The Block 2023: Scandals plague Season 19 of hit renovation show

Get ready for a drama-filled ride as The Block gears up for its highly anticipated 2023 season. While it hasn't aired yet, there are plenty of scandals already looming over the hit home renovation show.

1950s theme divides fans

This year's 1950s theme for the show has already sparked heated debates amongst fans. Reacting to the retro-themed trailer for the show, some viewers voiced concerns about the house designs, fearing they judges might find them "hideous".

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Social media users have expressed mixed opinions, suggesting the theme could be difficult for the contestants to execute well. "I would much rather see styling that I personally find appealing rather than people trying to force a '50s style and get ripped apart by the judges for being too 'safe' when they don't do outlandish styling," one Redditor commented.

"Who wants a '50's style' house done by someone who isn't a professional and continuously mixes up the periods?" chimed in another.

The limitations on sourcing unique furniture and décor have also raised concerns, as teams are restricted to sponsors of the Channel Nine series. Doubts remain over whether the final designs will truly reflect the 1950s aesthetic.

Criticisms have also been aimed at the finished houses, with one insider describing them as lacking any '50s elements. "I've seen pictures of the finished outsides. Nothing Fifties about them, they are hideous," the Reddit user wrote.

Feuds galore

Inside sources are already hinting at an unprecedented level of drama for 2023 season of The Block. Described as "Melrose Place on steroids," the drama is expected to escalate tenfold.

With teams reportedly at loggerheads this year, expect intense team rivalries and audience allegiances to shift throughout the season.

Calls for The Block to be cancelled

Grand Designs Australia host Peter Maddison criticised The Block earlier this year, expressing his disdain for the show and suggesting it should be cancelled entirely.

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According to Maddison, The Block's fast-paced, drama-filled format can mislead viewers by giving them false hope about the ease of achieving successful renovations. He believes the show presents an unrealistic portrayal of the building process, project management, and design, leading people to believe they can effortlessly replicate such results in their own projects.

"It's a joke," he told The Herald Sun. "It's a very bad example of the reality of building, the responsibilities around that and the difficulty of it all. They make it look very easy."

Rule changes afoot

Host Scott Cam has teased significant rule changes to avoid repeating the financial mistakes of previous seasons in 2023.

The issue of constant overspending by the teams has left Scott visibly frustrated in the past, leading to a need for tighter control over budgets. Though specific rule changes remain undisclosed, Scott's determination to ensure a smoother season hints at a dramatic turn of events.

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