The Block judge Marty Fox has said he leans towards Adam and Jolene's home as the one most likely to succeed at auction. He pointed to the kitchen and its connection to the living and dining spaces. All five homes carry a $3.45 million reserve and a price guide of $3.6 million to $3.9 million. Fox said buyers want luxury they can live in, and that storage, privacy and natural light matter. The Block airs Sunday at 7pm on 9Now and the Nine Network.
Former Block winner Steph Ottavio has defended Courtney and Sev against personal online criticism. She warned that the judges' praise was helping turn viewers against the pair. Courtney and Sev paid $14,500 for a wine cellar reportedly worth about $100,000, which sparked questions about the show's discount rules. Host Scott Cam accepted that the installation qualified under the rules. Ottavio said she preferred the straight-lined design of rivals Adam and Jolene, but believed criticism had become too personal. She urged viewers to remember that contestants are people, and advised Courtney and Sev not to read hostile comments.
Courtney and Sev and Jolene and Adam finished tied on The Block after a dispute over their wine cellars. Judges were impressed by both teams' joinery, but Jolene was angry that Courtney and Sev had secured a deeper discount on their wine rack. Sev said she classed the timber racks as artwork, where pricing is at the artist's discretion. Lisa and Rosco won the weekly budgeting prize of $10,000. Both tied teams won $5000 each.
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Judge Shaynna Blaze has explained how scoring works on The Block 2026 after viewers questioned the judges' decisions. She says each judge scores differently, but the final scores tend to land close together. Blaze said judges consider factors such as layout, buyer profile and following the brief, and that personal taste does not play a role. She also said some leniency was applied this season due to time constraints, with all contestants receiving the same treatment. Blaze said she would not change any of her scores. Judges Marty Fox and Darren Palmer declined to answer further questions on scoring.
Adam and Jolene have won episode 41 of The Block, finishing with 29 points to Courtney and Sev's 28.25. Their victory came after a secret bonus point they won the previous week. Judges praised their outdoor kitchen but criticised a high table that blocked the view of the pool. Courtney and Sev were praised for their large deck, though judges said it was not fully finished. Lisa and Rosco were judged to have the weakest pool area of the day.
