Photography: The Block/Channel 9/9 Now
It feels as though the last series of The Block has only just ended, but gird your loins because it’s back and about to begin all over again. Filming for the 2026 series kicked off in mid-March and has now officially wrapped, taking place at Mt. Eliza in the stunning Mornington Peninsula.
For Season 22, who will be back, what can we expect from the contestants and what sort of homes will they be working on? Here’s everything we know so far…
A release date has officially landed
We can finally mark our calendars, because The Block’s official Instagram page has confirmed this: the show returns August 2!
The first trailer has been released
Channel Nine has released the first teaser for The Block 2026, offering a sneak peek at the show’s new seaside home in Mount Eliza. While the trailer keeps the renovation drama under wraps for now, it makes one thing clear: this year’s contestants will be building and renovating against a spectacular coastal backdrop.
Contestants from 2025 have even commented, with Emma and Ben writing, “Welcome to our side of town fam! 😍🙌❤️ It’s pretty bloody amazing here x.” Robby and Mat added, “Enjoy and love thy neighbour.”
Block Shaynna Blaze was enthusiastic too, commenting: “Woo hoo, cant wait for everyone to see this one!!!”
In the trailer, the five contestants were also confirmed, Adam & Jolene, Sev & Courtney, Ricky & Tayla, Lisa & Rosco and Chantel & Wyatt.
Filming has officially wrapped
That’s right, Channel Nine has finished filming season 22 of The Block, with foreman Dan Reilly and his wife Dani celebrating by taking their adorable newborn Fletcher around site.
“And that’s a wrap people for my 13th season on @theblock,” Dan wrote. “Sunday’s walk arounds are a little different these days with little Fletch throwing in his 2 cents. It’s always fun catching up with the real judges.”
Judge Darren Palmer also posted to his Instagram in celebration.
“Last day on The Block and I’ve brought a special guest,” Darren spoke to his followers, with his husband Olivier Duvillard in the background. “Another judge,” Darren joked.
On the last slide of his carousel post, Darren stated, “Finished The Block. You get your weekends back,” panning to foreman Dan and his wife Dani, judge Shaynna Blaze, and landscape judge Dave Franklin, who all cheer with delight.
“Mt. Eliza done and dusted baby!” Foreman Dan exclaims.
The Block 2026 location
The series always shoots in Victoria. While last year we saw them located in country Daylesford, this year should be a little more coastal with the town of Mt Eliza in the Mornington Peninsula being taken over by the crew. The series has secured a $11m development site at 109 Old Mornington Peninsula Road. The location will host six luxury homes for the 2026 season, marking one of the network’s biggest site investments to date.
Industry insiders believe the move to Mount Eliza is a strategic reset for the franchise, returning the show to a blue-chip coastal market known for prestige family homes and wealthy buyers. But not everyone is convinced the design direction will suit the area. New aerial images of the builds have already sparked debate, with some property experts suggesting the homes feel denser and more “Melbourne townhouse” than the sprawling Peninsula estates buyers typically expect in Mount Eliza.
And, a mysterious “mega-structure” rising beside the construction site is far more than just a storage shed. According to reports, the giant structure will operate as both an on-site production studio and a private warehouse-style hub for sponsors and building supplies, helping the show manage its biggest logistical operation in years.
The Block 2026 contestants
We’ve already had a first look at The Block 2026 contestants, with RealEstate.com.au sharing a sneaky peek at the teams. They’re yet to be officially announced by Channel 9, but it appears there will be quite the mix of characters, from influencers to seasoned renovators.
Tayla & Rick, Vic
One of the teams spotted in their green Block uniform is father-and-daughter team Tayla and Rick Peroomal from Victoria. Reportedly a builder, Rick will bring hands-on experience, while his personal-trainer daughter Tayla will contribute to the physical strength of their duo.
Chantel & Wyatt, Qld
Another pair seen sporting blue Block gear is Chantel Green and Wyatt Randall from the Gold Coast. What they seem to lack in building experience could be made up in the muscles department, with both in the fitness industry.
Rosco & Lisa, WA
Married couple Rosco Wilson and Lisa Dunbar are parents to a little boy and should bring a whole lot of energy to The Block. They seem to have a busy, outdoorsy life on the Western Australian coast, with some renovating experience, too.
Courtney & Sevilay, Qld
Friends Courtney Kain and Sevilay Keser may be the biggest threats on The Block 2026, bringing extensive building industry experience to the competition. Interior designer Sevilay has worked as director of interior design company Troupe Studio and has been the Queensland General Manager for Women in Design and Construction. Meanwhile, Courtney has worked for iQ Construct, which manages new builds, among other projects.
Adam & Jolene, SA
Station managers with Aboriginal corporation Kokatha, Adam and Jolene Wagner are likely to bring some good values into the mix.
Stay tuned for the official reveal of all The Block 2026 teams.
The Block 2026 judges
We have confirmation Marty Fox, Darren Palmer and Shaynna Blaze will return to The Block in their roles of judges once again. This year, there are water views and Marty now has a moustache, so watch out!
They’ve all been busy since the last season finished airing. Designer pals Darren and Shaynna announced a new series called 1 Euro House where they renovated a house in Sicily. We also had Darren on as the very first guest on The Edit by Home Beautiful podcast and he shared his newly renovated Byron Bay beach house. Meanwhile, Marty announced the expansion of his Whitefox real estate agency in Dubai.
The Block 2026 hosts and foreman
Foreman Dan Reilly is returning to The Block. The good news is this year’s series is taking place close to home, so he’ll be able to be there to help with their newborn baby Fletcher.
Dani gave birth in April, after the sad loss of their firstborn, daughter Billie, at 10 days old.
The Block 2026 hosts
Despite rumours he might be departing, Scott Cam confirmed he is “definitely” going to be back and we haven’t heard any news of Shelley Craft departing either.
The Block 2025 contestants: Where are they now?
Last year delivered impressive results for 2025 winners Britt and Taz who created a modern organic masterpiece, which is now an Airbnb.
In May, the pair announced their next chapter, purchasing a sprawling $1.4 million hobby farm in Western Australia which they will be completely renovating. Thankfully, they’re documenting the whole thing so we can follow along at home.
Despite the pair taking home a huge $520k cash prize and winning the season, the auction results were mixed for the other contestants.
Most disappointed among the other teams were controversial Perth couple Han and Can from House 2, which was passed in. While new parents Emma and Ben who worked on House 1, and announced their pregnancy on the show, also failed to score any prize money. Even as the next season nears its air date, the homes still haven’t sold.
Missing out on that little financial boost they’d banked on even meant fan favourites Emma and Ben had to part with their own home. Luckily, it sold successfully in January 2026 and they’ve since moved and begun their next reno project – a $920,000 Mount Martha fixer-upper.
Another contestant making the most of their renovating experience on the series is Adelaide hairdresser Mat, who appeared with his best mate Robby and they split $110k in winnings between them. Mat has since bought a church in Brinkworth, South Australia, which he’s transforming into a heritage-rich home.
