Block winners Maddy and Charlotte Harry have all but confirmed Adrian Portelli’s claims that the Channel Nine show was faked after he bought their renovated Phillip Island property for $3.5 million on Sunday night.
The sisters have become The Block’s youngest-ever auction winners, taking home an eye-watering $1.65 million win in the nail-biting finale.
Maddy, 24, and Charlotte, 22, also took home an extra $100,000 for their monumental win.
The Melbourne-based sisters confirmed to Ny Breaking Australia that they knew Portelli had his eye on their property even during filming for the series.
Regular billionaire Block also bought the other four properties that evening, spending a total of $15.03 million.
“Adrian showed interest in all the houses from the start,” Charlotte said.
“We had had quite a few conversations with Adrian over the last few weeks and spent some time together, so we knew he was interested in all the houses,” she said.
“It was surreal to watch it unfold, but we feel incredibly fortunate that he invested in ours.”
Block winners Maddy and Charlotte Harry have all but confirmed Adrian Portelli’s claims that the Channel Nine show was faked after he bought their renovated Phillip Island property for $3.5 million on Sunday night.
The Melbourne sisters confirmed to Ny Breaking Australia that they knew Portelli had his eye on their property while filming the series.
Charlotte and Maddy also admitted they knew Adrian would spare no expense when it came to their house, despite being the last to go under the hammer.
“Adrian was genuinely interested in the common area and seemed to have several properties in mind,” Charlotte said.
Their comments come after Portelli confirmed to Nova’s Jase & Lauren that the auction order had been predetermined.
‘We have hand-selected the auction order to ensure that the girls [Maddy and Charlotte Harry] went last. So we can let them win,” Portelli began.
“Adrian showed interest in all the houses from the start,” Charlotte said. (Pictured with Adrian at the auction)
Portelli revealed that it was decided that their house would be the last to be auctioned, adding to the drama.
‘The girls thought it was important. They came in late. They were the underdogs, picked on and bullied.”
He said Maddy and Charlotte had been informed in advance as to why their properties would be auctioned last, adding that the other participants were left in the dark.
“It was just the girls [who were in on the plan]. How good is that? They are the sweetest and most innocent and played the game the best.”
The reality of reality TV: ‘staged’ moments and drama
Maddy and Charlotte also addressed claims that The Block is ‘staged’ to create extra drama.
‘Of course things are sometimes taken out of context. It’s reality TV, everyone likes a bit of drama,” Charlotte told Ny Breaking Australia.
When asked about participants who may have been unfairly portrayed, Maddy kept it simple.
“To be honest, we were just focusing on ourselves. We stayed on our own path and didn’t get involved in the drama, so I can’t really comment on that,” she added.
Their comments come after Portelli confirmed to Nova’s Jase & Lauren that the auction order had been predetermined. ‘We have hand-selected the auction order to ensure that the girls [Maddy and Charlotte Harry] went last. So we can let them win,” Portelli began
The secret of their victory
The couple’s serene, coastal-inspired property received rave reviews after the couple created a peaceful, cozy retreat that caught the attention of potential buyers.
“We wanted a holiday home atmosphere that felt comfortable and peaceful, and I think that’s exactly what we achieved,” said Charlotte.
‘People told us it felt peaceful and cozy, and that’s what you want in a holiday home.’
Block fan favorite Dan and Danni Healy were among those who declared Maddy and Charlotte winners early on.
“We watched the Dan and Danni series, and Danni gave us a lot of praise throughout the season,” Maddy said.
“Her ultimate prediction was that we would win, and that’s exactly what happened.”
Public walkthroughs also boosted their confidence, with many attendees naming their home as the standout place.
“People told security, ‘If we could buy one, we’d buy theirs,’” Maddy noted.
As for the hefty winnings, Charlotte and Maddy revealed they would invest it in property
Prize money and plans for the future
As for their hefty winnings, Charlotte jokingly stated that she might take it all for herself.
‘I’m going to take the whole lot…just kidding! We will definitely split it and most likely invest together. We would like to buy another building and renovate it again, that could be exciting!’ she said.
Now that The Block experience is behind them, Maddy and Charlotte are ready for a well-deserved holiday and are already looking forward to new projects for the new year.
“We hope to find new premises as soon as possible so that we can start another renovation next year,” Charlotte revealed.
“We learned so much, and we’re excited to take that into our next project.”
In the short term, however, the sisters plan to recharge over Christmas.
Now that The Block experience is behind them, Maddy and Charlotte are ready for a well-deserved holiday and are already looking forward to new projects for the new year
“We’re definitely taking some time to relax over the holidays,” Maddy said.
“We’ve been working non-stop for six months, so we owe our family and friends some quality time after being so engrossed in the show.”
As for a possible return to television, Maddy and Charlotte are not ruling it out.
“Never say never,” Charlotte teased.
‘We would consider doing another show together, but it has to be the right timing and the right match. But for now, we’re ready to get back to normal life and perhaps explore other opportunities in the real estate world. You never know what comes next!’
“If the timing was right, we would consider doing another show together,” Maddy added.
“But for now, we’re just looking forward to some family time. We owe them that after being missing for the past six months.”
Maddy and Charlotte admitted they weren’t surprised to see fellow contestants Kylie and Brad Baker turn up on auction day, despite previous claims they wouldn’t be attending
The pair added that any tensions between the participants will be a thing of the past. ‘Life is too short to be bitter. We’re happy to be friends with everyone,” Maddy said. ‘It’s water under the bridge for us’
Old rivalries, new friendships
Maddy and Charlotte admitted they weren’t surprised to see fellow contestants Kylie and Brad Baker turn up on auction day, despite previous claims they wouldn’t be attending.
“I think it would be stupid if you weren’t there to raise some money,” Charlotte said.
“We are genuinely happy for them – they worked hard and they deserved a win for their family.”
The pair added that any tensions between the participants will be a thing of the past.
‘Life is too short to be bitter. We’re happy to be friends with everyone,” Maddy said. ‘It’s water under the bridge for us.’