The Block heartthrob Ricky Recard breaks his silence over cheating allegations and ‘love rat’ claims after he dumped his ex for a married woman

The Block heartthrob Ricky Recard has responded to accusations from his abandoned ex-girlfriend Lauren Smith that he is a ‘love rat’.

The controversial reality star made headlines this week after it was revealed that he dumped Lauren just before a dream trip abroad to pursue a relationship with married makeup artist Erin Lee, whom he met while filming the reality show.

Ricky, 34, told Fifi, Fev & Nick on Tuesday that he was shocked that Lauren would air the former couple’s dirty laundry in public.

This curious confession came after presenter Brendan Fevola broached the sensitive subject.

“Now, Ricky, you little love rat,” he said. “Your ex came out, Lozza, and she called you a love rat. What happened, man? Did you do it with a 40-year-old mother or something?” Brendan asked the reality star.

It seemed that Ricky wasn’t happy with his new nickname. He responded, “Man, love rat is hard.”

After admitting that Lauren had indeed given Ricky a bad review, the star admitted he was surprised she spoke out.

“I was quite shocked,” he said.

“I’m shocked when someone goes to the media about something like that. That’s not really my style.”

Rickey admitted he had no ill will towards his former flame and revealed his relationship with Erin had already been rekindled before filming began on the latest series of The Block.

“I have nothing bad to say about her,” Ricky said.

‘I was lucky enough to meet Erin just before The Block started filming, on one of the launch days we had there [in Phillip Island].

“I’m shocked when someone goes to the media about something like that. That’s not really my style,” Ricky revealed, pictured with his new flame Erin Lee.

‘I was lucky enough to meet Erin just before The Block started filming, on one of the launch days we had there [in Phillip Island]’, he added

“She absolutely fell in love with the set, didn’t she?” Brendan asked, referring to the colorful retro tracksuit and matching hat Ricky was wearing.

Ricky noted that The Block provided a great opportunity for romance.

“It wasn’t her kitmate, I honestly don’t know what she fell in love with,” he replied.

‘Apparently The Block is good for a number of things: it’s not just a place to build dream homes for potential families, but also a place to create a love story.’

“We’re very happy,” Ricky added.

Ny Breaking Australia exclusively revealed that the 34-year-old plumber broke up with Lauren Smith after she waited for him at home for three months while he filmed the new series of Nine’s renovation show in Phillip Island.

Just days after the split, he announced that he was now in a relationship with married mother of two Erin Lee. Lee had broken up with her heartbroken husband to be with the star of the show.

To make matters worse, Recard immediately flew off on vacation with his new lover, leaving Lauren alone for their romantic trip to Mexico for her 30th birthday.

“I was completely surprised,” she told Ny Breaking Australia.

“I took care of his dogs and his house for three months, while also helping his employee with the business.”

His heartbreaking ex-girlfriend Lauren Smith says she was ‘overwhelmed’ after looking after his dog and house-sitting for three months while he was busy filming The Block

Lauren said the couple had planned a holiday abroad to celebrate her milestone birthday, which would be the first time she had been away from their daughter.

“We were supposed to go for my 30th birthday in early July, but we broke up about two weeks after he got back from filming,” she said.

“When I was in Mexico, I found out that he had apparently started a relationship with Erin while I was away.”

Melbourne native Ricky has taken to social media to proudly boast about his budding relationship with the 40-year-old mother of two.

The couple flew to Port Douglas in north Queensland last month and kicked off their relationship on his private Instagram page.

Ricky Recard, left, has impressed female fans after joining The Block, alongside his best mate Haydn Wise (pictured) in the yellow team

He posted a photo of the couple together with the caption: ‘Beach time with this beautiful girl.’

On Thursday, Ms Lee also shared her experiences with Recard, saying: ‘Sometimes the path we never planned leads us to better things and the happiness we always needed.

“Trust the journey.”

Erin’s estranged husband Lucas Day – who is a doppelganger of love rival Ricky – insists his wife only got involved with the Block tradie after their marriage ended

“We’re separated now and I’ve come to terms with it,” he told Ny Breaking Australia.

“They got back together after we broke up, when he came back from Mexico in July. That was the end of it.”

Day also admitted that he bears a striking resemblance to Ms Lee’s new lover, calling the resemblance between the two “strange.”

“It’s a little strange, that’s for sure,” he said.

Lauren shared a glowing post about her now ex on Instagram

In a recent interview with New Idea, Ricky confirmed his new lover, but he did not mention her name.

Oddly enough, he claimed that despite working as a makeup artist on The Block, she was unaware of his role on the show.

“I can definitely say she was impressed, and why wouldn’t she be?” he said.

‘The reason she was impressed wasn’t because I’m on The Block. She thinks it’s quite funny.

‘She didn’t know I was on The Block when we first met.’

Ricky and his new love enjoyed a trip to Port Douglas together last month

He even claimed she was making fun of him and joked that she was now dating “someone famous.”

Ricky also responded to viewers who called him the heartthrob in this year’s highly anticipated 20th anniversary series.

He has gained a large female fan base, with many viewers calling him their biggest crush, as they are in love with his tough looks.

Fans are also charmed by his positive attitude and cheeky sense of humor, calling Ricky’s Yellow Team their favorite on social media.

The plumber laughed at being called a celebrity crush, insisting he wasn’t famous enough to be given that label.

“I don’t know if I really consider myself a celebrity,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle.

“I think as a celebrity you should have an honest resume, right? Like Shelley [Craft]She has had The List for years – Saturday Disney, Funniest Home Videos, The Block.

“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.”

Ny Breaking Australia has reached out to Ricky and Nine Network for comment.

Lucas Day (right) admits he bears a striking resemblance to his ex’s new lover