Former Block contestants slam major rule changes: 'Walk in the park'

Two former Block contestants have shared their thoughts on the major rule changes in this year’s season of the renovation reality series, arguing that the show is now “a walk in the park”.

Not only have the season 19 teams been given the full $250,000 budget up-front, but Scott Cam will be paying for the plumbers and electricians himself in the hopes it will stop teams' budgets from getting out of control.

The TV host also revealed in the premiere episode that for the first time ever, contestants will receive the full 12-week schedule in advance so they know exactly what they will be working on and can plan accordingly.

Scott explained that he made the changes because he thought it would be nearly impossible for the teams to complete the “massive” challenge ahead of them without any help.

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While the contestants were understandably thrilled with the advantages they were given, 2021 couple Kirsty Lee Akers and Jesse Anderson thought the shake-up made the show too easy.

“This year’s Block is a walk in the park!” the couple’s joint account commented on one of the show’s Instagram posts.

“This would have been amazing to have, oh and the roof/walls and bed to sleep in looks awesome too.”

'So lucky'

The couple, who finished in fourth place in their season and walked away with a profit of $301,000, certainly weren’t the only viewers who were unhappy with the major changes.

“I can't believe how easy this year’s contestants have things, no sleeping rough, nice beds to sleep in. So lucky,” one fan commented.

“Why not just build it for them? The Block is a long way from where it started. It’s all about styling,” another added.

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“So all they do this season is paint and decorate,” a third replied, while someone else shared, “What are the contestants meant to do with all this help, take a stroll?”.

“I feel like previous season competitors will be watching this season and thinking it’s much easier than past seasons,” a different user remarked. “Essentially ‘whole’ houses, an indoor bed from night one (previous seasons have camped for the first little while), sparkies and plumbers paid for, knowing the schedule.”

However, some fans argued that the changes were a “great decision” and “make more sense” to ensure a better end result.

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