Introduction
The Block has been a beloved staple of Australian TV for two decades now. But the 2024 season—lovingly dubbed Block Island—took things to a whole new level. Set against the rugged coastal charm of Phillip Island, this milestone season wasn’t simply about renovating; it was about rewiring hearts, testing endurance, and showcasing how much a community can change under a tight deadline. In this article, we go beyond the polished reveals and delve into the stories that unfolded behind the scenes.
Island Time Isn’t Easy Time
Choosing Phillip Island was bold—far from the buzz of a city, the production transformed an old resort into five luxe holiday homes. This fresh setting injected excitement, but it also came with layers of complexity—from transporting materials to navigating local sensitivities—especially since initial plans to film in Daylesford fell through over permission issues.
Characters Step In
Viewers met five pairs of renovators—each bringing relatability and flair. From WA’s Jesse and Paige (a carpenter and claims specialist) to SA’s Kristian and Mimi (newlyweds balancing electrical work and restaurant managing), Vic’s cheeky best mates Ricky and Haydn, NSW’s stylish couple Courtney and Grant, and Queensland’s dynamic duo Kylie and Brad. Mid-season upheaval saw Jesse and Paige exit on psychological advice, opening the door for Sydney sisters Maddy and Charlotte to step in and shake things up.
Pressure, Plumbing, and Pebbles
Day one kicked off with a baptism by plumbing—Guest Bathroom Week plunged teams into immediate high drama. Contestants battled tight schedules, supply delays, and disbelief at how long basic tasks could stretch. Sleep was precious, and tension was a constant companion, but so were moments of laughter, shared sandwiches, and unexpected joy captured in behind-the-scenes moments.
Designs That Spoke
Week by week, standout rooms emerged. Kristian and Mimi took home major prizes early, Courtney and Grant delivered “Moderterranean” luxury, and Kylie and Brad’s daring choices had judges raving—or questioning. Meanwhile, Maddy and Charlotte, despite joining late, stunned with “game-changing” coastal aesthetics and racked up wins after arriving on site.
Drama That Wasn’t on the Board
Emotions ran high a couple of times. Jesse and Paige’s withdrawal cast a sombre shadow, but it allowed Maddy and Charlotte’s story to shine. And behind the glamorous renovations, personal lives followed close behind. Haydn welcomed his daughter Matilda just days into filming—moments of homesickness softened by family moments on site made for deeply human scenes.
A Foreman’s Farewell
Behind the stoic tools-down calls was a changing of the guard. Longtime foreman Keith Schleiger stepped back due to the island’s distance and the stress of navigating amateur attitudes, making room for Dan Reilly to guide the teams. Keith later revealed frustrations with disrespect from contestants, but he cherished the fast pace and camaraderie the show brought.
Auction Day Unfolds
Auction Day on Phillip Island was a spectacle. Billionaire Adrian Portelli made headlines by snapping up all five homes for a whopping $15 million-plus—his final cameo on the show. Opponents called it bizarre, even staged—auctioneer Danny Wallis called it “silly,” while some industry voices criticized the over-the-top theatrics and lack of real market dynamics.
Victory and Legacy
Maddy and Charlotte landed the jackpot—$1.55 million profit plus a $100,000 prize—becoming the youngest-ever winners and capping off a story few saw coming. Other teams didn’t walk away empty-handed: Courtney & Grant, Kristian & Mimi, Ricky & Haydn, and Kylie & Brad each scored sizable gains and growth, making this season’s total profits the highest in the show’s history.
What Cameras Didn’t Catch
If there’s one thing The Block proved again in 2024, it’s that real life couldn’t be scripted better. Unseen moments included early-morning fishing trips by the boys, crew capturing candid laughter, visits from loved ones breaking up monotony, and quiet humidity that soaked into designs more than any paint could.
Why It Mattered
This season wasn’t about perfection—it was about resilience, adaptation, and heart. From the bold new location and fresh faces to the real grief, growth, and grit captured both on and off camera, Block Island reminded us that renovation is as much internal as it is structural. And while next season heads to Daylesford, 2024’s legacy will live on in stories of creativity under pressure, and the unscripted humanity that made it unforgettable.
Conclusion
The Block 2024 delivered more than stunning houses—it offered connection. It invited us to witness how grief, love, ambition, and friendship collide on a construction site and transform lives. At its core, it was a reminder that the most lasting renovations aren’t the ones fixed with hammers and nails, but those built with heart. Thanks for walking through the dust, the drama, and the dreams behind Block Island. What moment from the season pulled at you most?
