The Block's Ricky leaves ex 'blindsided' after hard-launching new girlfriend

The Block's Ricky Recard has won fans over this season with his cheeky sense of humour and laidback attitude, with many viewers deeming him the heartthrob of the 2024 season. However, his ex has now spoken out about their relationship, alleging that Ricky dumped her to start a romance with a makeup artist he met on the set of the renovation series.

Ricky, a 34-year-old plumber from Melbourne, quickly became a fan favourite on the renovation reality show and recently told Yahoo Lifestyle that while he considers himself to be a "nobody" he "appreciates the love." He gained popularity after he shared his heartfelt backstory in episode one, saying that he was raised in a troubled household and “hasn’t really had a family for about 16 years”, which is why he values his friendship with his best friend and teammate Haydn so much.

His nice-guy image has taken a little bit of a hit, however, as his ex-girlfriend Lauren Smith is now saying the plumber dumped her after she spent three months at home waiting for him as he filmed The Block, looking after his dogs and house, only to be left 'blindsided'.

Ricky's ex left 'blindsided' after breakup

Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia, Lauren said, "I spent three months looking after his dogs and his house while also helping his employee with the business. I was absolutely blindsided."

Lauren said the couple were meant to embark on an overseas holiday upon Ricky's return for her 30th birthday, but they broke up two weeks after he got back from filming with Lauren then finding out he was dating a married mother-of-two, Erin Lee, who worked as a makeup artist on the show.

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"I found out while I was in Mexico that he apparently begun [sic] a relationship with Erin during the time I was away," Lauren said.

However, Erin's estranged husband said Ricky and Erin got together after the couple had split. "We are separated now and I've dealt with it," he told Daily Mail Australia. "They got together after we split when he got back from Mexico in July and we were done then."

Ricky on fans of The Block being thirsty for him

Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle last month about the flood of comments he’s received online after being deemed the season's heartthrob, Ricky said he’s grateful for the positive reaction but doesn’t consider himself notable enough to be anybody’s “celebrity crush”.

“I don’t know if I consider myself a celebrity, seriously,” he laughs. “I think as a celebrity, you’ve got to have a fair resume, right? Like Shelley [Craft], she's got the list - Saturday Disney for years, Funniest Home Videos, The Block.

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“She’s an Australian icon and I’m just an absolute nobody. But if people want to have a crush on me, that’s cool. I appreciate the love.”

Yahoo Lifestyle has reached out to Erin Lee and Channel Nine for comment.

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