JULIAN CRESS - THE BLOCK - CHANNEL NINE

This episode on TV RELOAD, I’m joined once again by the man behind Australia’s biggest renovation juggernaut. The Block’s executive producer Julian Cress! Now, this is not just another season of The Block… it’s series 21 and they are about to  officially clock over 1000 episodes.  But rather than rest on their laurels, Julian and the team have shaken things up in a huge way. From strict tools-down rules that were implemented for mental health reasons , to a whole new breed of Blockheads you’re going to be obsessed with.  Julian spills the behind-the-scenes tea on how Daylesford turned on the charm. With “better-than-advertised” weather and support from the local MP-slash-Infrastructure-Minister!  And trust me, there are fireplace vibes and classic block drama in equal measure. He also opens up about: Why this season deliberately dialled back the nastiness and how that’s changed the kind of drama we’re seeing on-screen Whether he’s ever talked to Scotty Cam about his exit plan.  The show’s evolution and whether The Block was ever in danger of “becoming Married at First Sight.” And yes… in relations to the clear message.. that this is a ‘nice’ ‘nice’ season Julian does confirm that someone this season will say “they’re dead to me” before the hammer drops on final auction — it’s tradition! So settle in, whether you’re keen to see what changes this year has install or just tuning in for the Sunday room reveals — this is The Block like you’ve never heard it before.  Timestamps:2:55 - The decision behind a "lighter" season of The Block 6:20 - How the new tools down rules added pressure10:40 - Improvements for Blockhead mental health15:30 - Ben's favorite contestant this season20:10 - Has Scotty Cam discussed an exit plan?22:30 - Was The Block in danger of becoming MAFS? 25:15 - Return of past Block favorites this season27:40 - Is this really the end for Adrian Portelli?29:00 - A momentous 1000th episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.