The Block winners Steph and Gian set to make shock return in 2024

Channel Nine are set to roll on a new season of The Block in the next few weeks and all eyes are on Phillip Island, the new Victorian home of the renovation series. An insider tells Yahoo Lifestyle that the new theme is locked in and Channel Nine executives are "thrilled" with the way things are looking.

"Locals have been seeing crew ducking in and out of a heavily guarded set and all the affected neighbours have been notified of the filming dates and inconveniences they may need to be aware of," the source shares.

The location for the upcoming season is more contained this year with the network feeling confident that the filming of the 20th anniversary episodes (which the insider says are "packed with jaw-dropping surprises") will be kept away from prying eyes.

The series will return to Australian screens the second week of August and the 20th anniversary is going to be the most epic but heartwarming season Australia has ever seen says the insider. But never fear, The Block 2024 will be anything but a snooze fest!

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"We are focusing on a nicer, more wholesome season but no matter who we cast - the drama always presents itself," the insider says.

When it comes to the five teams of renovators who will be taking on the challenge this year, Nine are doing their best to keep their identities under wraps "by blocking out car windows and changing people's names with transport companies"

However, we can reveal that one couple from last year have been celebrating their return to the popular show.

One insider confirmed that Steph and Gian Ottavio have been confirmed to return in a different capacity than last year, revealing that while they won't be contestants, they will have a significant role when it comes to an ongoing Block tradition of participants having access to "Block Bucks."

Since their history-making win in 2023 (the couple, as you'll remember, walked away with a staggering $1.65 million in prize money) Steph has been busy with her new furniture line being made in Melbourne. Yahoo Lifestyle understands that her Japandi Estate brand will launch during the upcoming season during which the new contestants can use vouchers to access styling from last year's winner.

It's a big win for the young couple and while many had heard whispers Steph would feature as an architect on the 20th anniversary series it is now believed her involvement will be launching her new business. Either way, fans of The Block are sure to be happy to see last year's winner back for more fun and drama.

Steph previously spoke with Yahoo Lifestyle about potentially returning to The Block in 2024, saying it’s lovely that fans think she'd be a great judge but she would never want to take someone else’s job.

“I would love to come back on more of like a consultant level to chat with the contestants and help them achieve what they need to achieve when they get to judging,” she said.

“I feel like that's where you should start. I don't think it's fair for me to be a judge straight away, I think that I need to earn a few more stripes to then be on a panel of such an esteemed cohort of judges.”

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