As The Block celebrates its 20th season in 2024, we’re taking a nostalgic journey through two decades of renovation, competition, and unforgettable moments. The upcoming season on Phillip Island promises to be another thrilling chapter in the show’s storied history, but before we dive into new territory, let’s revisit one of the most dramatic seasons to date: Season 18.
The 2022 season of The Block was a masterclass in contrasts, showcasing both the dizzying heights and crushing lows that have made the show a must-watch for nearly two decades. At the heart of this rollercoaster season were two teams whose fortunes couldn’t have been more different: Omar and Oz, and Tom and Sarah-Jane.
Auction Day has always been the climax of each season, but Season 18 took the drama to unprecedented levels. As the first team to face the auction block, Omar and Oz set a new benchmark for success on the show. Their auction quickly turned into a bidding war between newcomer Adrian Portelli and Block veteran Danny Wallis. The tension in the room was palpable as the bids climbed higher and higher, with host Shelley Craft declaring it “an absolute Block record unfolding right now.” When the hammer finally fell, Omar and Oz had secured a staggering $1,586,666.66 profit, shattering previous records and sending shockwaves through the Block community.
However, the euphoria of Omar and Oz’s win was short-lived. In a cruel twist of fate, fan-favorites Tom and Sarah-Jane were next to auction, and their results couldn’t have been more different. After 12 grueling weeks of hard work and dedication, the couple watched in disbelief as their property struggled to gain traction with buyers. When the dust settled, Tom and Sarah-Jane walked away with a mere $20,000 profit – a figure that felt almost insulting in comparison to the windfall their competitors had just enjoyed.
The stark contrast between these two outcomes left everyone reeling. Fellow contestant Ryan summed up the collective disbelief, exclaiming, “No f–king way! How do you go from $1.5 million to 20 grand?” Even host Scott Cam struggled to find words of comfort for Tom and Sarah-Jane, acknowledging the unfairness of the situation while grappling with the reality of such wildly divergent results.
But Season 18’s drama wasn’t confined to Auction Day alone. The season got off to a controversial start when influencer Elle Ferguson and her partner, former AFL player Joel Patfull, shocked everyone by quitting the show just days into filming. Their sudden departure before the competition had truly begun set the tone for a season full of unexpected twists and turns.
As we look back on Season 18 and prepare for the upcoming 20th season on Phillip Island, it’s clear that The Block continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of creativity, competition, and raw human emotion. From record-breaking wins to heartbreaking losses, from unexpected departures to triumphant transformations, The Block remains a testament to the power of determination, skill, and a little bit of luck in the world of home renovation.
With two decades of unforgettable moments behind it and a new chapter about to unfold, The Block stands as a true icon of Australian television. As we eagerly anticipate what the Phillip Island season will bring, one thing is certain: The Block will continue to surprise, delight, and occasionally shock us for years to come.
