Photo: Nine
We’re waiting with bated breath for the 20th season of The Block to hit our screens with a host of new contestants, new homes and, of course, new drama. The new season, which is expected to air after the Olympics wraps up (we’re predicting an August 18th premiere), will see the contestants tackle the renovation of five holiday houses on Victoria’s Phillip Island. And while the trailer is teasing us with images of idyllic island life, we know our Blockheads are going to be doing a little more than watching the sunset.
Luckily, we’ll have Melbourne larrikins Ricky and Haydn in the mix, offering some light relief from all the tension. This duo have been best mates for over 20 years, becoming inseparable after they both suffered a tragic loss in the same year (Haydn’s father passed away around the same time as Ricky lost one of his best friends). The loveable pair are looking forward to making friends and enjoying every minute of this experience.
“We bring out the best in people,” Ricky said. “We are all about making sure people enjoy their time and moments, because that is what life is about.”
Ready to meet the rest of the The Block 2024 contestants?
4 things you need to know about Ricky and Haydn
Names: Ricky, 34, and Haydn, 37.
Professions: Ricky is a plumber who also manages his own electrician business. Haydn is an IT manager.
From: Melbourne, VIC.
Fun facts: The best friends are excited to bring their unique fashion style to their build, which they describe as fluro and “something out of the 1990s”. Are they going to make inflatable furniture chic? Let’s wait and see!
But don’t let the nice guy personas fool you – these fellas also bring some serious skills and passion to the table. Ricky, 34, is a plumber, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to get the job done. He also owns his own electrician company, so he’s used to managing a team and juggling competing priorities.
IT manager Haydn, 37, might have less experience when it comes to the tools, but he has a powerful incentive to put everything he’s got into the competition. Haydn’s wife Chelsea was eight and a half months pregnant when filming started, and he’s doing it all for the opportunity to set up his family.
Their biggest challenge will be their lack of renovating experience and difficulty sticking to a budget, but what they lack in practice they make up for in grit, determination and mutual respect.
“We know how to help each other through thick and thin, the good times and the bad,” Haydn said.
We can’t wait to see if they rise to the occasion and impress the judges.
Meet The Block 2024 contestants
