Listen to me, kid!

After everything they’ve been through, The 2020 Brighton Blockheads have some advice for the next contestants.

Ask any Block contestant what it’s like to compete in the tough renovation contest and they’ll all tell you the same thing – you’ll never know unless you do it!

It’s the reason friendships made on The Block last so long, they say, because only those who’ve been through the late nights, the tough deadlines and the relentless pressure can understand just what the experience was.

But as members of that elite club, the ones who made it through, The Blockheads also know only they can prepare future contestants for what’s ahead.

So as the 17th season of The Block fast approaches, we asked the 2020 teams what advice they had for the next set of teams getting ready to face The Block in 2021.

“Do some research,” Harry says. “Look at previous episodes of The Block so you know exactly which room is most likely to be done first and then what’s most likely to be next.

“Make sure your trades are under control, that you get a good tiler… and make sure you watch your budget!

“Use your sponsors as best you can and all those Block Bucks because when it comes down to the end and you're going to the finish line that's when you need your money to get it all finished.”

And just be yourself, adds Tash.

“I know it sounds cliched, but just be yourself,” she says. “Coming into this knowing that you’re on a reality TV show you get a little bit conscious at the start of how you act, but people want to know you, so I think it's important that you just let them know exactly who you are.

Harry & Tash's Top Tip: Learn the lingo. “Learn what builder terms like LVLs and flanges mean, all the terminology that foremen Dan and Keith think you know but you won't if you're not in the trades.”

Don’t kid yourself, warns George, no matter how much you think you know this will be tough, it’ll be tougher.

“Do not come here and under-estimate The Block, because The Block will slap you in the face,” George says.

“In the beginning, we came here thinking: ‘Oh mate, we’ll smash this!’ and it just doesn't work like that! Be prepared.”

And be prepared to support each other adds Sarah.

“Rely on your partner,” she says. “If you don't have your partner to rely on you won't really enjoy the experience as much as we did, because I lift up George when he’s down and he lifts me up. I mean this experience is hard enough so you've got to make sure that you really rely on your partner.”

 Sarah & George's Top Tip: Enjoy every single moment. “I think we were the best example of how you can get stuck in a rut thinking: ‘I want to go home!’, but when you go home you realise how awesome the experience is!”

For South Australians Daniel and Jade, the advice is to trust your own judgement and back yourself when you make a decision.

“Just be true to who you are,” Jade says.

“Own what you do, own what you say. You know when you pick something don't let anyone else be conflicting, just do you. Come on here and be you.

Daniel & Jade's Top Tip: Relax while you can. “Work hard, treat every minute like it's your last when you’re here,” says Daniel… and start sleeping now!”

You’ll be tired and you’ll be busy, say West Australian’s Jasmin and Luke, but take a moment to grab some memories along the way.

“Get your own camera out and film as much content as you can,” says Jasmin. “Because even though there's always cameras filming everything, not everything makes the cut (and gets to air) and you want to remember those moments.

“And have fun,” says Luke, “remember that this is an experience as well!”

If you can, Jas adds, try to keep the “Winners are Grinners Dinner” tradition alive and remember to have fun even when it’s busy. “Have a beer between coats (of paint)!” she laughs.

Luke & Jasmin's Top Tip: Get to know your fellow Blockheads. “It’s important to remember this is a competition,” says Luke, “but also remember you can also make some lifelong mates here.”

For Queenslanders Jimmy and Tam, the advice is to play hard, but play by the rules.

“My advice from the construction side of things is to play by Keith and Dan's rules,” Jimmy says.

“If you've watched The Block it's evident that if you try and go behind their back or try sneak things around (them) you will get slowed down and you will have a hard time on The Block so just play by their rules.”

And like Jasmin, Tam says try to have fun

“The whole situation is very stressful so if you can wake up each day with a pep in your step and create your own fun then your experience will be so much better.”

Jimmy & Tam's Top Tip: Don’t waste a moment. “You're only going to get this experience once,” Tam says, “so take advantage of every minute!”


Everything about The Block 2021 including meeting all the contestants HERE