The Block’s Scott Cam issues public apology
Two contestants on The Block have received a rare apology, delivered by host Scott Cam on behalf of the show amid claims of “unfair” treatment.
Sunday night’s episode of the show saw contestants Omar and Oz fuming as they were the only team unable to present their work-from-home space.
After the show’s builder ran out of time to finish the roof on the team’s shed due to bad weather, the duo questioned why their shed was left until last - something which they say has happened repeatedly during the season.
“We’re the only contestants on The Block that doesn’t have a roof on their shed at the moment,” Omar said.
“It does feel like we haven’t had the right end of the deal on this Block at all. We’re still trying to produce rooms, and it’s finally come to a stage where we’re being told ‘You’re not going to get the room [finished].
“It’s not fair, that’s for sure.”
While foremen Keith and Dan had apologised to the team and offered them the option to get help from their brothers - who were onsite for a family visit - to paint the space to make up for their lack of a roof, Omaz and Oz politely refused.
The pair predicted that the first-of-its-kind Block offer would just lead to complaints from the other teams who didn’t receive the same allowance.
As a result, the shed was left with tarps up and water damage by the time judging came around, ruining Omar and Oz’s chances of winning this week.
Ahead of the judging, Cam addressed the pair’s complaints and apologised.
:On a personal note, I want to apologise to Omar and Oz on behalf of The Block. What with the rain we’ve had over the last month, we were unable to finish your shed – and therefore, you were unable to finish your room. So for that, we say sorry,” he told them.
The host said he had also instructed the judges to evaluate the room as if it was finished, before revealing that there had been some changes to the judging panel.
Judges Neale Whittaker and Shaynna Blaze were absent from Sunday’s episode after they both contracted Covid.
As the one remaining judge, Darren Palmer was joined by former Block winners Alisa and Lysandra.
Despite setbacks beyond their control, Omar and Oz claimed third place for their shed, with Tom and Sarah-Jane earning their fifth win for theirs, which included a home office, wine tasting area and home entertainment room.
The episode ended on a high note for all the contestants, who received the good news that they would be getting a new $90,000 budget to complete the landscaping on their sprawling blocks.
Images: Nine