Yahoo Lifestyle New Idea chats to The Block: Glasshouse winner Simon Vos
The Block: Glasshouse winner Simon Voss chats to New Idea about the taking out this year's competition. Photo: Channel Nine
What a shock result!
No one would’ve picked that result. It just goes to show that every year is so different. It wasn’t a big celebration afterwards. It was quieter, almost like a family dinner. We had a couple of beers and sat and watched the final show unfold with the other contestants, production crew and family. There were tears flowing. It was a bittersweet victory. I’m looking forward to next year and being able to sit back, relax and watch it from my nice comfortable couch.
Would you do another Block…Fans Vs Faves?
You give me a good rest and I might do it, yeah.
Has the auction and it’s aftermath been a tough ride emotionally?
It was ridiculous. Especially the last couple of days. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck, because of the emotional stress. Everyone was crying when it happened. Crying for Max and Karsten, Dee and Daz and Michael and Carlene. Because you want your best mates to do well. I’m so happy and blessed we’ve won, and got some good money, but I‘m so devastated for them that they didn’t make hardly any money and we didn’t get to celebrate with them and it’s a bit unfortunate.
Should Channel Nine have reached into their pockets for the losing teams?
There has been talk about that. It’s easy for me to say, because we did win a substantial amount, but the terms and conditions was explained to us before we got on the show. And they stated clearly - ‘you could walk away with nothing.’ That’s the risk that you take. I can’t do anything but just empathise for them. I would love for someone just to give them a couple of hundred thousand. It would be awesome because then we could all fly back to Melbourne and have a big party with them all and celebrate properly. But unfortunately that’s show biz.
Why do you think you won?
All the dominoes lined up for us - our auctioneer and real estate guys, getting the number 4 apartment, our builder. Obviously the work we put in as well. I’m scared to think if we didn’t have one of those in line where would be now? It’s a big group effort.
Will you stay in touch with the other couples?
Yeah, we’ll all see each other definitely. We saw each other today to say good-bye. We made some friends I don’t think we’ll ever forget. It’s an emotional ride.
What’s next for you guys?
We’ve had a lot of people coming up to us asking us to collaborate with them – commercial stuff, stuff with Beaumont tiles, this company and that company and tourism. It’s going to be very exciting, very new and a little bit nerve-wracking. I’m actually more nervous than I was at the auction, as to what’s coming up next. To be honest I don’t really want to get into the TV side of things but saying that, geez I would love a job on Getaway. It would be the best job.
Do you have any advice to future contestants?
Just roll with the punches, be yourself and have fun. That sounds a bit like a quote from a book – but just enjoy it, enjoy the ride.
Maybe you could write a 'Shannon and Simon book of Wisdom'?
No, no, I couldn’t write a book! It would be a picture book.
Is your family stoked?
Mum was a wreck; she was crying the whole time. Everyone’s been so supportive and kind – even on social media. It’s been very overwhelming and we feel very blessed.
Are you going to celebrate with Moz the builder?
We’re taking Moz overseas to say thank you - a surfing trip to either the Mentawai’s Islands, Sumbawa, Bali or Samoa. We both love surfing. I’ve surfed with him down at Bells (beach) during the break. The film crew can come along if they pay for flights and comm. I’d be happy for that!
Shannon needs a honeymoon too…
He’ll be looking forward to having a bit of time off soon with his wife, obviously. Just relaxing. But it’s not going to happen too soon, I don’t think!
