The Block 2023 is about to rival Married at First Sight in the drama department, according to Nine’s Head of Content, Production and Development, Adrian Swift.
Speaking at the launch of the series’ 19th season (which was held in Charming St, Melbourne on July 27), Swift said that “the MAFS dinner parties are nothing compared to this season of The Block”.
“It’s a little bit like being in a meeting when you set the reserves, there’s every chance someone will die,” Swift joked, before saying that we’ll get to witness what these “crazy kids will get up to”.
This season, the Blockheads will range from ages 26 – 38, by far the youngest group to ever have competed as a whole and will consist of mean girls, redemption arcs and of course, epic renovations which keep audience’s coming back for more.
The 2023 Blockheads. Nine
The couples in contention are sisters Eliza and Liberty Paschke (personal assistant, 37, and integration producer, 34, VIC); parents Kyle and Leslie Cottone (firefighter, 36, and teaching aide, 34, WA); parents Leah and Ash Milton (first aid officer, 31, and builder, 36, QLD); married couple Kristy and Brett Beames (project manager, 34, and safety officer, 34, SA); and newlyweds Steph and Gian Ottavio (architect, 27, and start-up worker, 27, NSW).
“The Block started in 2003 and by 2004, it was the biggest show on Australian television,” he said. “And it remains that to this day, after 19 seasons. It’s really an important part of Nine’s DNA and it’s an important show for all sorts of reasons… It is a touchstone programme.”
Adrian Swift calls The Block 2023 cast “extraordinary”
As for returning hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft, who he called “naughty and nice”.
“It didn’t really start out that way but that’s what it’s matured into,” he said. “It’s a beautiful double act.”
Swift then thanked his entire cast and crew, including Shayna Blaze, Darren Palmer, Neale Whittaker and newcomer Marty Fox.
“You guys have been extraordinary,” he said. “Very often The Block is about the houses, but this Block was about the people. And you’ve done an amazing job with the houses but mostly, torturing each other.”
Shelley Craft and Scott Cam. Nine
Scott Cam responds to rumours he’s leaving Nine
Elsewhere, host Cam responded to rumours he was leaving Nine and the series that circulated earlier in the week.
“Well, I wanted to say, I haven’t told Shelley this, but two months ago, unfortunately, I signed a multiple-year deal with the Nine Network,” he said. “So, to all my friends at the Daily Mail, keep up the good work.”
When asked if it was an “easy decision” by Craft, he said: “Of course it is. I love The Block. I love the Nine Network. I’ve been there 24 years and I couldn’t think of going anywhere else. I love it. I love this show. I love everything about the network and everybody in it.”
The Block 2023 premieres on Sunday, August 6 on 9 and 9Now.