The Block's builder breaks silence about Paige and Jesse amid backlash: 'Eye-opener'

The Block's Paige and Jesse’s builder has revealed what it was really like working with the controversial couple during filming. The Perth-based team have been named this season’s ‘villains’ on social media after being shown arguing several times throughout the competition, with many viewers accusing them of having a “toxic relationship” and posting unnecessarily nasty comments online.

In an effort to combat the intense social media backlash Paige and Jesse have received, their builder, Zak Sydenham of ZS Custom Builds, has now defended the pair. The carpenter posted an Instagram Story on Monday evening telling his followers that he had a “great time” working with the couple on The Block.

“Despite what you see, it was full of laughs, shenanigans, and an overall enjoyable experience. Thank you for trusting us to bring your ideas to life,” he wrote.

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Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle about his experience on The Block, Zak asserts that he had a “great working relationship” with the couple.

“When we were all on-site, we all would be cracking jokes and laughing. There was a lot of light-hearted fun which helped bring a bit of normality to the Block site,” he shares.

Zak adds that watching the reality show and seeing how the engaged couple have been “edited” has been a “real eye-opener”.

“They definitely had their moments, as did every couple, but it was never as bad as it's being portrayed,” he details. “Obviously, what has been shown has happened and those conversations [took place], but there has been a whole lot that hasn't been shown that makes it seem like their reactions and comments are way out of line.”

Ricky and Haydn reveal truth about Paige and Jesse's 'edit'

This comes after fellow season 20 contestants Ricky and Haydn defended their co-stars, Paige and Jesse, telling Yahoo Lifestyle that the couple were “great people” to be around during filming and they don’t deserve the hate they’re receiving online.

“I think it's pretty obvious that Jesse and Paige had their dramas and I think Australia’s going to see that and they're going to take it how they like, but they're such great people. I really had a great time with them and I thought they were great people,” Ricky said.

“We were a couple of houses down the block and I think Haydn might’ve seen more than I did, but I was a bit oblivious to [their dramas]. I was just trying to design rooms and trying to keep everyone in check and I suppose you can be on the same block and be metres away but not know exactly what's going on.

“I enjoyed The Block as much as I could and I had such a great time doing it, but it does make me sad that there are people that maybe didn't have that same experience.”

Shelley Craft issues urgent plea to fans following backlash

Meanwhile, the show’s co-host Shelley Craft recently urged fans to stop sending hate to any of the show’s contestants on social media, telling Yahoo Lifestyle that she wishes people would be nicer.

“The audience is only seeing little snippets of their personalities, not what they’re like every day when they get nine hours of sleep and they get to do their hair and makeup and feel fabulous. We really are by the end of the series seeing these contestants under the greatest amount of pressure that they've ever been in,” she shared.

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“I think we have to be a lot gentler on them as an audience for what they're going through because they're providing you entertainment. They’re providing us with some wonderful rooms and design ideas, but ultimately, we're all watching because we're intrigued by who these couples are and who these people are.

“From that mental health side of it, just be kind. These people are giving you some viewing pleasure, be a little bit more kind on the other end of the line, please.”

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