The Block contestants Courtney and Sev were left stranded on site after Foreman Dan locked the gates on them just one minute past the show's strict 6pm knock-off time, in a Tuesday night episode that revealed the tough new rules are not a bluff.
Dan shut the gate with the pair's car still trapped inside, saying he hoped they didn't need their vehicle that night. He told the best friends that 6:00 means 6:00, not 6:02, that the gates were locked, and that they would have to get a lift with someone else.
Courtney and Sev had already been under pressure, worried their overwhelmed building team was close to walking off the job. They later said it was 6:01pm when they were loading into their car when Dan locked the gates on them, trapping the car inside, and told them they would have to find their own way home because they weren't taking the car, adding it was too bad.
Their plasterer gave them a lift home, and the pair resolved to try harder the following day. The strict deadline came as contestants raced to finish insulation ahead of crucial inspections.
New rules unveiled at premiere
The Block returned for 2026 with contestants facing a major new hurdle before the first room has even been judged. Host Scott Cam unveiled sweeping changes during Sunday night's premiere, including a new House Decider challenge and strict council-imposed work-hour restrictions at the Mount Eliza worksite.
Cam teased the season's 12-week renovation schedule, floor plans and new rules by telling contestants they weren't going to believe what he had. The biggest change to the Channel Nine renovation show comes immediately: instead of moving straight into their homes, the five teams will spend the opening week renovating a guest bedroom in a property they may not end up keeping.
Winners get first pick of homes
The winners of the first room reveal will get first pick of the five luxury homes, while the team finishing last will be left with whichever property remains.
The biggest surprise is a new set of time restrictions that could dramatically change the pace of the competition. In line with local council requirements, tradies and contestants will only be allowed on site from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, with reduced hours of 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Sundays are reserved exclusively for judging.
Cam warned contestants it was going to be tough, and that they would be working the same restricted council hours as everyone else in Mount Eliza.
