Everything You Need To Know About ‘The Block’ 2023

Calling all Blockheads, we’ve got all the deets about what’s going down on your favourite renovation show this year. Nine’s blockbuster reality TV juggernaut has been filming on Charming Street in Melbourne’s Hampton East since February, and there’s already been a bunch of complaints from local residents. 

According to Nine, this year’s show will be “the most electrifying yet” as they dive into their 19th season. Yep, that’s right, 857 episodes of the renovation show have been broadcast since it began in 2003. Apparently, Aussies do enjoy watching paint dry, especially when there’s a lil bit of drama involved. 

This year’s theme is the “Time Warp”, and it seems contestants will have to take rundown 1950s brick houses and transform them into modern-day properties. If that’s not tough enough, they’ve also been asked to add secondary accommodation to their homes. 

Here’s everything you need to know about The Block 2023:

Who will be hosting The Block 2023?

Host Scott Cam is back, alongside co-host Shelley Craft, and the duo have warned fans that it will be a series that’s unlike anything else we’ve seen before. 

“In a Block first, this year, we give all teams their full building schedule ahead of time. Buckle up, Australia. The Block 2023 offers more twists, turns and curve-balls than ever before,” Scott said.

Shelley adds that there will be some tears along the way, and it won’t be smooth sailing for our lucky contestants. “This series’ houses may seem charming on the surface, but our contestants will be in for a shock as they uncover a host of pitfalls not evident upon first inspection,” she said.  

Who will be judging The Block 2023?

For the last decade, we’ve seen judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Neale Whitaker score The Block’s room reveals, but there’s been a big change this year. 

Neale announced on Instagram that he’s taking a step back from judging, as his partner David Piper has been going through some “serious health issues”. According to the judge, David is making a recovery, so he expects to be back on deck full-time for 2024’s big 20th anniversary season. 

Joining Shaynna, Darren and Neale this year is newbie Marty Fox, a real estate expert who has appeared on the show before. He worked with Harry and Tash in 2020, and Rachel and Ryan in 2022, to sell their houses for the best deal. He’ll be tag-teaming with Neale, and will be judging on Sunday nights for the duration of the show. 

Who are the couples competing on The Block 2023?

The five couples hoping to win big like Omar and Oz have now been announced. 

Eliza and Liberty Paschke, VIC

Eliza and Liberty are sisters from Victoria, and they’re possibly at an advantage being from the same state that The Block houses are in. Eliza, 37, is a personal assistant, and her sister Liberty, 34, is an integration producer. 

Kyle and Leslie Cottone, WA

Firefighter Kyle, 36, and teaching aide Leslie, 34, have left their children behind for a chance to earn big on The Block. Hopefully, they’ll end up with a big payday like Omar and Oz rather than repeating Sarah-Jane and Tom’s sad ending. 

Leah and Ash Milton, QLD

This pair could be one to watch, as first aid officer Leah, 32, comes with her secret weapon: her husband Ash, 38, who’s a builder. They also have a bit of practice up their sleeve, as they run a successful renovation, design and building business called The Milton Project in Brissie. 

Kirsty and Brett Beams, SA

This married duo are both 34 years old, and Kristy’s project management background could be handy when it comes to organising the construction zone. Brett works as a safety officer, so their house is in good hands. 

Steph and Gian Ottavio, NSW

Start-up worker Gian is married to Steph, who has a bit of an advantage when it comes to building houses, as she’s an architect. However, they’re the youngest couple on The Block this year – they’re both just 27 years old – so only time will tell if their age will help or hinder them. 

When will The Block 2023 air?

The first episode will hit Aussie screens on Sunday, August 6, at 7pm.

What can we expect from The Block 2023? 

There’ll be heated rivalry this year, as each couple represents a different state: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Plus, with the addition of adding a “granny flat” to their homes, Nine has teased that the pressure could tip some contestants over the edge. Consider me intrigued. 

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Image credits: Nine, The Block