitude and will be very well liked on The Block.“I’m just going to give it a red-hot crack,” she said.
In her personal life she is a mental health advocate who gives talks in schools. She loves to cook and sleep in.
Her sister Liberty admires how strong she is. “Eliza is not afraid to have very open and honest conversations with people, and I love that.”
Liberty, 34, producer
Liberty gets up at 5am everyday to go to the gym and loves her routine.
She has worked for the Richmond Football Club as a producer in events, and now works for an advertising company.
“We are both single, in our mid-thirties, and nothing is holding us back,” Liberty said. “Everything has just aligned.”
A fitness nut, Liberty was the first person in the world to reach 700 classes in the Body Fit training gym franchise.
The brand new season of The Block premieres Sunday, August 6 at 7:00 pm on Nine and 9Now.