The Block is gearing up for its most glamorous season yet, with producers drawing up a wish list of high-profile contestants as they lock in an exciting new location.
Daily Mail understands that Nine has finalised a major property deal in Victoria, after weeks of intense negotiations over a multimillion-dollar development site.
Further details about the location, including the exact suburb where filming will take place, remain a closely guarded secret at the network.
But Daily Mail’s senior showbiz reporter Ali Daher, the journalist who delivered scoop after scoop on MAFS this year, has the story straight from production sources.
Read on to find out what Nine has in store…
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The Block is set for its most ambitious season with producers securing a Mornington Peninsula location and drawing up a wish list of star contestants. (Pictured: Hamish Blake and Andy Lee)
The Block has secured a prime slice of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, snapping up a development site in Mount Eliza for just under $11million after weeks of negotiations.
Perched on the clifftop enclave 65km south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, Mount Eliza is one of the state’s most coveted coastal escapes, known for its million-dollar views, designer homes and buzzing holiday atmosphere.
The site, purchased from former racing driver and Porsche collector Rusty French, spans 1.35 hectares and is subdivided into 10 premium lots.
Six lots have been secured for The Block’s 2026 season, while the remaining four are either on the market or available for short-term lease.
Long-time Block building partners Nine in Six were spotted in branded gear at a local café before the deal was finalised, sparking rumours weeks before confirmation.
The location revelation comes as producers quietly approach big-name talent for a potential ‘celebrity edition’ of the show, with auction proceeds tipped to go to charity.
Whether the celebrity edition will take place in Mount Eliza or is being planned for a future season remains unclear.
At the top of the list are comedy duo Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, Olympic legend Cathy Freeman and various Married At First Sight alumni.
Daily Mail can reveal that Channel Nine’s hit renovation series has snapped up a development site in Mount Eliza (pictured) for just under $11million following weeks of negotiations
Pictured: The Block hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft during the 2022 season finale
While dream names like Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli have been floated internally, insiders admit those stars are unlikely to sign on.
MAFS fan favourites Dave Hand and Al Perkins are also being courted, along with Love Triangle tradie Alan Wallace.
‘They’re seeking instantly recognisable personalities who will bring charisma and energy to the build,’ a production insider says.
‘It’s not just about picking up a hammer – it’s about giving viewers the kind of moments they’ll still be talking about the next day.’
Another source adds: ‘This isn’t about chasing influencers for their follower count.
Perched on the clifftop enclave 65km south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, Mount Eliza is one of the state’s most coveted coastal escapes, known for its million-dollar views and designer homes
The site, purchased from former racing driver and Porsche collector Rusty French, spans 1.35 hectares and is subdivided into 10 premium lots
Six of these have been secured for The Block’s 2026 season, with the remaining four either on the market or under short-term lease
Long-time Block building partners Nine in Six were spotted in branded gear at a local café before the deal was finalised, sparking rumours weeks before confirmation
The location revelation comes as producers quietly approach big-name talent for a potential ‘celebrity edition’ of the show, with auction proceeds tipped to go to charity
At the top of the list is Olympic legend Cathy Freeman (pictured)
While dream names like MAFS couple Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli have been floated internally, insiders admit those stars are unlikely to sign on
Dave Hand from MAFS (left) and Alan Wallace from Love Triangle (right) are being considered
‘They want Australians who’ve earned their place in the spotlight, who are respected, and who’ll roll up their sleeves and have fun with it.’
According to marketing material from luxury agency Kay & Burton, the development sits on an elevated site with panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay, and has been master-planned to make the most of its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.
Residences are designed with generous floor plans, premium finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.
The location is just a 10-minute walk from the beach, and a stone’s throw away from the bustling Mount Eliza Village.
It’s also close to elite schools, including Peninsula Grammar and Toorak College, as well as scenic trails at Mount Eliza Regional Park, and essential services like Frankston Hospital.
Easy access to Peninsula Link means commuting to Frankston or Melbourne’s CBD is a breeze, too.
The move to Mount Eliza marks a major change for The Block, which in recent years has transformed properties in rural and suburban settings like Daylesford, Gisborne and Brighton.
The coastal glamour of the Mornington Peninsula is set to usher in a fresh aesthetic for the show, highlighted by sweeping bay views and innovative beach house designs.
