The Block’s creators Julian Cress and Adrian Swift have confirmed they’re exploring a short, star-studded overseas edition, with Dubai, Italy and Monaco among the dream backdrops.
The Block could soon swap plaster dust for paparazzi flashes.
Co-creator Julian Cress and Nine’s Head of Content Adrian Swift confirmed to the Herald Sun they’ve been “actively exploring” a short, star-studded spin-off filmed abroad, with Dubai, Italy and Monaco floated as dream backdrops.
Mr Cress said the concept would be an international celebration rather than a full-season shake-up.
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“We’ve created our own celebrities over the years,” Mr Cress said.
“A celebrity version would be a fun way to push the format, maybe even overseas.”
Mr Swift said the network would approach the idea with care.
“We’d never replace the main show,” Mr Swift said.
“It has to feel like The Block – aspirational, relatable and real.”
While Cress and Swift say the idea remains hypothetical for now, it has already set the industry buzzing, and divided opinion.
MR Advocacy director and broker Madeleine Roberts said moving offshore risked alienating loyal viewers.
“If they film it overseas, it instantly stops being The Block,” Ms Roberts said.
The Block judge Marty Fox has welcomed the idea of a celebrity spin-off, saying it could give the hit show a bold new twist. Picture: Nine
“Australians want to see homes they might actually live in, not apartments in Dubai.
“The real-estate credibility disappears the moment those houses can’t be sold here.”
Whitefox director and Block judge Marty Fox said he believes the opposite, that a global spin could be the format’s next evolution.
“Even when you think about us launching Whitefox in Dubai, I’ve just spent a week over there and it is the most vibrant, rich, multicultural, forward-thinking, pro-development country I’ve ever stepped foot in,” Mr Fox said.
“That would be an absolute hit the moment it hit the screens.”
Mr Fox added that a celebrity version would thrive only if the contestants still competed under pressure.
“If they do a crappy room, they’re getting schooled. If they do a great room, they’ll be celebrated, that’s for sure.”
Television analyst Colin Vickery said The Block must balance ambition with authenticity.
“The Block has always been about ordinary Australians turning something modest into something magnificent,” Mr Vickery said.
“When you fly a bunch of celebrities to Europe, it stops feeling grounded. You risk creating a travel show with wallpaper.”
So who could actually survive the sawdust and the spotlight?
Here’s the list insiders believe would turn Celebrity Block into must-watch television.
Mitch Starc and Alyssa Healy: The power couple
Cricket power couple Mitch Starc and Alyssa Healy are Julian Cress’s dream picks for a Celebrity Block season. Picture: Mark Stewart
Julian Cress’s own dream casting.
The cricketing pair are relatable, competitive and naturally entertaining.
Their teamwork and warmth would appeal to the family audience that has sustained The Block for 21 seasons, while their sporting discipline would keep the drama grounded in genuine hard work.
Daniel Ricciardo and Heidi Berger: The Monaco Pair
Daniel Ricciardo and actor partner Heidi Berger could bring international glamour and global star power to The Block’s first celebrity edition.
Few Australian stars have Ricciardo’s charisma or global reach.
A self-confessed “revhead with style”, he’d bring humour and momentum to the format, while Berger’s acting background would give her poise and screen confidence.
Together they’d bridge the Australian and international audiences if The Block ever went abroad.
Janet Roach and Gina Liano: The housewives of renovation
Real Housewives stars Janet Roach and Gina Liano would be “ratings gold” on Celebrity Block, bringing humour, chaos and couture. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis
The Real Housewives of Melbourne favourites already understand luxury design, branding and spectacle, and they’d bring unfiltered chaos to every challenge.
Their rivalry, confidence and couture would guarantee viral television moments and next-level bathrooms.
Bec Judd and Jessie Roberts: The design dream team
Fashion and property collide as Bec Judd and Jessie Roberts emerge as frontrunners for a dream design team on Celebrity Block. Picture: Tim Hunter.
MR Advocacy director Madeleine Roberts said The Block needs contestants who “live and breathe design”, and that’s Judd and Roberts to perfection.
Judd’s multimillion-dollar Brighton home has become a benchmark for architectural style, while Jessie Roberts has emerged as one of Melbourne’s most promising creative forces.
Their partnership would blend elegance, energy and serious interiors expertise.
Rozalia Russian and Lana Wilkinson: The style power duo
Stylists Rozalia Russian and Lana Wilkinson could turn every reveal into a runway moment, bringing polish and personality to The Block site.
The country’s most recognisable stylists have long influenced Australian fashion and home trends.
Russian’s bold use of colour and Wilkinson’s precise, architectural approach to dressing would translate into interiors that look ready for a glossy editorial.
Every room would feel curated, commercial and camera-perfect.
Hamish and Zoë Foster Blake: The design duo
Fan favourites Hamish and Zoë Foster Blake would mix design flair with comedy timing in a short, high-energy celebrity season.
A Nine favourite pairing who already command national affection.
Their blend of chaos and composure would bring warmth and humour to the site.
With Zoë’s sharp eye for clean design and Hamish’s unflappable wit, they’d personify the balance between perfectionism and playfulness that defines The Block.
Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding: The renovation romantics
Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding’s easy chemistry and humour make them natural contenders for a Celebrity Block edition. Picture: David Caird
Comfortable on camera and relatable off it, the Melbourne pair have the chemistry networks dream of.
Their dynamic, Andy’s easygoing humour and Harding’s quiet precision, mirrors the tone that has kept The Block family-friendly.
Their inclusion would be a realistic strategy of mixing aspirational design with everyday charm.
Sam and Snezana Wood: The Bachelor duo
Snezana and Sam Wood are tipped to be a good choice for Nine for a Celebrity edition of The Block. Picture: Fiona Hamilton
The Bachelor success story turned fitness entrepreneurs, Sam and Snezana Wood would bring family warmth, business savvy and social-media appeal to Celebrity Block. With an eye for detail, loyal following and love for renovations, they embody the balance of aspiration and approachability that has kept The Block a household staple.
Christian Petracca and Bella Beischer: The footy couple
AFL star Christian Petracca and partner Bella Beischer could bring sporting grit and everyday charm to The Block’s global spin-off. Picture: David Caird
Melbourne’s premiership hero and his long-term partner are already social-media naturals with a strong local following.
Their grounded personalities and work ethic would resonate with viewers beyond the property world, capturing AFL fans and the mainstream audience alike.
Steph and Gian – The reigning Block champions
Block champions Steph and Gian are tipped by industry experts to anchor a celebrity cast with skill, focus and authenticity. Picture: Nine
Block champions Steph and Gian could return to guide or compete alongside celebrity contestants, bringing authenticity, calm and proven craftsmanship to the mix.
After their record-breaking win in 2023, the Sydney pair have become the show’s blueprint for teamwork and design excellence, the perfect counterbalance to the chaos of a celebrity cast.
Alyssa and Lysandra: The Twins return
Fan favourites Alyssa and Lysandra, now professional designers, could return to bridge The Block’s past and future. Picture: instagram / @alisa_lysandra
Long-time favourites whose post-Block success as designers has cemented their legacy.
Their comeback would connect old and new eras, appealing to nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.
They embody what the show promises, ordinary Australians who turned opportunity into a lifelong career.
The verdict
Cress and Swift say The Block’s longevity lies in its constant reinvention, but agree the show’s identity must remain intact.
“We’re already planning next year’s series,” Mr Swift said.
“Every season needs a new twist, but it’s always The Block at its heart.”
Ms Roberts said she would prefer to see a local luxury edition before any move abroad.
“Sorrento, Portsea, Noosa, they’d give you glamour without losing the Australian feel,” Ms Roberts said.
“They’re luxury markets, but they’re still ours.”
Producers are weighing up a short, four-week celebrity edition of The Block, with global settings and star-studded teams under consideration.
Ms Roberts said Australians don’t need another overseas fantasy show.
“We just want to see our own creativity, and our own Australian style homes, on screen,” she said.
Mr Vickery said such a mix of stars could give Nine fresh material while testing whether The Block’s charm can survive fame.
“You can see why they’re tempted, it’s a huge format with global potential,” he said.
Whitefox director Marty Fox pictured with wife Charlotte Fox has backed the idea of a Celebrity Block, with Marty saying it should stay true to the show’s high-pressure, design-first roots. Picture: Ash Koek
“But The Block doesn’t need saving. If they push too far, they risk damaging the core brand.”
The television analyst summed it up simply:
“Keep the sawdust. Lose that, and you lose The Block,” Mr Vickery said.
Judge Marty Fox said the key to any future spin-off — celebrity or otherwise — is protecting the show’s DNA.
“Keep the build front and centre. Keep standards high. Keep the pressure real,” Mr Fox said.
“Cast people who care about design and who can take the heat. That’s the show.”
Mr Fox said a celebrity edition should remain focused on new faces, while a separate All-Stars season could showcase past champions like Steph and Gian and Alisa and Lysandra.
“Keep the celeb edition celeb only,” he said.
“Then do a separate All-Stars and load it with the Steph and Gian tier.
“The talent coming through lately has been incredible. Give them their own stage.”
The Whitefox director and founder said he believes the magic of a celebrity edition would come from watching big names work as hard as everyday contestants.
“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.”
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