Andy and Ben are back!

They popped up this week as referees on the very silly ‘Blockstacle Course’ challenge. We find out what Geelong’s favourite school-teacher renovators have been up to since their time on The Soap Factory

Block favourites Andy and Ben were back refereeing for the 'Blockstacle Course'.

In the immediate aftermath of the show, what did you guys do? Did life return to normal?
A - Not really! Ben and I rode the wave for as long as possible doing guest appearances, media interviews, MC gigs, flying interstate, and literally living the dream! 
B - A few opportunities presented after The Block, but it wasn’t something I was personally too keen on pursuing. I really have a passion for teaching, and I think that’s where I belong, [so I went back to that].

Are you still friends with anyone from your season?
B - Andy - barely! Kidding! He’s my best mate and always will be. Also, Kim and Chris - we are very close with them and always make time in the year for either them to get down to Geelong, or us to fly to Newcastle. We also love getting back to The Block and seeing the Producers and crew from our season - we could chew their ears off for hours, and it’s always great seeing them. There’s no bad blood with any other contestants, life just moves on.
A - I’m still good friends with Kim and Chris and speak to them often – they are legends! I also created an awesome friendship with landscaper extraordinaire, Dave Franklin. I love catching up with him for a beer and talking dribble! I’m also still close with Trent and James who were our builders on The Block. They’re both Geelong boys, so we often catch up for a coffee.

What a celebration! "Auction Day was very special and something I’ll never forget," Andy tells Insider Style. Andy and Ben walked away with $510,000 profit in 2016.

What was the best part of your experience on The Block?
B - The best part of The Block experience was our perfect room! Not for the 30/30, but we went onto the show thinking we would struggle to complete anything! To get a win in Week 4 and to achieve a perfect score before anyone else, really made me feel like we deserved our spot there.
A - Honestly, I absolutely loved The Block experience. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I couldn’t recommend it enough. I don’t think there was one moment that stands out as the best - building and styling an apartment in 12 weeks is something I’m very proud of. And obviously, Auction Day was very special and something I’ll never forget. We’ve been fortunate enough to keep in contact with the lady who bought our apartment and have been back a few times. The apartment hasn’t changed, which is cool - it still has the same styling, the same layout, the same furniture etc!


Andy and Ben's perfect guest bedroom. 30 out of 30! 

What was the worst part of your experience?
B - The worst was running out of money! Not being able to finish the apartment the way we wanted to - that hindered our ability to be creative towards the end of the build. We showed early on that we were never short of an idea.
A - Hands down, the hardest thing about The Block is the lack of sleep. I often get asked what hotel I stayed in during filming and if “tools down” really happened at 9am every Sunday. Believe it or not, we lived on-site the entire time and “tools down” really is at 9am every Sunday! No rest for the wicked! 

Would you do it again?
B - I would do it again in a heartbeat! The experience completely changed my life for the better and the uniqueness of The Block really opened me up to a new experience that money just can’t buy. I am so grateful to have been a part of the show and loved every minute of it!
A - 100%, in a heartbeat! No questions asked! It was the best experience of my life. Who knows - you might see Ben and I again for an All-Stars or a Fans vs Faves series! Fingers crossed!   

Andy and Ben help celebrate The Block's Silver Logie win in 2017. 

What does a typical day look like for you guys now? 
B - These days I’m teaching full time - I have a wonderful Grade Six class and seeing the kids grow each day is very rewarding. I’m very lucky to also be part of a weekend radio show with Andy, which allows me to unwind and have a good laugh.
A - My life has changed dramatically since The Block! I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the show, and for that I’m extremely grateful! A typical day for me is the alarm going off at 6am, go to the gym for an hour, come home for breakfast before making my way up the highway from Geelong to Melbourne (one hour drive in good traffic) to film KidsWB. KidsWB is a kids cartoon show on Channel 9 which I co-host alongside Lauren Phillips. I also co-host a weekend breakfast radio show on Krock with Ben, which is a local station in Geelong.
 
Andy co-hosts a kids cartoon show on Channel 9 and also works with Ben hosting a weekend breakfast radio show on Krock, which is a local station in Geelong.

Do you have a favourite past Block couple?
B - I’ve always loved Kyal and Kara. Their season was so good - and they just won everything! SUPER K’s! Post-the show I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of the other contestants and the brothers, Simon and Shannon, are great guys - much like Andy and I! Always up for a good time. Every time we see Michael and Carlene, I always joke that Michael is Andy’s dad (the resemblance is uncanny)!
A - I feel like this is like asking a parent who their favourite child is! Can you just pick one? I loved Dale and Sophie, Kyal and Kara and Simon and Shannon. 


Oh yeah, we see where you are coming from Ben! Andy and Michael doppelganger...

What did you guys do with your prize money from The Block?
B - With the prize money Andy and I won on The Block, it allowed me to put a deposit down on a house. I moved in around July and I’m loving it. This time around I didn’t have anything to do with the build - probably a good thing!


We are so happy these two are still the best of mates!

Have you been watching the show this year?
B - I always love seeing the struggles of the new Blockheads - it makes me feel like we did an okay job! Recently, I did really enjoy seeing Jesse beat Keith on the golf course. Something I’ve never been able to do!