The Block's Steph rocked by personal tragedy during filming: 'Really hard'

Her co-stars rallied around her during the difficult time.

The Block’s Steph received some devastating news from home while filming Wednesday night’s episode of the renovation reality series.

The 27-year-old architect revealed on the show that her grandfather Gabriel had sadly passed away at age 90.

The Block’s Steph / Liberty hugging Steph.
The Block’s Steph announced that her grandfather Gabriel had passed away at age 90. Photos: Channel Nine

“Last week we heard that my grandfather had taken a fall,” she shared in her confessional. “[He] went into hospital and we thought everything was all good. We quickly realised it wasn’t and he passed away.

“I sort of felt a bit numb and I just didn’t really know how to feel. And I think because everything is so heightened here as well, I didn’t anticipate to even feel any of those sorts of emotions.”

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Her co-stars were quick to share their condolences, with Liberty telling Steph that she and her sister Eliza were happy to assist with anything she and Gian may need during this tough time.

“We will be here to help you. Anything you need, always,” she said.

The Block’s Steph with her grandfather Gabriel / Gabriel and his twin brother.
Steph shared that her grandfather was a big fan of The Block and was looking forward to seeing her compete. Photos: Channel Nine

Steph's tribute to her grandfather on the show

Steph later shared that her grandfather Gabriel was a twin and she had dedicated last week’s kids’ bedroom, which featured two twin beds, to him.

“We knew that he fell sick the week before, so when we did the two kids’ rooms [we designed one for] two twin boys and that was for him and his brother,” she detailed.

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“He was 90 years of age, he had migrated from Greece and basically brought up his entire family in Australia,” Gian added.

“At the end of the day, it’s a celebration of life, making it to 90,” Steph remarked. “I know that he’s proud, and he actually is a big Block fan so he really wanted to see me on The Block. But I know he’ll be watching.”

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Speaking to 9Entertainment following Wednesday night’s episode, Steph opened up about what it was like experiencing grief on The Block.

“That was really hard emotionally,” she said. "Because that's when your world outside sort of collides with The Block experience.

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“You want to be there with your family... it was really difficult for us.”

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