The Block 2026 Episode 36 recap: A theory that Chantel’s rich lister brother in law is going to buy their house sweeps the show

Jolene and Adam came home strong, securing 29 per cent of the Open for Inspection votes to take out the $50,000 prize. In a shock twist, judges’ favourites Courtney and Sev proved the least popular with the crowd, netting an unlucky 13 per cent of the votes.

A mix of familiar faces and special guests toured the properties, including Real Housewife of Melbourne Gamble Breaux, alongside buyers’ advocates Frank Valentic and Nicole Jacobs. Serial bidder Danny Wallis was given the five-star tour by host Scott Cam, ultimately casting his vote for Jolene and Adam’s home. Wallis was far less enamoured with Rick and Tayla’s efforts, declaring it the year’s wooden spoon.

Inside Block star Rick’s luxury Ocean Grove property

Meet Block fill-in foreman Leonie Akhidenor

Danny Wallis doesn’t hold back his feelings about Rick and Tayla’s house.

“It will be a cheap one,” Wallis told an awkward-looking Cam. When asked if he wanted to see the rest of the property, he bluntly replied, “Nah,” before making a hasty exit.

The cash injection put a smile on Jolene’s dial, though laughter turned to tears when she realised Lisa and Rosco were the only ones to congratulate them. It was a particularly gracious gesture from the serial bridesmaids, who are now left with no money for their landscaping. While Jolene viewed the cold shoulder as proof of how frosty things had become following “bowl-gate” and the lounge room mirror copying, Adam took a more sympathetic stance.

Courtney and Sev – before finding out just 13 per cent of viewers liked their house best.

“Both Rick and Tayla and the girls got really low scores so it must have been heartbreaking for them,” Adam offered diplomatically. “Especially the girls because they thought they had the winning house and to get the lowest score must have hurt their souls.”

Courtney and Sev were clearly hurting, and things will only get worse when they discover their rivals are now armed with a secret bonus-point gnome handed over by Shelley Craft. Prior to the inspection, the girls had called in their landscaper to dress the front yard, prompting Rick to pull in a favour for a few pot plants after Foreman Dan drew a line through Tayla’s Inspection night party plan.

Tayla had wanted a launch party to remember complete with a photo wall and a tattoo artist, but without a permit, she had to make do without inking her guests.

Adam pulled out his own big guns for self-promotion, unfurling a massive picture of himself and Jolene on the side of the building — facing directly into Chantel and Wyatt’s house.

Chantel and Wyatt were not happy, especially with Wyatt spending his 30th birthday doing manual labour and eating protein bars. Even a gift basket of oats from Dan didn’t put a spring in his step.

Wyatt is overjoyed to be spending his 30th birthday on The Block.

“Sure it’s his birthday, but imagine winning 50 grand on your birthday,” Dan argued, wanting Wyatt to get his head in the game.

The pair’s relaxed attitude started ringing alarm bells for Courtney, who speculated they might have a secret weapon for auction day, namely Chantel’s tobacco tycoon brother-in-law Travers ‘The Candyman’ Beynon.

“They must have some billionaire lined up who will come in and wipe us all out of the park,” Courtney speculated. “Because why else would you not care?”

The theory spread like wildfire.

“All the pennies are dropping,” Jolene said. “It would explain why they are not taking on any feedback from the judges … But to be honest my care factor is zero because I don’t think House Two is any competition whatsoever.”

Hearing the persistent rumours, Chantel and Wyatt quickly shut them down.

“At this moment in time Travers is not buying our house,” Chantel giggled, “but maybe we will ask, because it’s a great idea.”

FINAL OPEN FOR INSPECTION SCORES

Jolene and Adam 29 per cent

Lisa and Rosco 23 per cent

Chantel and Wyatt 20 per cent

Rick and Tayla 15 per cent

Courtney and Sev 13 per cent

MISSED AN EPISODE? HERE’S ALL OUR RECAPS SO FAR

Episode 1: First tears shed on season 22 of The Block

Episode 2: ‘I will shut you down’

Episode 3: ‘I won’t help them again’