PHOTO: The Block Australia. The DAILY MAIL
Just five months before commencing production on the highly anticipated 20th season of The Block Australia, a significant roadblock has emerged.
Despite more than nine months of groundwork in Daylesford for the upcoming year’s renovations, Channel Nine has been compelled to abandon the chosen location. Initially securing sites on Raglan Street in the picturesque countryside, the network faced opposition from locals and experienced delays in obtaining permits, as reported by the Herald Sun.
An insider from the production team commented on the situation, stating, “We’ve enjoyed tremendous success in numerous locations, but we won’t venture where we aren’t welcomed, especially for such a crucial milestone like the 20th season of The Block.”
Despite having their plans for the proposed location approved by the Hepburn Shire, Channel Nine encountered challenges at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Consequently, the network had to cancel accommodations worth $500,000 that had been reserved for the cast and crew of the show.
Although Season 20 of The Block was officially announced at Channel Nine’s Upfront 2024 event in Sydney, securing a new location remains pending. This decision followed Nine’s announcement that applications for contestants for The Block 2024 are now open.
The 20th season of the renowned renovation show, once again hosted by Scott Cam, is set to begin filming in February and will span 12 weeks. Producers are actively seeking enthusiastic, motivated, and hardworking teams of two to participate in Australia’s most significant and thrilling renovating challenge.
The latest guidelines specify that successful applicants will need to commit to the filming period and may not continue their regular work during this time. Teams with previous renovation experience are encouraged to apply, though it is not a mandatory requirement.
Furthermore, the application clearly states that successful contestants will receive a cash allowance to cover their expenses.
‘We’ve had so many successful series in so many different locations, but we don’t go where we are not welcome,’ a production insider told the publication on Sunday. Co-host Shelley Craft is pictured right
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