Filming has officially
Before the first nail is hammered, there is already drama surrounding the new season, with producers scrambling behind the scenes after a surprise contestant exit forced a last-minute casting shake-up.
The latest group of hopeful Blockheads arrived in last week for induction, where they were introduced to the show and briefed by network executives ahead of filming.
But according to insiders, the start of production almost looked very different.
Sources claim the series originally planned to feature teams representing each of Australia's major states – a casting tradition the show has often followed in previous seasons.
However, the team unexpectedly withdrew just days before filming, leaving producers racing to fill the vacant spot.
Filming has officially kicked off for the 2026 season of The Block and it's shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet
Before the first nail is hammered, there is already drama surrounding the new season, with producers scrambling behind the scenes after a surprise contestant exit forced a last-minute casting shake-up. Pictured: The blue team is reportedly the new addition to the cast
'The NSW pair pulled out at the last minute,' a production insider told Daily Mail.
'It meant producers had to move very quickly to bring in a replacement team before cameras started rolling.'
In a surprising twist, the last-minute arrivals are a second couple from Queensland, meaning the upcoming season will now feature two Queensland teams competing against contestants from Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Filming officially began on Monday at the show's new building site in Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula.
The first day of production saw contestants meet long-time host Scott Cam, before launching straight into the season's opening challenge.
The task determines which team will receive each house and the colours they'll wear throughout the competition.
For some contestants, the experience was overwhelming.
'The first day felt completely unreal,' one participant revealed.
'The NSW pair pulled out at the last minute,' a production insider told Daily Mail. 'It meant producers had to move very quickly to bring in a replacement team before cameras started rolling.'
Filming officially began on Monday at the show's new building site in Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula. The first day of production saw contestants meet long-time host Scott Cam, before launching straight into the season's opening challenge
For some contestants, the experience was overwhelming. 'The first day felt completely unreal,' one participant revealed
Despite the last-minute drama, the mood on set appeared decidedly airy. That's because the cast took to the skies in hot air balloons to film what appeared to be a promo for the upcoming season
Hosts Scott Cam and Shelly Craft stood inside the wicker baskets as they were lifted into the air.
The pair looked very much in their element, smiling and waving to the crew on the ground
Contestants also joined the promo, climbing into the baskets for the eye-catching shoot.
'These are eager newcomers who are really hungry to prove themselves,' the insider said.
'But with the pressure of the competition and the personalities involved, the drama is already starting to build.'
If the chaotic start to filming is anything to go by, the upcoming season of The Block could be
