Trouble for The Block? Channel Nine show faces major delay for one big reason

The 2025 season of The Block reportedly suffered a serious issue that caused production to be postponed.

An industry insider exclusively told Ny Breaking Australia that filming was due to begin in Daylesford this month but has now been postponed.

Production on the hit Channel Nine reality renovation series will now reportedly begin in February, after a month’s delay.

And the reason for the delay? Our source revealed that producers aren’t exactly enamored with the sheer volume of contestants signed up for the show’s 21st season.

They claimed that casting producers have had crisis meetings with nine executives this week because they are unhappy with the 2025 lineup presented so far.

“Desperate measures are being taken to make the show suitable for the next series,” the source said.

‘There was a noticeable absence of what Channel Nine wanted to show later this year.’

The source said Nine was interested in bringing in “older and wiser” contestants for 2025, in a bid to move away from the on-screen drama that has become a fixture on the show in recent seasons.

Much of the 2024 season was dominated by the controversial ‘flirtgate scandal’ involving husband and wife team Brad and Kylie Baker and their co-star Mimi Belperio.

“The Nine network wants to move up a gear from what we’ve seen in recent years, but the problem is that the 2025 series hasn’t attracted the right kind of candidates,” the source said.

“The show has had a toxic culture and what happens when a trend like that happens is that similar people sign up.

“There are people who want to be the next Kylie and Brad and there are people who want to be the next Kristy and Brett [the 2023 ‘villains’].

“That’s the nature of these reality shows. The people signing up seem to be looking back at what we just saw and trying to emulate that.”

The source claimed that the network is now more interested in attracting participants who are environmentally conscious.

“The type of characters Channel Nine is looking for are Australians who think about the environment and practice sustainability,” they said.

‘The applicants must be dynamic and willing to come up with new ideas.’

The source also took the time to praise the network for listening to what Block fans really want after the drama-filled final season divided fans, with some claiming the show was trying to become some sort of Married At First Sight.

“The good news is that Channel Nine is listening to their audience,” they added.

‘Older, wiser and inactive ideas are what the real fans want.

“It will be a draw if it succeeds and I’m sure Nine will be happy to postpone the shoot if the right couples are found to shake up recent seasons.”

Daly Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.

While viewers may think they’ve seen it all on the drama-packed reality TV show, the 2025 season will bring yet another never-before-seen twist.

Contestants will have to build their luxury homes from scratch in a new storyline that is sure to inject even more tension into the already time-pressured and stressful construction works.

The 2025 season will take place in the central Victorian town of Daylesford, and the contestants will reportedly have to use their talents to build their home from the ground up.

According to Realestate.com.au, the planning documents submitted to Hepburn Shire Council include five new parcels that will provide a starting point for participants.

Previously, Blockheads had been tasked with renovating an existing property or, in the case of the 2022 season, renovating houses shipped to the Gisborne location.

In a monumental challenge, the 2025 participants will have to complete the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan, including a study, living space and a garage.

The homes will also include other luxury amenities, including a covered outdoor area and a heated swimming pool.

The documents, submitted by Group Architects, also suggest the five homes will be almost identical two-storey eco-friendly developments.

Daylesford was set to be the location of The Block’s 2024 season, but production was ultimately moved to Phillip Island after a scheduling dispute.

Despite plans for the proposed setting being approved by the Hepburn Shire, Nine was subsequently challenged at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The network was reportedly forced to cancel $500,000 worth of accommodations it had booked for the show’s cast and crew.

“We’ve had so many successful series in so many different locations, but we don’t go where we’re not welcome,” a production insider told the Herald Sun at the time.

In December, the application was finally approved by the Victorian Planning Minister to build five homes on a 2,000 sqm plot of land owned by Hygge Property.

Daylesford is located 114km from Melbourne and its unique combination of natural beauty, historic charm and vibrant local culture provides a stunning backdrop, ideal for the show.

“Daylesford has a robust national tourism brand – unlike other places we don’t rely on sun, sand or snow to attract visitors,” says Belle Property Daylesford managing director Will Walton, who is selling the site for an undisclosed price Nine sold. said.

“We are recognized as a culinary destination, known for our high-end award-winning restaurants.

‘This focus on food and wine is a key driver for our tourism sector and also stimulates our holiday investment market.’