“What Are These Sad Grey Depression Rooms?” The Best Reactions To ‘The Block’ 2023 Premiere

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The Block is back, and you better believe there’s a heap of drama already. Our new couples were straight into the competition, with a 48-hour house decider producing some, uh, questionable results. 

The contestants were tasked with creating the best kids’ room with a $5,000 budget, based around a mystery item from Disney+. The items included a National Geographic puzzle, as well as characters from Frozen, Toy Story, The Mandalorian, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Block premiere first episode 2023 kids room house decider challenge scott cam

Image Source: Channel 9, The Block

We were also introduced to the five couples and their quirks, with the first being Eliza and Liberty. These single gals seem to be on The Block solely to find love (did they think it was MAFS?). “That’s the first priority,” Eliza said, before Liberty added an afterthought: “And then, building the house.”

Next up, we met Leah and Ash, who seem like frontrunners at this (extremely) early stage. Leah’s like me, with dreams of grandeur… and then expects her husband to make it happen. Ash is a builder, so you know what? That’s fair. 

The Block Leah and Ash 2023 house decider challenge

Image Source: Channel 9, The Block

Kyle and Leslie have applied to be on The Block multiple times, so I’m hoping their journey ends like last year’s winners Omar and Oz… and not Tom and Sarah-Jane, who took home a measly $20,000. Eek. 

Brett and Kristy instantly declared they’re “assholes”, so at least they’re self-aware? They’ve got plenty of opinions and aren’t afraid to share them. Seems like the producers won’t need to try too hard to create any drama this year. 

Steph and Gian completely bombed this week, creating a child’s room that was very beige. I get that when you’re building your actual The Block house you don’t want to alienate potential buyers with wacky Toy Story-themed decor, but for the house decider, you’re expected to go to the extreme. Also, did anyone catch just how many times she reminded us she’s an architect? It’d make a great drinking game. 

Steph Gian toy story the block 2023 house decider beige room soulless

Image Source: Channel 9, The Block

Judge Neale Whitaker tore the couple apart, saying it was lacking “soul, any punch, any vibe.” It seems like viewers had the same thoughts, with many sharing their reactions on Twitter – oop, sorry, X. Urgh, never going to get used to that.

The best reactions to The Block’s premiere:  

Neale Whitaker’s disappointment in The Block’s edit.

Viewers were also given a quick look at Neale Whitaker breaking the news about his decision to step back as a judge this season. However, the judge wasn’t pleased with the way it aired on TV, saying that he was “frustrated” that his story was only partially shown. 

“There’s nothing more frustrating than an unexplained decision or an incomplete narrative – especially where health and family are concerned,” he wrote on Instagram. “I broke the news to Shaynna and Darren that I would be unable to join them each week and explained my reasons. It was an emotional conversation for all of us.”

“Unfortunately those important reasons didn’t make the cut so here goes. This year I’ve chosen to put family first. David, my partner of 20 years, has been experiencing some serious and ongoing health issues and we knew my place was at home,” he said.

 

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A post shared by NEALE WHITAKER (@nealewhitaker)

Neale isn’t going to be absent from the entire series, as he will be “popping up from time to time”, with Melbourne real estate expert Marty Fox standing in when Neale is unable to join the judges. 

The judge added that David is progressing well, so he’ll be back full-time for the 20th anniversary in 2024.

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Image credits: Channel 9, The Block