TikTok designer Briellyn Turton joins veterans Darren Palmer and Marty Fox on insiders’ wish list, with US star Christina Haack adding Hollywood flair to the list.
It’s the reality shake-up Australia’s been waiting for.
With The Block eyeing a star-studded celebrity edition, the biggest debate isn’t about the contestants, it’s about the judges.
Fans and industry experts have flooded social media calling for a rotating judging panel, arguing the show needs fresh faces and new energy alongside its long-running trio.
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Now industry experts and insiders have weighed in, revealing the 15 judges they’d most like to see join the series for an upcoming celebrity edition of the show, from global real-estate moguls to Australia’s most stylish design powerhouses.
“It’s evolution, not revolution,” one senior industry source said.
“You keep the backbone of the show but open the door to new perspectives, and new ratings hooks.”
Marty Fox: The market mind
The show’s 2023 breakout star and fan favourite, Fox brings sharp market insight and straight-talking feedback.
He’s the show’s latest edition to the panel since joining the show in 2023 — sharp, confident and unapologetically real — and has quickly become a fan favourite for his clear-eyed market insight and straight-talking feedback.
Since joining the panel, Fox has dragged The Block’s conversations out of the styling aisle and back into the real world of property.
“Keep the build front and centre. Keep standards high. Keep the pressure real,” Fox said.
“Cast people who care about design and who can take the heat. That’s the show.”
Insiders say Fox’s fearless approach has made him essential viewing. His sharp one-liners trend on social media within minutes of broadcast.
“He’s a disrupter and global innovator, The Block needs that edge to survive another decade,” one source told News Corp Australia.
Fox said he’d welcome new voices on the panel for the Celebrity or regular edition, but warned the focus must stay on the work.
“The glamour’s fun, but you still need the graft,” he said.
“Do it right and you’ve got a fresh twist on a national treasure.”
Christina Haack: The international renovator
The US design queen could add Hollywood flair to The Block’s first celebrity edition.
The Flip or Flop and Christina on the Coast star could bring LA sunshine and global clout.
Frame Finance director Imogen Alexy said an American designer would challenge Australian tastes.
“They think differently, larger layouts, bold textures, open spaces,” Ms Alexy said.
“A voice like Christina’s would push contestants to go bigger and braver.”
Industry sources say Haack’s “TV experience, relatable style and ready-made fan base” make her a top-tier contender.
“She knows how to lead a scene, hold a camera, and build a brand, that’s gold for any network,” one insider said.
Ryan Serhant: The global powerhouse
Million Dollar Listing’s Ryan Serhant would bring global star power and luxury market know-how to the judging desk.
The Million Dollar Listing New York star and luxury agent could bring a dose of Manhattan hustle to the show.
Known for his charisma and polished presentation, Serhant’s inclusion would bring instant international press — and maybe a showdown.
“A Fox versus Serhant rivalry would be ratings gold,” an industry figure said.
“Both are market-driven, sharp, ambitious. You’d have fireworks every Sunday.”
Fox said he’d be open to working alongside the New Yorker.
“I respect anyone who’s built something from scratch.
Two strong opinions can make great television if there’s mutual respect,” he said.
Lana Samuels: The fashion crossover
Fashion-forward and fearless, stylist and agent Lana Samuels is tipped as the next big face of property television.
A property stylist and agent with a commanding on-screen presence, Samuels has built her reputation merging real estate and fashion.
MR Advocacy director Madeleine Roberts said she represents the next generation of Block-style judging.
“She’s stylish, unfiltered and understands how presentation sells,” Ms Roberts said.
“She embodies the modern property voice — sharp, commercial, aspirational.”
An industry source said Samuels “could fill the cool, fearless space” left open between design and marketing.
“She makes property look like a lifestyle brand — that’s how younger audiences think,” the source said.
Kyal and Kara Demmrich: The people’s champions
Beloved former contestants turned design power couple, Kyal and Kara could bring authenticity and calm to a celebrity cast.
They’ve done the sleepless nights, the budget blowouts and the 4am painting.
Since starring on The Block: Fans v Faves in 2014, the couple have built a respected design and construction business and a loyal national following.
“They’ve walked the walk,” Ms Roberts said.
“They’d bring real empathy and energy, exactly what celebrity contestants need to stay grounded.”
A network source said the pair “fit the tone of the new era” perfectly.
“They’re authentic and warm, but they know quality. They’d make every episode feel like a masterclass.”
Greg Natale: The luxury designer
Bold, layered and unapologetically luxe, Greg Natale would raise the bar on design ambition and drama.
The designer’s name is synonymous with pattern, polish and prestige.
Natale’s interiors have graced the pages of Vogue Living and Architectural Digest, and his bold maximalism could push teams far beyond beige.
“Greg doesn’t play safe,” one source said.
“He’d raise the creative bar and turn reveals into design theatre.”
Insiders say Natale’s inclusion would restore The Block’s design credibility with high-end viewers.
“He’d make the rooms look like magazine shoots again,” another source added.
Alisa and Lysandra Fraser: The Block royalty
From police uniforms to design empires, The Block twins’ comeback would bridge nostalgia and next-gen style to a new era of the Nine show.
The Adelaide twins who won The Block: Sky High have since become bona fide businesswomen, founding their al.ive body home and body brand and running a thriving design firm.
Imogen Alexy said they’d be the perfect bridge between past and present.
“They understand the DNA of The Block, but they’ve evolved into leaders in their field,” she said.
“Their success proves the show creates real careers — that’s powerful storytelling.”
An industry insider added, “They know the grind, they know the glamour — and they can handle both.”
Briellyn Turton: The digital native
Briellyn Turton TikTok designer behind Studio Brie and Australia’s Best House host on Nine, has the fearless creativity and digital pull to connect with a new audience.
Better known as Studio Brie, the Sydney designer has become a breakout voice on TikTok with fearless, personality-driven interiors.
“She speaks to the generation that gets design inspiration on their phones,” Ms Alexy said.
“Her perspective would keep the show relevant to a younger audience.”
A digital strategist close to Nine said Turton’s reach could expand the brand’s audience overnight.
“You bring her in, and suddenly The Block is trending on platforms it’s never touched before.”
Shaynna Blaze: The heart of OG Block
A foundation of The Block’s success, Blaze brings heart, honesty and a no-nonsense approach to design.
Three decades of design experience, zero filter.
Blaze remains the show’s emotional compass, known for pairing heartfelt critique with forensic detail.
“She makes design feel human,” an industry source said.
“Viewers trust her, that trust is the show’s backbone.”
Insiders say Blaze’s mentorship of younger judges could also become a storyline in itself.
“Imagine Shaynna and Lana on the same panel — elegance meets edge,” a source said.
Chahid Kairouz: The architect
Melbourne architect Chahid Kairouz could judge the bones, not just the cushions, bringing structure and precision to the panel.
The principal of C. Kairouz Architects is known for bold, intelligent design and on-screen ease.
He’s already appeared on 9Life’s Luxury Homes Revealed and would bring serious architectural weight to the judging mix.
“He judges the bones, not the cushions,” a design insider said.
“That kind of critique sets the tone for the whole season.”
A producer familiar with the discussions said Kairouz “fits the modern brief — creative, media-ready, and technically exceptional.”
Darren Palmer: The head
Elegant and assured, Palmer remains the voice of calm expertise and design logic on The Block.
The calm in the chaos.
Palmer’s detailed design notes and big-picture analysis remain critical to the show’s credibility.
“He’s the logic in the room,” one stylist said.
“When things get loud, Darren pulls it back to the build itself.”
An industry source said Palmer’s mentorship has also been vital behind the scenes.
“He’s the judge contestants quietly ask for advice from. That tells you everything.”
Dennis Scott: The outdoor specialist
Practical and relatable, landscaper Dennis Scott could give outdoor weeks the expert eye they’ve long needed.
The Selling Houses Australia landscaper brings hard-earned practicality to the screen.
His exteriors are achievable, aspirational and budget-smart, the perfect mix for TV’s toughest build.
“He’s relatable and no-nonsense,” an insider said.
“He’d make landscape week actually feel educational again.”
Jamie Durie: The nostalgia hit
The original Block host turned global designer, Durie’s return would be a full-circle TV moment for the celebrity show.
The Block’s original host is still the face of the “outdoor room” movement.
A short return during finale week would give audiences a hit of nostalgia and expertise in one.
“Jamie invented half the terms people use on these shows,” a long-time stylist said.
“A one-off guest appearance would light up social media.”
Wendy Moore: The trusted voice
Former House Rules judge and design editor, Wendy Moore would bring polish, warmth and experience to the mix.
The House Rules alumna and former Home Beautiful editor has judged hundreds of renovations and knows how to balance critique with warmth.
“Wendy’s the calm authority the audience relaxes around,” a casting source said.
“Her credibility is unshakeable.”
Industry insiders say she’d also be a stabilising presence in a celebrity-heavy season.
“When you’ve got big egos on site, you need someone with quiet command — that’s Wendy.”
Andrew Winter: The straight shooter
Blunt, witty and trusted, Andrew Winter’s crossover from Selling Houses could spark fireworks and instant credibility.
Polished, witty and unflinchingly honest, Winter’s style would give the panel a dose of old-school television charm.
“He calls it like it is, no sugar-coating, no spin,” a source said.
“He’s cheeky but firm, which is exactly what contestants respect.”
Industry observers say Winter’s addition would also create playful tension with Fox.
“They’re opposites in tone but identical in drive — it’d be compelling viewing.”
The verdict
The buyers’ advocate and MR Advocacy director has called for a fresh, fearless judging line-up to reflect today’s market.
Both Imogen Alexy and Madeleine Roberts agree a revamped judging model could future-proof the franchise.
“The Block doesn’t need reinvention, it just needs evolution,” Ms Roberts said.
“New voices, new energy and design that feels current, that’s how you keep Australia watching.”
Fox said the key is balance.
“Keep it real, keep it aspirational, and never forget the buyer at the end of the street,” he said.
“That’s The Block.”
Frame Finance director Imogen Alexy says audiences are ready for personality-driven design and judges with emotional intelligence.
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