“You don’t necessarily need to know how to swing a hammer to do The Block”

Do you really need renovation experience to compete on The Block?

Not according to executive producer Julian Cress.

“We love people that have the energy and enthusiasm to give it a shot,” says Cress.

“We’ve had people who say they can’t build. You don’t necessarily need to know how to swing a hammer to do The Block. But it helps.”

Remarkably, over 17 seasons of the hit Nine show, a lack of experience also hasn’t ever resulted in a disaster for producers.

“Probably our most novice teams that we’ve ever had on the show we cast in our very first series: Phil & Amity. They had no idea what they were doing. Not only did they survive that first series, but when we brought them back, they won the All Star series,” Cress tells TV Tonight.

“I remember Amity picked up a tool one day and said to Phil,’ What’s this?’ And he said ‘It’s an angle grinder. It grinds angles.’ He had no idea. But they did have the ability to work really well and identify good tradesmen, build good relationships and they were good at budgeting.We’ve had people who are really good at trades, but terrible at budgeting. The wheels come off there too.”

Casting for Season 18 is currently underway and will see teams undertake a “tree change” season. But there are no additional skills required other than what viewers have seen since 2003.

“I don’t think it’s about being a really talented renovator to get through The Block. It’s about having a really strong relationship and being willing to work extremely hard and have a the ability to learn very quickly,” he continues.

“Most people in Australia, at some point in their life, renovate their home. Now most people in Australia aren’t builders, but they’re willing to give it a shot. They’re willing to pick up the phone, get a tradie in, pick the tiles themselves, choose the vanity, run the numbers, make sure it comes in on budget.

“I mean, you don’t have to be a builder to renovate in Australia. Pretty much everybody gives it a go at some point.”

Casting continues until October 18. You can apply here.