Have a Go News’ ambassador John Burgess caught up with The Block host Scott Cam at the launch of the show’s 20th season in Perth.
Burgo said he and Scotty Cam have known each other for years, with Scott being a regular guest on his radio shows and they love driving each other nuts.
“We have had many a riotous night at the Logies awards, particularly when I was winning them and he was not,” said Burgo.
The two television legends together have quite a few Logies under their belts and certainly had a laugh posing for photos with their favourite newspaper.
As Scott enthusiastically embarks on his 18th season of The Block, he is a man who clearly loves his job.
This year sees big houses and big lots on the Victorian holiday destination Phillip Island, nearly two hours south of Melbourne.
“We have some great scenery, and we are showcasing the whole island throughout the series,” he said.
“It’s like a resort, all the houses are huge and there is a lot of great stuff going on, especially with the pools and beautiful kitchens.
“I love day one of a new series. The contestants are all excited, they are all wide-eyed until day two,” says Scott laughing.
“There are a lot of twists and turns and ups and downs with the contestants having to work until they drop for three months,” he said.
His favourite renovation is the communal clubhouse in which each couple do a separate area seen at the end of the series; he says it’s quite incredible.
The team are tossing up about what sort of buyers they will get for the Phillip Island houses – whether it’s a downsizer for grandparents where the entire family can come and stay, holiday makers or commuters.
“There is no doubt that The Block houses are over capitalised – the buyers are getting a great buy.
“Say the house sells for $2 million, well you get about $8 million worth of house,” said Scott.
Anything you see on The Block, whether it’s a new building method, something in one of the houses from tiles to artwork; people can access information about or buy directly from The Block website and shop.
More than $34 million in prize money has been won over the series and Scott says he doesn’t think there would be many shows in the world to have done that.
And talking worldwide, The Block is broadcast to 170 territories with Scott saying it’s very big in South Africa, Belgium, New Zealand and Finland.
Now would we ever see The Block come to WA?
“Look we would love to but logistically it would be tough for us as we have 70 people to move and accommodate.
“The Block is predominantly a construction show but it’s also a real estate show, so we need to make sure we find a suburb with five houses that is really going to increase in value with a renovation.
“I would love to do a Block in Perth – if we can find the right houses – if you are reading this and know of five houses for sale then send the details into us.
“I love Perth, and I lived here in the ‘80s and I would love to spend three months here.”
The Block airs on Sundays at 7 o’Block then Mondays to Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Channel 9 Perth and anytime at 9 Now.
