PHOTO: THE BLOCK 2024. NINE
The inevitable moment has arrived: Jesse and Paige have officially exited The Block, leaving their (half-finished) project behind.
Over their five weeks on the show, the engaged couple transitioned from being head-over-heels in love to constantly bickering or in tears. While tensions on The Block are not unusual due to intense deadlines and separation from loved ones, it became clear that Jesse and Paige’s issues ran deeper, with things becoming increasingly toxic behind the scenes as Paige struggled with the pressure.
The episode foreshadowed the seriousness of the situation, beginning with a Lifeline PSA before revealing the couple’s emotional announcement that they were leaving so Paige could prioritize her mental health.
“She’s not always like this. Tiredness and fatigue have changed her,” Jesse explained.
Paige had been wanting to leave since their first rough week, but Jesse had urged her to stay. However, when their arguments became loud enough for neighbors Courtney and Grant to hear through the walls, a producer stepped in.
“I don’t want to be here. I’m doing what’s best for me, not for you,” Paige shouted at Jesse.
“There is no ‘us.’ I am not willing to sacrifice my mental health for us,” she added, firmly standing her ground.
Jesse and Paige quit the show citing Paige’s mental health concerns.
At the producer’s suggestion, the couple met with a counselor (off-camera) and ultimately decided to leave the show. Breaking the news to their fellow contestants left everyone shocked, with many wishing they had done more to support them.
Jesse explained that Paige’s well-being was his priority, and it was braver for them to step away than to push through.
Once they departed, host Scott Cam assured the remaining contestants that Jesse and Paige would continue to receive support from Channel 9.
With Jesse and Paige gone, the teams returned to renovating their main bedrooms and walk-in robes, though progress was slow due to a public holiday limiting deliveries and power tool usage. Veteran Blockhead Duncan proved resourceful, getting timber delivered to his house to give Ricky and Haydn’s team an early advantage.
Meanwhile, Kristian and Mimi used their cash winnings from past victories to upgrade their wardrobes with luxurious finishes, including $300 coat hangers. They also enjoyed a night away with Scott Cam and Block veterans Ronnie and Georgia.
However, when Ronnie and Georgia were spotted inside Jesse and Paige’s abandoned worksite, some contestants feared they were joining as new competitors. This caused concern for Mimi and Kylie, but Scott Cam later revealed it was all a prank—Ronnie and Georgia were just helping out for the day.
Despite the explanation, Kylie remained unimpressed, continuing her trademark death stare.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU