As The Block’s 20th anniversary season unfolds, an unexpected star has emerged from the renovation rubble. Ricky Recard, a 34-year-old plumber from Melbourne, has captured the hearts of viewers across Australia. Paired with his best friend Haydn Wise on the Yellow Team, Ricky’s charm, good looks, and positive attitude have made him a fan favorite in record time.
The Block, Australia’s beloved renovation competition, has always been a breeding ground for new talent and unexpected twists. But few could have predicted the overwhelming response to Ricky’s presence on the show. Social media has been abuzz with viewers declaring him their new celebrity crush, praising not only his physical appearance but also his infectious personality and sense of humor.
When confronted with his newfound heartthrob status, Ricky’s response was characteristically humble and endearing. In an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, he laughed off the idea of being a celebrity crush, insisting that he’s “just an absolute nobody.” Ricky’s down-to-earth attitude shone through as he compared himself to established Australian icons like Shelley Craft, The Block’s longtime host. “I think as a celebrity, you’ve got to have a fair resume, right?” he mused, listing off Craft’s impressive career highlights.
Interestingly, Ricky revealed that Shelley Craft herself is his own celebrity crush. He described meeting her as a surreal experience, gushing about how lovely she is and admitting to feeling starstruck in her presence. This candid admission only served to endear him further to viewers, who appreciate his genuine and relatable reactions.
The chemistry between Ricky and his teammate Haydn has also contributed to their popularity. Fans have taken to social media to declare them the frontrunners of the competition, with many calling for the duo to be crowned the winners of the 2024 series. Their laid-back approach to the competition – admitting they’re “just winging it” – has resonated with viewers who appreciate their authenticity in a high-pressure environment.
However, the road to victory won’t be easy for Ricky and Haydn. They’re up against stiff competition, including married couple Courtney and Grant on the Red Team, and Queensland pair Kylie and Brad Vines on the Green Team. The Purple Team’s Kristian and Mimi bring their own star power, having gone viral on TikTok for their Disney-themed wedding in 2023. Rumors are already swirling that Kristian and Mimi will be a source of drama this season, with a source telling Yahoo Lifestyle that they’re “serious dynamite” waiting to explode.
The 20th anniversary season of The Block has already seen its share of drama, with the Blue Team’s Jesse and Paige shockingly quitting just five weeks into filming. Their departure has opened the door for a replacement team, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition.
This milestone season is being filmed in the picturesque setting of Phillip Island, a popular Victorian tourism hotspot. The renovation site, formerly known as Island Cove Villas, was purchased by a Channel Nine-owned company for an impressive $9.5 million. The property boasts nine existing homes, a communal pool, BBQ pavilion, tennis court, and children’s playground – providing ample opportunity for the contestants to showcase their renovation skills.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Ricky and Haydn to see if they can maintain their frontrunner status. Will Ricky’s newfound heartthrob status be a help or a hindrance? Can the best friends’ “winging it” strategy carry them through to the end? And how will the other teams respond to the Yellow Team’s surging popularity?
One thing is certain: Ricky Recard’s journey from “absolute nobody” to The Block’s breakout star is a testament to the enduring appeal of authenticity and charm. As the 20th anniversary season unfolds, viewers will undoubtedly be tuning in not just for the impressive renovations, but also to catch a glimpse of the plumber who stole Australia’s heart.
