A romance could be in the waters for Below Deck captain Jason Chambers and Vanderpump Rule’sLala Kent after a run-in at BravoCon.
It all kicked off during an interview panel when a fan asked Captain Jason, Captain Glenn Shepherd and Captain Kerry Titheradge who their dream Bravo charter guest would be.
“Lala Kent,” Jason quickly responded, which was met with screaming and cheers from the audience.
The potential of the power couple had fans shipping them, and a Page Six reporter later asked Below Deck Down Under chief stew Aesha Scott about the possibility of a romance between the reality stars.
“He would la la love some Lala,” she responded.
Jason was slightly more coy when pressed about it, but he did confirm the two had caught up at the event.
“We have met. We have exchanged … we have communicated,” he said with a smile.
Lala Kent shared a cheeky post with Jason Chambers
Lala fuelled the rumours by sharing a photo of her cuddled up with Jason with her 2.3 million Instagram followers.
She also shared a video of her spotting Jason in a foyer and calling out to him for a photo.
“You… come!” she can be heard saying in the vid which she captioned, “I always get what I want”.
Bravo celebrities are here for a romance between Jason and Lala
Just hours after Lala shared the photo, it had more than one hundred thousand likes.
“POWER COUPLE,” former Below Deck chief stew Kate Chastain wrote. Real Housewives of The OC star Emily Simpson also approved, commenting a bunch of fire emojis on the pic.
And, it’s not just reality stars who are here for the crossover, thousands of fans voiced their support in the comments section.
“Now this is the man you deserve,” one wrote, while another penned: “This is gonna break Instagram.” A third commented, “VPR Cast trip on below Deck Down Under, PLEASE!!!!”
Stream Below Deck Down Under and Vanderpump Rules on Hayu.
Sonia Kruger may be the host of Big Brother Australia, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t thought about entering the BB house herself.
During an interview with Chattr, the Gold Logie winner admitted that sharing a bathroom with the other housemates would be a problem for her.
“I think the personalities, that’s fine,” she said. “I work in television, we have to deal with a lot of different types of personalities all the time.
“It’s the privacy aspect that I would struggle with. I don’t like sharing a bathroom with my own family, so how am I going to share it with 15 strangers?”
Big Brother. Seven.
Kruger went into more detail and explained that the doors to the toilet aren’t like regular doors at a home bathroom.
“They don’t have doors that close from top to bottom. It’s like a stall,” she said. “It’s the whole audio aspect of that that I’m not down with.”
Sonia Kruger revealed what’s on her Big Brother rider
Kruger said that if she were to go in the Big Brother house, she’d want to be allowed access to the perks, like the luxurious King and Queen suite that’s introduced this year.
“That’s more my speed,” she laughed. “The king and queen suite is really luxurious and it’s got all the treats in it. I’m pretty sure it has its own private bathroom. I would definitely want that. If I had to put a rider on it, that’s what it would be.”
Big Brother. Seven.
How this season is different from previous seasons
Big Brother Australia 2023 has been touted as the ‘season of love’ and all the housemates are young, single and well… hot.
Kruger said the romance factor changes the game in the upcoming season, and explained that the dynamic has shifted away from a competitive game-show style.
“It’s very different from the past couple of years where there’s been a lot of strategy and a Survivor-esque sort of style to it.
“With every television show, you need to keep evolving and keep changing. And this is what the producers of Big Brother do really well.”
Big Brother. Seven.
Kruger said that producers looked back at old seasons of Big Brother to determine what made the show successful at the time.
“It was about relationships? It was How about it was about how people interacted with each other. That’s the thing that fascinates all of us, there’s quite a bit it’s the Voyer in us, we want to see how other people conduct themselves in relationships.
“The whole process of them falling in love falling out of love, jealousy, love triangles, you know how that affects them strategically because, at the end of the day, they still had to nominate they still have to play the game.”
Big Brother Australia starts Monday November 6 on Channel 7 and 7plus.
The Block 2023 might have wrapped but the drama certainly hasn’t. Both Kristy and Brett and their real estate agent Sam Inan have blamed each other following their relatively low auction profits.
ICYMI, Brett and Kristy’s The Block house sold for $3,035,000, which left them with a profit of $65,000. While the price doesn’t sound too grim – their neighbours Steph and Gian and Eliza and Liberty both left with over $1 million per team.
The bidders weren’t aware of the team’s reserves, however, Kristy and Brett’s agent alluded to the price when he asked for offers in the higher two million dollar range.
What ensued was a rapid bidding war, but the dollar amounts didn’t swell up like they did with houses four and five.
“Our agent s*** the bed with our game plan […] of what we went forward with,” Kristy told Yahoo Lifestyle. “He pretty much said what our reserve price was to everyone at the auction, which not only crawled mine but also crawled the other two houses. He didn’t have to say what the reserves were.”
The Block. Nine.
Leah and Ash and Lesley and Kyle had the same reserve, and the hint at Kristy and Brett’s price was indicative of the other two’s.
Kristy and Brett were openly disappointed about the sale during the episode but told the publication it was because they were frustrated with their agent.
“We came on for an experience, we came in with a game plan and a strategy,” she continued. “We are not mad for the $65,000 price, we know that is a lot of money. We are mad at the way that auction played out.”
Kristy and Brett’s agent defended himself
Kristy and Brett called out Sam during the auction, and Scotty Cam agreed that his reference to the reserve price wasn’t a clever move.
The Block. Nine.
However, Sam told The Age that there were Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors present at the auction, and said they told him during the break that “once proceedings resumed, he should reiterate that the home was on the market.”
Sam explained to Yahoo Lifestyle that the department’s presence affected his decision.
“You can say ‘I am not ready to answer that.’ However, with Consumer Affairs in the room it is difficult,” he said.
“It is hard not to tell the honest truth and not say that it is on the market.”
“I had come up with a different strategy with the contestants Kristy and Brett, but I was overruled by producers and I can see that House 3 is visibly upset.”
Sam hinted that Kristy and Brett’s actions on the show affected their sale price
While Sam told the publication that while the people bidding on the houses were unlikely to be influenced by the contestant’s portrayal on The Block, there’s a chance it could have an effect.
“Who knows what the narratives are… the public who follow the show aren’t the people who buy the houses,” Sam said.
“Perhaps if the contestants were more popular, then it might have helped the auctioneers a little bit more.”
Reality TV fans were in heaven when bombshell after bombshell was dropped at BravoCon in Las Vegas, including the announcement of a new captain for OG Below Deck.
Much to the dismay of many, it was announced at the convention that Captain Lee Rosbach wouldn’t be returning for the new season. Australian Captain Kerry Titheradge, who helmed the super yacht on Below DeckAdventure is taking his place.
“New captain, new rules,” flashed on screen during the trailer. “Ship just got real.”
“I know I have big shoes to fill, but I like it that way,” Kerry said in the clip. “You work hard, you’ll be rewarded. You f— around? I will f—ing turn in a heartbeat.”
Who’s in Below Deck season 11?
Only two former crew members are returning for the new season; chief stew Fraser Olender and lead deckhand Ben Willoughby.
The new crew members are chef Anthony Iracane, bosun Jared Woodin, deckhands Marie “Sunny” Marquis and Kyle Stillie, and stews Cat Baugh, Xandi Olivier, and Barbie Pascual.
Below Deck. Hayu.
Vanderpump Rules season 11 got a release date
Vanderpump Rules became a household name (as did Scandoval!) after the shocking affair between Tom Sandoval and Racquel Leviss played out in the final episode last season, as well as at the reunion.
Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting the new season. The premiere date was announced as for January 2024 at BravoCon, and a short teaser trailer was shared.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrKWNM0Dr5A
What else was announced at BravoCon?
Renewals were announced for some of the most popular Bravo shows, including The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Down Under, Below Deck Sailing Yacht and Summer House.
Below Deck, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, Southern Hospitality, Summer House Martha’s Vineyard and Top Chef will also be returning for new seasons next year.
Vanderpump Rules season 11 and Below Deck season 11 will stream on Hayu.
The long-awaited reboot of Gladiators Australia has finally got a release date, and we’ll be watching protein-guzzling superhumans wrestle each other from early next year.
Yep, just days after 2024 begins, so too does the reboot, with Channel 10 announcing that the premiere date is January 7th.
The countdown can officially kick off, and we have more good news, some of the Gladiator’s alter egos were revealed too. Amongst, the charge are Chaos, Phoenix, Halo and Viking.
While not all of their characters have been revealed yet, the fit Aussies behind the costumes have.
The new Gladiators cast is mainly unknown gym dwellers, however, there are a few faces that may be familiar to reality TV fans.
Australian ironman, and son of Grant Kenny and Lisa Curry, Jett Kenny will be one of the Gladiators, as will The Bachelorette star Damien Rider.
While the rest of the cast is generally made out of lesser-known athletes, every single one of them is in an insane physical condition. You can check out the full cast here.
Gladiators. Ten.
Who’s hosting Gladiators Australia?
Sporting and Reality TV elite – Beau Ryan andLiz Elliswill be teaming up to host the Gladiators revival.
“I am beyond excited to be hosting Gladiators alongside the great Liz Ellis,” Ryan said of the new gig. “Liz is a national treasure, and we are going to have a lot of fun. I grew up watching and loving Gladiators and can’t wait to get into it. It’s going to be spectacular.”
Gladiators. Ten.
“I am super pumped to be hosting Gladiators with Beau who is in the gym as we speak trying to match it with our Gladiators,” Liz added.
“It’s an iconic franchise and I’m excited about the reboot. It is set to showcase some of my favourite Gladiator challenges from the original series as well as throw up a few new ones for us to fall in love with!”
Gladiators Australia will premiere on January 7th on 10 and 10Play in 2024.
Childhood sweethearts Steph and Gian smashed records at The Block finale when they pocketed $1.75 million in profit and prize money.
After their high reserve of $3.35 million was revealed earlier in the episode, the NSW couple weren’t confident that their house would sell at auction.
The newly minted millionaires have now revealed what they will do with some of their winnings.
“It’s going to clear our debts in Sydney, it’s going to really set us up for the next stage,” Gian told 9Entertainment.
“There’s big things in the pipeline,” he added, with Steph agreeing.
Gian broke their profit down into an enormous daily rate.
“In a 12-week competition it’s 137,500 a week,” he said, jokingly telling Steph: “That’s your hourly rate now.”
What are Eliza and Liberty’s plans for the money?
Eliza and Liberty were the other big winners of The Block auctions. Their five-bedroom home went for $4,.3 million, which gave them a profit of $1.05 million.
While the sisters were struggling to come to terms with their big win, they did have one splurge in mind.
“We’d love to go on a big fun European holiday, maybe stay in some nice places!” Liberty said.
Eliza reiterated her shock over their massive winnings to Domain.com.
“We didn’t even contemplate how we would spend that kind of money because we never even thought it would be a thing for us,” she said.
How much did each contestant win?
Steph and Gian and Eliza and Liberty were the two big winners of auction day. The other contestants didn’t fare as well, and Leah and Ash’s house didn’t even sell at auction.
It’s the finale episode of The Block 2023 and after all of the chaos, drama, sweat and the winners have been announced!
After months of hard work on five 50s post-war homes on Charming Street, an exciting and heart-attack-inducing bid for the final properties occurred.
But before the big day, the Blockheads were treated to “dinner and a show…and reserves” at Elvis: A Musical Revolution.
While Elvis (Rob Mallett) thought The Block needed a “little less conversation and a little more action” (lol), the teams were feeling pretty nervous about what was to come.
Scotty Cam and Elvis (Rob Mallett). Nine
House Order
Steph and Gian – House 4
Eliza and Liberty – House 5
Kristy and Brett – House 3
Kyle and Leslie – House 1
Leah and Ash – House 2
The Auction
Ultimately, Steph and Gianfrom House Four secured the victory, after winning $1,750,000 in prize money (which includes the $100,000 from The Block) — the largest result ever in the show’s history!
The high school sweethearts sold their five-bedroom property for $5,000,000, which was $1,650,000 above their reserve price.
On the other end of the spectrum, Kristy and Brett won $65,000, after a drama-filled (shock horror) auction and Leah and Ash passed in, hoping to secure another buyer in the near future.
Here’s how the auctions played out and how much money each team has taken home after the auction.
The Block Auction Day results
House 4 – Steph and Gian
The auction started strong with Danny Wallis opening the bid with $3,999,999.99. Someone then bid $4 million before the proceedings stopped after a bidder fainted. At the last second, Adrian Portelli (who bought Omar and Oz’s house in 2022) took the bid to $5,000.00, buying the property.
RoomWins: 5
Reserve: $3,350,000
Auction order: 1
Sold for: $5,000,000
Total profit: $1,650,000
Steph and Gian. Nine
House 5 – Eliza and Liberty
The auction started strong with Adrian once again bidding. He started the bid with $4,100,000 before bidding against himself twice to make the winning amount of $4,300,000.
Reserve: $3,250,000
Auction order: 2
Sold for: $4,300,000
Total profit: $1,050,000
House 3 – Kristy and Brett
Kristy and Brett were unhappy with their auctioneer who didn’t listen to their instructions. He told the buyers that the house was going for the “high twos” which was “off-script”.
“Australia got what they wanted, so…” Kristy said. Ooft.
Reserve: $2,970,000
Auction order: 3
Sold for: $3,035,000
Total profit: $65,000
Kristy and Brett. Nine
House 1 – Kyle and Leslie
The opening bid was $2,900,000 by Danny before Adrian went up to $3,100,00 which Danny equalled. Frank Valentic made a call but decided he was out. The auctioneer offered Danny $1,000 to go over $3,100,000 but he declined.
Reserve: $2,970,000
Auction order: 4
Sold for: $3,100,000
Total profit: $130,000
Kyle and Leslie. Nine
House 2 – Leah and Ash
Frank began the bid with $2.9 million with no other bidders. It turns out, the woman who fainted, Cassie, was keen on their property but since she wasn’t there, Leah and Ash decided to “pass it in” which meant that the property was no sold at this auction. At the time of publication, the house is still up for sale.
Reserve: $2,970,000
Auction order: 5
Sold for: PASSED IN
Total profit: $0
Leah and Ash. Nine
Overall
Overall, The Block homes sold for $35,587,807.
Want more recaps? Check out our The Block 2023 recaps below!
The Block has been around for a whopping 19 seasons, and during that time $32.5 million has been given away in prize money alone!
While that’s certainly a staggering sum, the winning houses alone combined make up the unbelievable total sale sum of $43.3 million.
So, it’s safe to say that The Block make a hell of a lot of money. In celebration of just that, we’ve taken a walk down memory lane and looked back at the winners from every season and exactly how much the houses sold for.
Season 18 – 2022
Winners: Omar & Oz
Auction price: $5.6 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 17 – 2021
Winners: Mitch & Mark
Auction price: $4 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 16 -2020
Winners: Jimmy & Tam
Auction price: $4.2 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 15 – 2019
Winners: Tess & Luke
Auction price: $3.6 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 14 – 2018
Winners: Hayden & Sara
Auction price: $3 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 13 – 2017
Winners: Josh & Elyse
Auction price: $3 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 12 – 2016
Winners: William & Karlie
Auction price: $2.6 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 11 – 2015
Winners: Dean & Shay
Auction price: $2.3 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 10 – 2015
Winners: Darren & Deanne
Auction price: $2.3 million
The Block. Nine.
Season 9 – 2014
Winners: Shannon & Simon
Auction price: $1.9 million
Season 8 – 2014
Winners: Steve & Chantelle
Auction price: $2.5 million
Season 7 – 2013
Winners: Alisa & Lysandra
Auction price: $1.4 million
Season 6 – 2013
Winners: Phil & Amity
Auction price: $1.7 million
Season 5 – 2012
Winners: Brad & Lara
Auction price: $1.6 million
Season 4 – 2011
Winners: Polly & Warwick
Auction price: $855,000
Season 3 – 2010
Winners: John & Neisha
Auction price: $1.1 million
Season 2 – 2004
Winners: Andrew & Jamie
Auction price: $868,000
Season 1 – 2003
Winners: Adam & Fiona
Auction price: $751,000 40.8 mil 2.5 mil
The Block finale airs on Sunday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. on Channel 9 and 9Now.
You asked, and we listened! It’s time to bring every Home and Away episode to you in the form of a brief wrap-up of all the drama that has happened in Summer Bay this week!
30/10/2023 — Episode 8149 —What’s going on with Leah?
Alf counsels Justin over his fears about Leah – if Justin had been awake to see her at his bedside every day during his ordeal, there’d be no doubt in his mind that Leah wanted to marry him.
Later, Alf spills the beans to Leah, and she’s quick to reassure her partner. But if it isn’t doubts about the wedding, Justin wonders, what’s going on with Leah?
Not wanting to worry Justin, Leah lies about the reason for her state of mind – she’s stressed about the wedding planning and making everything perfect. Justin accepts the excuse and even tries to rope Theo in to further help with the nuptials, but a frantic Leah runs to Bree – “I need help”, she begs her friend.
Leah and Bree. Seven
Confessing to Bree about her nightmares, she pleads with her for something to help her sleep. Bree agrees to prescribe something, but when she floats the idea of therapy, Leah becomes overwhelmed and runs out. When she runs into Justin, she again lies about where she’s been.
Can Leah open up and get the help she needs?
Remi wants to ride the wave of Lyrik’s social media momentum and book their first gig back before their upcoming radio spot, so he and Kirby front up at Salt with a pitch for Xander – Lyrik play a gig there, tonight.
Xander’s arm is easily twisted, and the band are ready to make their big comeback! That night, they play at Salt to a full house – Lyrik is back, baby!
31/10/2023 – Episode 8149 – Tane breaks Felicity’s heart all over again
Tane is channelling his anguish into the gym amidst his split with Felicity but reluctantly allows Mackenzie to tempt him upstairs to the Lyrik gig at Salt.
When Felicity decides to pop into work though, she’s met with the sight of her ex propping up the bar and bails in distress.
When Mac fills Tane in that Felicity has been and gone, his own pain is reactivated, and soon he too has bailed on the gig and is settling back into the Gym office for the night…
Tane. Seven
When Tane comes by the house the next day to collect some things, Felicity comes home, and the recently separated lovers find themselves face to face. Felicity naively hopes her husband might be moving back in, but Tane hits her with a reality check – he’s cancelled the purchase of their land in New Zealand, and he’s made alternate accommodation arrangements.
“We’re done”, he tells her again, and Felicity crumbles.
When she sees Mackenzie handing over her house keys to Tane later, she explodes on her business partner – she’s obviously taking sides! But Felicity is emotionally stung, unprepared when Mackenzie counters: “I’m not making it easy for your husband to leave you. You did that on your own”.
Remi has been working up the nerve to invite Bree to a party – his parents’ wedding anniversary no less. And it’s tonight!
Remi and Bree. Seven
“Bree Cameron”, he asks her, “will you meet my parents?”.
Bree laughs – he hasn’t done this very often, has he? “Never,” Remi admits.
He’s never had a girlfriend before whom he wanted them to meet.
“Until you”. And Bree can’t say no to that!
1/11/2023 – Episode 8151 – Bree meets the parents and it doesn’t go well
Felicity and Mackenzie are still at loggerheads.
Mackenzie offers Tane refuge, and Felicity sees this as a total betrayal and denies any contact with her husband. Their conflict spills into a crowded Salt and an enraged Felicity announces all meals will be on the house.
Mackenzie tries to diffuse the chaos – Felicity shouldn’t be working. And Felicity spitefully agrees, taking money directly from the till to pay for a hotel room.
Xander kindly volunteers to step up and cover as stressed Mackenzie heads home. But she is soon interrupted by a knock on the door from Felicity who apologises to Mackenzie and pleads that on behalf of Felicity, she returns a wedding ring to Tane.
Mac and Felicity. Seven
Remi is taking Bree to meet his parents for their anniversary, and it’s going to be a formal affair. Eden reiterates they’re kind people with a lot of love to share, but also that they’re super loaded.
Graham and Nicola welcome an awestruck Bree to their opulent home, and after a tour, all prepare for an elegant night. There’s a private chef, and a string quartet, and Bree and Remi are glammed up. But when Nicola presses for the story of how they met, the conversation takes a nosedive.
Bree overshares by explaining it was difficult because of her husband…who is now dead. Remi does his best to cut things short, but Bree is hurt – why would he want to hide the truth?
Bree and Remi. Seven
Cash has felt a lack of purpose lately due to his suspension, but Rose is encouraging.
Harper and Irene’s cases had such positive results, surely that’s a good sign for him too. He could put in a request to have his review fast-tracked and get back to work sooner.
But Cash is a little hesitant, especially with everything going on with Felicity. Eden lifts his spirits with words of support and he puts in the formal request. Now they can only wait…
2/11/2023 – Episode 8152 – Tane snaps
After an intense bootcamp battle, Harper and Dana inquire with Irene as to how they can contribute to the community. They’ve been welcomed with such kindness and want to give back.
Irene argues that as a nurse and a social worker, they already do their share, but this doesn’t satisfy Dana. She is determined to really make a difference and eventually realises it’s been staring her in the face the whole time.
She’s signing up for the Bronze Medallion course. Irene cautions her though – that course is run by John Palmer…
A message prompts Tane to close the gym and head back to his room at Mackenzie’s. Felicity has dropped off his wedding ring as a token of hope for their marriage, but he refuses it. He apologises to Mac that she keeps getting caught in the middle.
Tane receives a message. Seven
As Mali cooks breakfast for the housemates, Tane receives a barrage of texts from Felicity and decides to block her entirely. Mackenzie argues maybe he just needs to give it time, but a second attempt to return the ring results in Tane throwing it in the garbage.
Mali encourages Mac to stay out of it, but she cannot stop worrying for her friend. Back at the gym, Tane dismisses Harper and her scheduled PT session. She offers to talk about whatever is bothering him but that sends him spiralling.
In anger, he announces to the entire gym – if anyone else is wondering, my marriage is over. So, are we all clear on that now?
Tane snaps. Seven
The string quartet plays, the guests drink champagne, and Remi’s parents speak to their 35 years of wedded bliss. But Remi and Bree are not ready to join them on the dancefloor. They are still navigating how to explain their complicated past. Remi tries to make amends – he is not ashamed of Bree, and they will find the right time to tell his parents.
The next morning at breakfast, Bree’s chance arrives. She explains her abusive ex-husband died because of her. Both her and Remi’s lives were in danger, and she made the choice to save her life by ending his.
Remi’s parents are understanding and grateful she shared the truth, and Nicola takes a moment to acknowledge Bree is a smart and strong woman, and she hopes they get to spend a lot more time together.
Bree and Nicola. Seven
2/11/2023 – Episode 8153 – Is Tane’s coping mechanism healthy?
Mali tries his best to support Tane through the break-up, meeting him on the beach after his big gym outburst.
Tane’s in a tricky place – he hates Felicity whilst still loving her, and it’s hard to turn these feelings off. Word spreads of his misery, and it’s confirmed by his foul mood.
Harper, Roo and Dana wonder what they can do to help, but Tane’s own solution to get his wife out of his system is for a big night out, although Mali disapproves.
The next morning, Tane introduces Mali to a one-night stand on her way out. Is Tane’s coping mechanism healthy?
Tane and Mali.
Dana is thrilled to be giving back to her new community by taking part in the Bronze Medallion course with John Palmer as instructor. She was warned of John’s short temper, but today it is amplified by a lack of caffeine.
John’s year supply of free coffee has finally expired and he comes down hard on his new students. In particular, he targets a student he nicknames ‘Man-bun’, although the student corrects John each time with his real name, Banjo.
John doubles down on his mood, grouching at Harper for being distracting, and insulting Banjo’s colourful shorts. Dana is not enjoying the course and confides in her sister that she and the other students are the ones who need saving…from John!
Dana and John. Seven
After Lyrik’s return gig, Kirby prepares for a songwriting session, but neither Eden nor Remi are around, and none of Kirby’s ideas seem to have traction. She scrunches up lyrics and feels stuck.
Searching for ideas, she disturbs Theo and Justin amidst wedding planning, offering Theo a welcome diversion of writing together again. But Theo struggles to pull away from his phone and Kirby withdraws in favour of attempting on her own again.
When Theo confronts her change of mind, they agree that some of their best memories are writing together. Perhaps they just need to work at finding a new dynamic. That is something they’re both willing to make happen.
Alf informs John that a student dropped out of his Bronze Medallion course and has lodged a formal complaint – Banjo. He has cited bullying, disrespect, and micro-aggressions, and after much persuasion, John picks up the phone to call and apologise.
Alf Stewart. Seven
Kirby and Theo are hard at work on writing a new song. Theo is self-critical of his lyrics, but Kirby is reassuring and kind. Theo agrees he knows what he wants to say, just not always how to say it.
During a pizza break, Kirby receives an email from a record label, paying her $8000 for a song she wrote in half a day. Although this comes as another blow to Theo’s confidence, his faith in Kirby is cemented, and an idea dawns on him. In his pursuit to make Leah and Justin’s wedding perfect, how would Kirby feel about writing a song for the wedding?
Boosted by Roo’s encouragement, Marilyn has built up the courage to request time off from work to holiday with Jett. However, during a flustered explanation, Marilyn’s words are twisted, and Irene puts her down for more shifts instead of less.
Marilyn’s efforts with Leah prove equally counterproductive given Leah’s tricky mood, and when Irene insists on a new pay rise for Maz, her gratitude is eclipsed by her inability to get the time off.
Justin and Leah. Seven
Justin confronts Leah about the research of insomnia and night terrors he uncovered. She admits she’s had some hard nights of sleeping poorly. He pleads that she shares these things with him and she agrees, parting ways to work.
After the long shift, she’s standing in the car park when an approaching car sends her mind racing back to the kidnapping. Justin emerges from the car and rushes to her side, as Leah explains since the nightmares started, she can’t make them stop.
Through tears, she finally admits that she needs help.
Watch Home and Away, Monday to Thursday from 7.00 p.m. on 7 and 7Plus.
Fans of Yellowstone will need to wait even longer to find out what happens with the Dutton family drama.
The second half of Yellowstone‘s fifth and final season has been pushed back to November 2024 due to the writers’ strike and the SAG-AFTRA strike. The writers’ strike finished in September while the latter is still going.
The season was split into two parts because of the Hollywood strikes, and the first eight episodes aired from November 2022 to January 2023.
Yellowstone. Stan.
But, it’s not all grim news. Paramount has also revealed plans for two more spinoffs of the franchise. One, titled 2024, will be a present-day story that continues where season five left off, and the other will be a prequel called 1944. The new shows join established spin-offs 1883 and 1823.
“Within five years, we grew Yellowstone from a hit U.S. cable show with five million viewers into a global hit franchise with over 100 million fans around the world and multiple extensions – and, we’re just getting started,” said Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios.
“On the heels of ‘1883’ and ‘1923’s’ success, our new planned spinoffs, 1944 and 2024, will take audiences on a thrilling, new and unexpected journey with the complex and compelling storytelling that has become a hallmark of the franchise and has helped turn it into a worldwide cultural phenomenon – thanks to the creative mastermind of Taylor Sheridan.”
Yellowstone. Stan.
Who’s in the final season of Yellowstone?
It’s reported that season five will be Kevin Costner’s final season and that he won’t be joining the spin-offs.
The ensemble cast also includes Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Forrie Smith, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen, Ryan Bingham, Gil Birmingham, and Australia’s own Finn Little and Jacki Weaver.
Yellowstone. Stan.
What will happen in season five?
Yellowstone tells the story of the Dutton family’s control over the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. With ever-changing alliances, unsolved murders, lingering grudges, and hard-earned admiration in season five, the ranch is ensnared in constant clashes with its neighbours – a growing town, an Indian reservation, and fierce business competition.
Yellowstone season five will premiere in November 2024 on Stan.
Below Deck SailingYacht veteran Gary King has shared a post about daisies (the flower) which look suspiciously like a reference to (his ex) Daisy Kelliher.
Gary and Daisy have famously had an on-again-off-again relationship throughout the three seasons of the BD franchise which they’ve appeared on together.
In season four, Daisy was caught up in a love triangle with Gary and Below Deck engineer Colin MacRae, and her off-screen hookups with the former came to light.
The (possible?) couple have stayed mum about their relationship since filming wrapped. However, Gary’s latest post may have just confirmed their romance.
“It’s sad that people will do anything in their power to bring you down. It’s not about how you fall but how you get up. Luckily for me the fall was into a sea of daisies,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself lying in a field of daisies.
Three other members of the production crew, who chose to remain anonymous backed Suarez’s claims in the article and alleged that Bravo tried to cover up his behaviour.
“It was insane. There were multiple incidents of sexual harassment in front of multiple producers after this person had been given verbal warnings multiple times,” one of the sources claimed.
“I had to promote and make this guy who just assaulted someone look awesome. That was my job, to make this person look cool, capable, and exciting.”
Nope! Daisy’s been posting multiple stories about her arrival to Las Vegas for Bravocon, but she’s noticeably avoided any mention of the post.
That being said, Daisy and Gary’s castmates Captain Glenn Shepherd and Chef Ilesha Dell both commented on the pic. Glenn simply wrote two emojis; a thumbs up and a smiley face with sunglasses, while Ilesha said she “loved this”.
Stream Below Deck SailIng Yacht seasons one to four on Hayu.
It’s episode four of Love Island Australia 2023 and a tatted-up Bombshell arrives to shake things up at the villa. Plus there’s more boy drama after Zac’s snakey lies come to light!
Here’s everything that happened!
Nate asks Lucinda for “a bit of Nate time”
Ok. So, remember during episode two when Zac the Snake struck “while the iron was hot”, lying to Lucinda about Nate’s intentions and kissing her?! Well, s–t is about to get REAL!
The episode begins with Lucinda saying she needs to talk to Nate about the aforementioned kiss before Nate asks her if she has “a bit of time for Nate”, pulling her away for a chat.
“Basically, me and Zac kissed up there,” Lucinda tells him.
Nate:
Nate is in shock. Nine
“Obviously, the entire thing is confusing because I was like all for you yesterday,” she says.
“What’s changed?” he asks her.
“He said to me about the Tia situation, I think you and her are going to get to know each other a bit more.”
Nate:
Nate is all like, “WTAF?!”. Nine
Nate denies everything and Lucinda throws old mate Zac under the bus even further. Nate then tells Lucinda she is his “number one option” and tells her that Zac is making it all up.
While this is all very, very s–t, to add to this, Lucinda doesn’t think her “vibe” with Nate is “as strong” as what she has with Zac the Snake and so now, it’s even more s–t.
During a confessional, Lucinda says she wished she had picked differently when she first arrived because she feels like “Zac is telling me the truth” which is both concerning and absolutely mental.
Nate confronts Zac the Snake
Two point five seconds later, Nate is FUMING and pulls Ollie aside to talk about what happened. Ollie is all like: “That’s a dog move”.
Meanwhile, ol’ Snake Eyes tells his BFFL Trent (right next to where Ben is showering in the nud) that he got together with Lucinda. Trent… applauds him. Jeezus christ.
Nate then decides he wants to confront Zac straight away, who says, “Yeh, I need to chat to you”. 🙄
“Zac thinks because he’s on Love Island and because he’s known me for four days, it’s OK to disrespect me,” Nate says during a confessional.
Nate is p–sed! Nine
During their chat, Nate tells him that it’s OK that Zac is taking a shot at Lucinda, but definitely not by throwing him “underneath the bus”.
“Why don’t you just go out of your way to show her who you are rather than try to bring me down. That’s disrespect,” he says. “I don’t f–k with that.”
When Nate says that Zac was there when he said he was into Lucinda, Zac says he thought Nate was “bullsh–ting me”.
“That’s crazy, you’re wild,” Nate snaps.
Zac listens. Nine
“He will do whatever he can to get the girl that he wants even if it means putting down another human being with feelings and emotions,” Nate then says during a confessional.
Zac calls himself a “snake” and things escalate
Zac doesn’t deny his s–tty behaviour, instead says: “I’m a bit of a snake in the grass sometimes” and that in his friend circle, that’s “normal” behaviour. Excellent.
While they ended on “Good chat,” things escalated when Nate overhears Zac talking to Reid, Trent, Ollie and Ben about the situation.
The boys chat while Nate stands at the door. Nine
“He thought he was all good snuggling her in bed while I was looking into her eyes while he was cuddling her,” Zac says. F–K ME.
And then Nate walks in…
Nate then reiterates that he feels “disrespected”, but is now grateful he’s seen Zac’s “true colours”.
“If you’re not ready to come out and play with the big boys, then don’t come out and play with the big boys,” Zac tells the cameras in the Beach Hut.
The confrontation between the pair continues, and Snakey Snake does not apologise.
“I don’t think I did anything wrong, in like the eyes of like, the world,” he says. Well, you’re wrong.
Zac gives precisely zero s–ts about his behaviour. Nine
Savanah and T-Dawg cozy up
Afterwards, all of the Islanders — including the girls, who we completely forgot existed up until this point — drink during sunset.
Savanah tells “T-Dawg” (Trent) that she’s not wearing any undies while they cozy up on a bean bag.
“You can see them through [the dress], so I just thought I’d have my clackers out,” she says. LAWL.
T-Dawg then admits it feels like they’ve known each other “since they were born”.
“Who knows? It could get quite spicy between us. There’s nothing off-limits.”
Trent and Savanah… a new couple alert? Nine
“Sav” says it’s feeling “pretty good outside the friend zone” and while we think T-Dawg is completely complicit in Snakey Snakerton’s behaviour, we kinda love this for them.
Savanah is hepppy. Nine
Meanwhile, Tia chats to Reid, saying that she’s done with T-Dawg and won’t speak to him for the rest of their time in the villa and Master Snakerton continues to stir s–t, talking to Lucinda about Nate.
He tells her that Nate got really angry for confronting him about his “lies”, “which is such a f–king load”.
“He’s being way too sensitive,” she says and frankly, we can’t wait to see what she thinks now she’s watched it back.
Lucinda is shocked. Nine
Sophie’s 80’s Playlist is interrupted by a BOMBSHELL
The Islanders then play “Sophie’s 80’s Playlist”, where they need to grab a cassette (Yup, we had those) and put it in the boom box (Yes, we had these also).
Each cassette has a recording of host Kween Sophie Monk’s voice and they have to act out what she says accordingly.
However, the crew are in for a delightful surprise, when our Kween announces the arrival of a new bombshell, Kale. A person. Not the vegetable.
According to Tyra, he’s the perfect mix between Pete Davidson and Machine Gun Kelly. Sav on the other hand is THIRSTY.
Bombshell Kale and Sav is thirsty… Nine
Straight up, Kale is asked to kiss three islanders he finds the most attractive.
Unfortunately for our girl Sav, he goes for Nakia, Tyra and Kirra.
The girls then pull Kale for a chat — which is a good time as any to remind you of the actual hot mess that is the existing couples:
Sav and Snake Eyes
Lucinda and Nate
Tia and Reid
Tyra and Ben
Kirra and Ollie
Singles – Nakia, T-Dawg and Bombshell Kale
Kale gives Nakia butterflies and Tyra is thrown
Kale then takes two ladies of his choice on a date. He picks Nakia and Tyra — which makes Kirra cry.
After her one-on-one, Nakia has butterflies and love heart eyes for the newcomer, relieved that she has a connection with someone.
However, Tyra — who has been coupled up with Ben — returns holding hands with Kale, after they hit things off over their “emotional intelligence”. Prior to this, Ben had been sitting pretty, thinking it would be “hard to get in between what [they] have”.
Kale and Tyra, hand-in-hand. Nine
Admitting she is in “deep trouble”, Tyra feels “thrown” by the Bombshell, saying she hadn’t felt this feeling in the Villa yet.
“I’m in deep, deep trouble here,” she says.
UH-OH!
Want more Love Island Australia 2023recaps? See below!
It’s episode 10 of The Amazing RaceAustralia 2023 and things got tense in Borneo between Harry Jowsey and Teddy Briggs and Darren McMullen and Tristan Dougal.
The men engaged in a weird battle that seemed to determine which team was the most macho. However, it did generate what could be the best remark in Amazing Race history.
“I still think Darren and Tristan are our biggest competition by far, even though they look like a version of us that was put in the microwave for 90 seconds,” Teddy said.
Harry and Teddy on The Amazing Race. Ten.Darren and Tristan on The Amazing Race. Ten.
Challenge One
The first challenge took place at a bustling local fish market where the teams were tasked with cleaning and gutting six fish.
Emma Watkins struggled with fish-chopping due to her lack of upper body strength, while Harry and Teddy managed to overtake the ladies and claim the lead.
Detour
In the next challenge, teams were faced with a choice between Saving The Mangroves or Saving The Reef.
Darren and Tristan, along with Alli and Angie Simpson, opted to Save The Reef. Their mission involved collecting five kilograms of dead coral, gluing 15 living coral fragments onto it, and then swimming the coral back into the ocean.
Darren’s experience as playing a Marine Scientist on Sea Change seemed to help him – or so he gloated. However, it turned out that he successfully completed the task first, with his reef getting the green tick.
Meanwhile, at the mangroves, teams had to kayak three kilometers in order to collect 36 seeds from the mangrove forest. They then had to return and plant the seeds in a pot.
Harry and Teddy got off to a very strong start, but they failed to pay attention to the instructions and only collected 24 seeds. This meant they had to paddle around to the mangroves again to gather 12 more.
Emma and Hayley’s simple due diligence of listening to the instructions and collecting the right amount of seeds (plus extras!) catapulted them to first place.
Roadblock
The detour saw one of the team members wander through a forest and memorise a series of masks along the way.
Unfortunately, Angie took a tumble and reinjured her back, causing her to forget her mask and start again. She eventually found Emma and Harry on the trail, and they worked together. Darren avoided working with anyone else and managed to outpace them all and move ahead.
Pitstop
Host Beau Ryan was thirsty and asked teams to swim out in the ocean and grab a coconut for him prior to arriving at the pitstop. The race was so close at this point that one poor swimmer could make them lose their edge.
Darren and Tristan secured the first spot, closely followed by Harry and Teddy.
“Darren and Tristan piped you again, how does that feel? Beau asked the reality stars after their arrival.
Emma and Hayley were in third. Alli and Angie were the last team to reach the mat, but tears turned to relief when Beau announced that it was a non-elimination leg.
“We were coming for the front today, that was the goal,” Darren told Beau.
It’s episode three of Love Island Australia 2023 and we’ve already had our first conscious uncoupling.
In case you missed last night’s episode, basically, Tia and Trent were a solid couple for just over 24 hours, even sharing the season’s first kiss. But then came Bomb Reid, who set his sights on Tia, choosing to couple with her and sending Trent to no man’s land a.k.a the Waiting Room with Nakia, who was also sent there when Bombshell Lucinda chose Nate. Caught up?! GOOD.
Spin the Bottle
After taking a moment to mourn the loss of their fellow Islanders, the other sexy singles decide it’s high time to play a spot of Spin the Bottle. And just like any time anyone plays said game, chaos ensues.
While Trent is still in Limbo (not Limbro, you guys. Wrong show…), a bottle spin causes Tia and Ben to mack on. Given it’s early days and we’re still trying to figure out who is who, here’s a pic of Ben about to mack on with Tia for easy reference.
Tia and Ben about to mack on. Nine.
“I didn’t love watching Ben kiss Tia,” Tyra (Ben’s partner/bae/person), says: “I’m definitely a jealous person.”
Next, Ollie and Kirra have their first kiss (aww), before ol’ jealous eyes Tyra thanks “the bottle Gods for shining down” on her for allowing her to kiss Nate.
Tia and Reid then share a kiss as do Lucinda and Zac (now not “playing hard to get”) and while he is LIVIN’, Lucinda, surprisingly, can’t help but also feel “a tiny spark”.
“It started with a young handsome man gazing at his TV screen and seeing this hot chick… and now he’s the guy on the TV screen kissing her,” Zac says.
Trent and Tia are donezo…already
Much to Zac’s delight, his LI BFF Trent — and Nakia — are released back into the villa and Zac, who lovvvves to stir up s–t, decides to give his mate the low-down on Trent’s former/current?! bae, Tia…
Trent is PISSED and decides to get a better understanding of WTAF is going on…even though he literally has known Tia for two seconds.
“I’m angry at you,” he tells her, also adding she’s a terrible communicator. “Like, s–t,” he says.
She then tells him he’s her numero uno in the villa but then backtracks…
Trent and Tia “communicate”. Nine
“She has no idea what she wants, who she wants and I just feel upset and disrespected,” he says in a confessional. “I feel like I’ve been done dirty.”
Meanwhile, Tia is confused AF and says: “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Given that this relo has not lasted longer than an entire episode of this show, they decide to call their… whatever it was, off.
“Work on your communication,” he tells her as a final blow.
Later, Tia breaks down.
“I’ve always struggled in relationships, any time I get a hint of feelings I just walk away so I don’t get hurt,” she says. “It’s better that way.”
Tia breaks down. Nine
Hit it Off Challenge
The next day, the Islanders head off for their very first challenge. This one is titled “Hit it Off”.
Saucy secrets are revealed including Trent paying $1800 for a pair of shoes for a girl he had been dating for a month (“Yes, Daddy! I like you a lot! Savanah says. LOL) and Ollie CLAIMS he has sex nine to 15 times a week. Sure, Jan.
“Each night is three, four times a night, ya know what I mean?” he says. Babes, seems like we should get you on Too Hot to Handle…
Meanwhile, he also likes to chase girls in existing relationships. Christ.
Ok, Ollie. Nine
Ben, on the other hand, has a d**k/dildo?! shaped like the… *check’s notes*… Eiffel Tower (?!) and Zac fell asleep while having sex with someone. Cool.
Over in the Girls’ corner, Savanah has slept with a 45-year-old man and Lucinda has never used, nor owned a dildo (Looks like she needs to couple up with Ben…).
It is then revealed that the Queen of Petty Nakia stole her best friend’s dog during a fight and wouldn’t give it back until they apologised. Meanwhile, Tia was caught by cops in the back of a car having sex with her gym instructor. Get it GF!
During Trent’s turn, he read out a secret: “This girl owns her own Mercedes” and he decides to make a beeline for Tia. They make out. QUE?!
Trent and Tia kiss…even though they be done. Nine
Fangirl Zac moves in on Lucinda and forgets about the Bro Code
Zac decides that after their smooch, he wants to zero in on Lucinda, even though his buddy Nate told him that Lucinda was his MVP.
After taking a leaf out of every male Islander who has ever been in this show’s book, Zac makes her morning coffee and decides to make a move. Big. HUGE.
Nate whisks Lucinda away to the very balcony Mitch from 2022 was caught with his literal pants down and straight-up lies to her, saying that Nate is “playing the game”.
The infamous balcony. Nine
“There’s something iffy about Nate, I don’t even think he likes me,” Lucinda tells him, taking the bait. Oh lordy.
“I don’t trust Nate with you, because I only trust myself with you,” Zac tells her.
He then kisses her…the little rat!
“I don’t think things could’ve worked out more perfectly. You’ve got to strike while the iron is hot,” he says in a confessional.
Well, s–t. This ain’t called Villain Era for nothing!
What a little rat! Nine
Love Island Australia Season 5 episodes drop daily from Monday to Thursday at 6pm AEDT, exclusively on 9Now and airs at 8.30 pm on Nine.
Want more Love Island Australia 2023recaps? See below!
It’s clear to the average viewer that the missions the recruits undertook on SAS Australia 2023 were demanding but Tim Robards has revealed that it was even more gruelling than what was shown on TV.
Robards was just one of the two recruits who made it through selection, alongside athlete Matthew Mitcham. During an interview with Chattr, the former The Bachelor lead divulged just how challenging his time on the show was.
“It was gruelling. It’s the bits between the challenges that you don’t see,” he said. “What you see you times that by 10 and that’s what it actually is.”
The 41-year-old used the final challenge as an example and explained that he thought he would be crying in elation when he found out he passed the selection, but that wasn’t the case.
SAS Australia. Nine.
“What happened in reality was, we went through that last day, but we never knew when the end was. Right before they brought us up and told us that we’d passed, we had to sit in this bloody rock crevice for an hour, and all the adrenaline from the past challenge had worn off,” he said.
“By that time we’re like, ‘Come on, we’re freezing cold. Is this the end?”
He added that prior to the final challenge, the remaining recruits were manipulated into positions that were designed to be uncomfortable.
“They [the DS] put us in a holding bay and we were put in stress positions for three hours. So every 20 minutes, they came in and changed our bodies into positions that were hard to maintain for a long time. We got to a point where our backs were throbbing, our muscles were aching. They left a lot of things like that out.”
The camera crew were involved in the missions too
The filming crew were required to keep up with the contestants and Robarbs pointed out that as a result, they unofficially took part in the recruitment process too.
He explained that the crew would run across rough and ragged terrain while filming without being able to see where they were going.
“The camera crew, they are fit,” he said. “They’re running on sand with rocks and s**t, some of them are falling over. It’s very dangerous. A lot of times, they’ve got to run and get in front of us so that they can film us from the front,” he said.
While Robards acknowledged that the crew was most likely “sleeping better” than the recruits, he reiterated just how strenuous filming was on them too.
“They all sign up for the challenge themselves!” He exclaimed. “It is such a challenge for them.”
Tim Robards accidentally shot a cameraman during a mission
The SAS Australia recruit said that there were strict rules in place to protect the crew, but recalled that it was hard for him to follow them when he was in the heat of a challenge.
“The rule is if someone’s you only shoot if someone’s pointing a gun at you,” he said reflecting on a mission where they used paintball guns.
SAS Australia. Seven.
“I turned the corner and saw a gunman so I went ‘boom, boom, boom’. Then I looked to the left in a split second and there was a guy pointing something at me and he’s got camo pants, so I go ‘boom’ again.”
Robards said that he mistook the filming person’s camera for a gun.
“I shot him in the stomach and it was the camera guy and he didn’t have any protective gear on! I shot him from about two metres away with a paintball gun – bang bang bang in the guts.”
It’s episode 9 of The Amazing RaceAustralia 2023 and with the tensions rising there were quite a few tantrums from the celebrity contestants.
The five remaining teams headed to Cambodia’s second-largest city, Siem Reap to tackle the challenges, which were some of the hardest yet on this season.
After last week’s non-elimination leg, this loser will almost definitely be a goner, so who will it be?
The Amazing Race. Ten.
Roadblock
For the first challenge, the contestants were given the choice of rather jovial sounding tasks, Start The Giggles or Stop The Wobbles.
In the first, they would have to reenact a circus performance – involving lifting and cartwheels – in the second, they’d need to stay balanced on a piece of pipe for 60 seconds.
Darren McMullen and Tristan Dougal and Emma and Hayley Watkins both opted for Start The Giggles, while the rest chose Stop The Wobbles.
It was Alli and Angie Simpson who faced the most problems with the challenge. Angie explained that she’d had two surgeries on her feet and nerve damage, so she struggled to hold onto the pipe with her toes.
The Amazing Race. Ten.
The mother-daughter team switched to the other Roadblock, but when they arrived there they realised Angie wouldn’t be able to do the cartwheels because of her back troubles, so they changed back.
While all of the teams advanced through the challenges, the Simpsons fell behind. However, Angie used her mental strength to focus on her late grandma and made it through the task.
Challenge One
In the next challenge, racers had to transport 40 brooms to a furniture shop using bicycles.
Harry Jowsey and Teddy Briggs, who were last in the previous non-elimination round, had to complete an additional task called Speed Bump. They had to collect another 40 brooms and deliver them by hand.
When they found out this tidbit, the reality TV veterans absolutely lost it and had a tantrum in the middle of the street. Producers were bought in and Harry asked them to “put yourself in our shoes”, however, the producers DGAF and basically told them to like it or lump it.
Harry and Teddy decided to put their “big boy pants on” and collected their brooms before ditching them at the shop lady’s feet.
The Amazing Race. Ten.
Regardless, they passed the task but were running far behind.
Elsewhere in the challenge, most contestants completed it without an issue, but Jana and Corr Pittman had another bicker because the mum didn’t realise that the brooms were sticking out the bottom of the bike, which caused them to fail the task the first time round.
Final Challenge
At the final task, contestants had to pick 50 lotus flowers from a field of, well, mud. Hilarity ensued when the celebrities fell face down in the paddocks, and most of them emerged looking like they’d been wrestling piglets.
The Amazing Race. Ten.
Once the flowers had been collected, the contestants had to break off the ends and extract small slivers of silk from the stem These silk threads then had to be rolled together to create one long thin piece.
Emma and Hayley sailed through the task and were the first out, and Harry and Teddy had a miraculous comeback and slotted into second place.
The Checkpoint
With a strong lead, Emma and Hayley were the first to the mat. Harry and Teddy came second and Tristan and Darren came third.
Both Alli and Angie and Jana and Corr were stuck at the silk challenge,. The mum-and-daughter duo emerged just before their competitors and it was Jana and Corr who were eliminated from the race.
It’s episode 10 of SAS Australia 2023 and the season finale and four recruits remain to see if they can make selection on the gruelling SAS course.
While 14 celebrities began the treacherous journey, it’s now down to the final four: Abbey Holmes, Tim Robards, Matthew “Matt” Mitcham andCraig Challen.
These recruits now needed to combine all the skills they’d learned, into a three-phase final mission to pass the course.
“I think the constant on edge, you underestimate the energy that it takes to be in fear,” Tim says.
Tim Robards. Seven
Phase One
Phase 1 was a psychological test, aimed to see if the recruits could control their emotions while recording a death message to their loved ones. Harrowing, but a necessary evil in the real world of war.
At 4.15 am, the DS stormed the bunker where the recruits were sleeping, disoriented and confused, they were evacuated from the premises.
The DS storm camp. Seven
“This camp is now f–king compromised,” Ant Middleton says as the DS placed black bags over the celeb’s heads.
According to Ant, the entire course was designed to “create something that didn’t exist. A super soldier”, adding that every time they go onto the battlefield, they are “willing to give the ultimate sacrifice”.
“I don’t think there’s bravery beyond that.”
The recruits were then bound and hooded, confined to a holding area.
“This will identify any flaws, any weaknesses that they need to enhance,” Ant says.
A recruit, bound and hooded. Seven
Death Messages
After two hours, the recruits are subjected to possibly the most confronting task of the entire experience. A death message for their loved ones. And only those who control their emotions will pass the phase.
“We don’t have room for emotionally weak people. People who can’t control their own emotions, that break down, are a f–king liability,” DS Anthony “Staz” Stazicker says.
Abbey allows her emotions to overwhelm her and fails Phase One, while Tim passes, able to control his response. Craig also passes; however, Matthew fails, upset over the death message.
Abbey Holmes. Seven
Eight hours after being held hostage, the DS free the recruits and Phase One is now complete.
Phase Two
Phase Two was a brutal physical test of grit, determination and stamina with a 45 minute desert run and perilous ascent to the summit of a mountain range.
The desert run and perilous ascent to the summit of a mountain range. Seven
Tim and Matt lead the pack with Craig and Abbey at the rear and after 45 minutes, Tim reaches the base of the mountain, with Matt close behind. Craig, at 58 years old, struggles with fatigue.
The climb is a gruelling 150m of cliff face before a vertical ascent to the summit.
“Once you stop, you’re f–ked!” DS Ollie Ollerton yells as Tim, Matt and Craig head up. Meanwhile, Abbie breaks down at the bottom of the mountain, unsure if she has any more to give.
Abbey breaks down. Seven
DS Ollie gives her a pep talk, telling her there’s no way she’s “pulling the plug” at the last minute. He goes up with her. Legend.
Pushing past “the excruciating pain”, Tim is the first to finish the task; while Matt struggles at the very last hurdle.
“I’ve got nothing left in my arms,” he says, before finally making it! CHEERING!
Matt struggles at the last hurdle. Seven
Craig also makes it to the summit with only Abbey yet to complete the task. She also makes it.
A recruit is culled after Phase Two
Unfortunately, the recruits are in for a rude shock — someone will be culled from selection. While she put up a gallant effort — and after a very dramatic pause by DS Ant — Abbey was culled. Devo.
“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said before later adding, “What this experience has shown me is that your mind and your body is capable of so much more.”
Ant Middleton and Abbey Holmes. Seven
Phase Three
The final phase was a task of pure bravery. The three remaining recruits had to infiltrate enemy territory under heavy fire and locate hostages while risking their own lives to transport them to safety.
Two hostages had to be identified. One with a white headdress and brown kandora while the other had a black and red headdress with a black kandora.
The hostages. Seven
“We need to get these hostages and get the hell out. Use each other to stay alive,” Ant tells the recruits.”F–king start switching on. Today is not the day to f–k this up.”
Even though this was a simulation, it was scary AF and the final three had to have their wits about them. They had to act as a team and use clear communication to clear each building.
The buildings in the final phase of the course. Seven
When moving to one of the buildings, they are spotted and take on enemy fire.
“It’s all guns blazing,” Ant says and no s–t!
Matt then breaks away from his team and runs through the bullets, finding the first hostage.
Matt finds the first hostage. Seven
Finding the second hostage
Meanwhile, the fellow recruits are pinned down by enemy fire and they must find a solution to get the second hostage.
Tim and Matt work together to find the other captured party, but Craig falls behind. Once he meets up with the others, they find the other person but there is a gunman waiting and Tim shoots “the hostile” before Matt calls in for the extraction vehicle and they make a run for it.
The recruits, DS and the hostages head to the extraction cars. Seven
The Final Outcome
After the extraction, the final phase is now complete.
DS Ant tells them that “all in all it was not a bad effort”. Qué?!
After chatting with the DS, he returns to the recruits and reminds them that 97% of people fail the course and reveals for the very first time, that they had been split on their decision.
Finally, Ant revealed that Craig had failed and both Matt and Tim had passed selection!
Dani Lyons opened up about how her husband died in a truly chilling moment on My Mum, Your Dad.
In the premiere episode, the interior decorator spoke to her date Simmo ‘Boss’ about grieving her past relationships. When Boss asked her to elaborate, she revealed that she found her husband dead in bed next to her.
“It was a Sunday morning… I got up and made a drink and came back to bed and I went to nudge him,” she said.
My Mum, Your Dad. Nine.
Dani explained that he felt cold so she thought he had a fever but when she shook him “his whole body moved in one movement”.
“Everything just clicked, he just didn’t wake up. He had a cardiac arrest,” she added.
Dani’s son Brandon recalled the moment
Dani’s son Brandon watched the interaction between Boss and his mum from the bunker and explained what happened to the other sons and daughters.
My Mum, Your Dad. Nine.
“I always still get that flash because it was just like any other normal day,” he began.
“The night before we were all just at the house having a normal family dinner just talking about work and plans for the future and then the next day getting ready for work and then Mum just starts screaming.”
Who was Paul Lyons?
Paul Lyons was a dual-Olympian and competed on Season 2 of Australian Ninja Warrior. He and Dani were together for six years before his death.
“He was the most incredible step-father to my kids,” Dani told Nine Entertainment.
He passed on the 8th of September 2019. Shortly after his death Fighting Lyons Fitness, where Paul was head coach, released an official statement.
“This morning, beloved head coach Paul Lyons passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep. We are still in shock,” part of it read.
Everyone knows that editing plays a big part in reality TV, and it seems that the production crew have been working overtime on The Block with the news that an entire storyline was cut out.
The Block 2023 has seen a whole lot of drama, including friendship breakups, deaths, an audit threat and secret gnome exchange. The rollercoaster of a season has even received multiple complaints to The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) over toxic behaviour displayed by the contestants on the show.
In light of the complaints, Yahoo Lifestyle has reported that the show did some last-minute editing and ditched a dramatic storyline for the end of the season.
“Major edits were made to protect the brand,” a source told the publication.
The Block. Nine.
The insider said that some Blockheads had airtime cut from the season in order to cover up the intended plot. This resulted in some contestants being shown more than others which, the insider said, “isn’t always good for a comprehensive storyline”.
“It is confusing for viewers as fan favourites are now behaving out of character,” they added.
How was The Block meant to end?
The anonymous source hasn’t clarified what the alternate ending was but said that the intention was to “even out the behaviour of everyone” before the final episode.
“This isn’t how the series was originally set to end,” they added, saying that a bigger storyline was “dropped” at the last minute.
The Block. Nine.
When is The Block finale on?
The Block auctions are one of the most highly anticipated TV events of the year, and in 2023 they will take place on Sunday, November 5th. The episode airs on the same day at 7pm and will run for approximately two hours.
Interestingly, Steph and Gian and Liberty and Eliza’s house are valued higher on their listing’s price guide than the other contestants. Both of their houses are estimated to receive between $2.8 million and $3 million while Kyle and Lesley’s, Ash and Leah’s and Brett and Kristy’s are priced between $2.7 million and $2.9 million.
House four. Domain.com.au.
The Block finale airs on November 5th at 7pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.
