Five charming 1950s homes that have undergone major renovations will be put to the ultimate test, The Block Grand Finale Auction, this Sunday, November 5, at 7 O’block on Channel 9 and 9Now.

But first, contestants will face the daunting task of impressing the public at the first “Domain Open For Inspections” in four years, tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

The most controversial season of The Block ever has seen five Blockhead couples – Kyle and Leslie (WA), Leah and Ash (QLD), Kristy and Brett (SA), Steph and Gian (NSW), and Eliza and Liberty (VIC) – battling it out on and off-camera to take home the crown for their state. 

After 12 gruelling weeks of blood, sweat and tears their houses are finished, and each one comes complete with a pool and secondary accommodation. Some boast hi-tech garage turning circles, while others have size on their side. Who will be victorious? 

Ahead of the OFI’s tonight, host Scott Cam said: “I think it’s the only show in the world where fans can come and see a live TV set like at the Domain Open For Inspections, and we all loved seeing them in their thousands in Charming Street. I know it’s also great for our contestants as they get to see just how much their hard work is loved by the viewers.”

As for auction day, Scott says: “I get very nervous because as I have said since day one, I want every couple to have success after months of hard work building these homes. 

“This year I think there are five beautiful and five very different homes which will appeal to unique buyers. I hope they do well at auction time as they all absolutely deserve it.” 

Domain National Managing Editor, Alice Stolz, said after the inspections: “The Block yet again created five dream homes and there’s nothing better than seeing fans and potential buyers check them out for themselves. It really was the ultimate open for inspections time”.

As for the auctions, she says: “The property market has clawed its way back from last year’s downturn, with the national median just a whisker away from hitting a new price record. 

“Hampton East is a sleepy suburb nestled into Melbourne’s beautiful bayside and is enjoying its moment in the sun. These Charming Street houses could not look sharper nor be more perfect for an idyllic family life.

“Whatever happens come auction day, I hope these renos have inspired many Aussies to take another look at those rather plain clinker-brick houses that they once might have thought were too dull. And also to think again about the simple life of suburbia. I’m telling you, it’s great out there.”

Executive Producer of The Block, Julian Cress, agreed. He said: “There was a great atmosphere at the Domain Open For Inspections this year. After four years of not being able to do them, it was terrific to have thousands of fans turn up to see these magnificent homes.

“Most importantly for me was seeing the joy it brought to the contestants to open their homes and get such positive feedback on all their hard work.”

Looking ahead to the nailbiting auction day, Julian said: “Hotly contested is an understatement. I can’t remember a series with such competitive contestants going into auction week. I have no doubt it will deliver a finale full of drama and an auction that will have everyone, including me, on the edge of our seats.

“It’s a volatile market right now and the only guarantee is that one team will win $100,000, but as usual, we will cross our fingers on auction day and hope for the best outcome for everyone.” 

The highly anticipated auction order and reserve price reveals are set to be explosive, because the all-important order can make or break a team’s chance of taking home a $100,000 cash prize on top of their profits on auction day. 

Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s richest reality program has awarded a total of $32,592,807.65 in prizemoney.

See full The Block listings here.

For further information, please contact:
Aimee Ball
9Network Publicity 
aimee.ball@nine.com.au

Monday, October 30, 2023