The Block returns in 2026 with a brand-new cast, a spectacular waterfront location and one of the toughest renovation challenges the show has ever delivered.
For the first time in the competition’s history, contestants will renovate luxury homes overlooking Port Phillip Bay in Victoria’s prestigious Mount Eliza. The five properties have been designed by award-winning architect Julian Brenchley and split across two precincts — Uptown and Downtown — with larger-than-average floorplans and million-dollar views.
This year’s contestants come from right across Australia, bringing experience in everything from construction and interior design to carpentry, farming and emergency services. Some are seasoned renovators, while others will be learning on the job as they race against the clock.
The twist that changes everything
Beyond the renovations, contestants will face another major challenge this season. For the first time in The Block’s history, the five teams won’t be living inside the homes they’re renovating. Instead, they’ll all move into a shared house nearby, meaning there’s no escaping the competition once the tools are down. Expect late-night strategy chats, growing friendships, plenty of tension and even more drama as the contestants spend virtually every hour together.
Meet every team competing on The Block 2026
Jolene and Adam Wagner – SA
South Australian cattle station managers Adam and Jolene might spend their days working in remote Australia, but they’re no strangers to renovations.
Adam is a qualified carpenter, while Jolene has experience in property management and renovation projects. Together they’ve renovated station homesteads and managed investment properties, making them one of the more experienced teams this season.
The married couple, who share five adult children between them, say they’re ready to swap cattle stations for construction sites.
Why they’re ones to watch: Genuine renovation experience paired with country resilience.
Tayla & Rick, Vic
Victorian father-and-daughter duo Rick and Tayla bring decades of combined life experience to the competition.
Rick is an experienced builder, while Tayla runs her own beauty business and works as a personal trainer. Their family dynamic adds a different energy to this year’s competition and could prove to be one of the season’s biggest talking points.
Why they’re ones to watch: A builder paired with fresh design ideas.
Quick facts
- Location: Mount Eliza, Victoria
- Premiere: Sunday August 2
- Homes: Five luxury waterfront homes
- Judges: Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Marty Fox
- Host: Scott Cam
- Foreman: Dan Reilly
- Twist: Contestants won’t live on-site this year and will instead share one house together throughout filming.
Chantel & Wyatt, Qld
Gold Coast couple Chantel and Wyatt describe themselves as fiercely competitive — and they’re arriving with serious building credentials. Chantel has worked alongside her builder father on more than 100 homes, holds qualifications in building and construction, and plans to tackle design while Wyatt oversees the build.
The fitness-loving couple met at the gym two years ago and hope their determination and teamwork will make them early favourites. Wyatt is a former Australian Defence Force rifleman turned personal trainer after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Together they also share Chantel’s three young children.
Why they’re ones to watch: They combine real construction knowledge with relentless competitiveness.
Rosco & Lisa, WA
Perth couple Lisa and Rosco have already transformed their own home almost entirely themselves, tackling everything from kitchens and bathrooms to landscaping.
Lisa works as a paramedic and registered nurse, while Rosco works FIFO in the oil and gas industry. Together they’re also building their dream farmhouse on acreage and hope their renovation skills translate into success on television.
With a young son at home, they say winning The Block would help secure their family’s future.
Why they’re ones to watch: Calm under pressure with proven DIY skills.
Courtney & Sevilay, Qld
Brisbane best friends Courtney and Sev are arguably one of the strongest renovation teams on paper.
Courtney works as a commercial construction site manager, while Sev is an interior designer. Together they’ve renovated multiple homes and spent years dreaming about appearing on The Block.
Having already lived together for more than a year while supporting Sev’s family through a difficult period, they believe their friendship is one of their biggest strengths.
Why they’re ones to watch: Construction expertise meets professional interior design.
Why The Block 2026 is different
This year’s season isn’t just about a new cast.
For the first time in the show’s history, contestants won’t live inside their renovation homes. Instead, all five teams will share one nearby house while competing, creating an entirely new dynamic once the workday ends. Producers also say Mount Eliza’s strict council regulations will limit building hours, making time management more important than ever.
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