In June, Block host Scott Cam bid farewell to Phillip Island, saying he will miss the food and the local residents the most. Before heading off, Scott and co-host Shelly Craft dined at the Phillip Island Winery with friends and family. Scott's wife Ann Cam is sitting next to Shelley, opposite him. Scott's sons Bill and Charlie are each side of him, and his daughter Sarah is sitting next Bill at the end of the table.
At the start of filming, Scott said he had been greeted and approached by locals here more than any other Block location over the past two decades.
Back in June, the Advertiser was given a sneak tour of the five Block houses, with frenetic work by builders right up to the conclusion of filming on Sunday.
Hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft with Ellen Cheeseman at The Island Fun Fair in May, part of a challenge for The Block contestants.
Loving the Fun Fair. Eva, Gigi, Arabella, Asha and Ayla with Block Contestants Maddy and Charlotte.
The Block Island Fun Fair in May on the Cowes foreshore was one of the challenges for the contestants on the show, enjoyed by hundreds of locals.
The Block Shop creator – and wife of the TV show's creator and executive producer Julian Cress – Sarah Armstrong with Clay & Co owner Kaz Morton. The Block buzz hit the Cowes industrial estate, with contestants of the reality TV show filming a challenge at Clay & Co.
Judges Marty Fox, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer spent each weekend on the island judging since filming began at the start of March. Darren said it was his first experience of Phillip Island. "I drive in every weekend, and driving over the water and the bridge I feel instantly calm," he said. "I love arriving here, I love staying here. Everyone is so friendly. Getting my breakfast in the morning, walking down the street, the ocean is everywhere. I'm loving it.”
Judges Marty Fox and Shaynna Blaze, dressed up and ready for the launch of the new season filmed here on Phillip Island.
Scott Cam has been posing for happy snaps with locals galore, including the staff of the Cowes Curry Club and thanked Phillip Islanders for their warm welcome. "A lot of people have come up to me and said hello – in Aldi, at the Curry Club last night, Pino's of course. About 10-15 times a day," said the 62-year-old. "It's about 20 per cent on top of the norm. In my 25-year TV career this is the most I have had."
Bass Coast Shire mayor Clare Le Serve (right) was given a tour of The Block in March, with hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft.
Creator and executive producer of The Block Julian Cress, has a personal connection to the island, spending many Christmas holidays here with his family. This year, after visiting every week before the show kicked off, he based himself on the island from February.
In February Block hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft were spotted at Berrys Beach for a promo shoot.
The contestants of Block Island at Berrys Beach.
Co-host of The Block, Shelley Craft at Berrys Beach.
Scott Cam filming a promo for The Block, in the lead up to the show airing on August 12.
The 2024 season of The Block premiered on TV screens on August 12, but for the last six months, it really has been Block Island for local residents.
The contestants have frequented local stores sourcing material for their houses, while cafes, bars and restaurants have played host to the crew, contestants, judges and presenters Scott Cam and Shelley Craft.
It’s been a busy, sometimes frantic few months for the Block team, but that hasn’t stopped them making friends across the island, including hosting a fun fair on the Cowes foreshore and inviting excited locals to a gala party earlier in the year.
Now the rest of the world gets to experience Block Island and we’re taking this chance to celebrate this unique experience, shining a spotlight on some of the local businesses involved and remembering the highlights of our Block Island journey.
