The NSW contestants ...Andrew and Mike from Byron Bay and Brad and Lara from East Maitland. Source: The Daily Telegraph
Holly Byrnes, The Daily Telegraph, reports
Leaving behind love for a spot on reality series "The Block" pulled at the heartstrings of one Byron Bay hopeful lining up in the latest season for Channel Nine.
NSW project manager and handyman Andrew had just popped the question to his girlfriend Emilie when the phone rang offering a role in the DIY competition, returning to the small screen after Easter.
Teaming with his brother Mike, 29, the 37-year-old said it "had been a mad 24 hours celebrating absolutely the best day of my life. Then it dawned on me that I'd have to leave Emilie all alone," for the 10-weeks filming.
The siblings join East Maitland couple Brad and Lara, both 30, in flying the flag for NSW against the six other teams revealed by Channel 9 for the new season of The Block.
The amateur renovators were introduced in a series of biographies.
The first seven of the 2012 teams include:
SOPHIE & DALE
Newlyweds, live in Melbourne
Style: Recycled vintage
Married less than a year ago, they have hopes of fixing up a house in the country and raising a family.
"Dale will spend the days tending to our organic vegie patch while I sew clothes and illustrate children's books,'' Sophie said.
She is a graphic designer turned primary school teacher, he is a landscape gardener with a shared passion for the environment.
BRENDAN & MICHELLE
Youngest couple, married, live in Melbourne
Style: Contemporary coastal
Both 22, what these newlyweds lack in age and experience they make up for in confidence.
"Brendan's a real handyman - he picks up skills very quickly,'' Michelle says, describing her husband as a "mix of McGyver and Bear Grylls.''
She is a project support officer with the CFA and Brendan is a youth worker and part-time model.
LARRY & JESSIE
First father and daughter team on The Block, live in Brisbane
Style: Rustic elegance
Jessie, a 22-year-old full-time student originally planned to audition for the show with her mother Michelle.
Tragically, she was killed in a plane crash in March 2011, leaving her family searching for ways to get through their grief together.
"Dad knew how much she wanted to do it and could see how much I loved The Block and said he would do it with me - for my mum.''
BRETT & RANA
First mother and son team on The Block, live in Melbourne
Style: Inviting elegance
Brett, 26, is the apple of his mother's eye.
"I might be biased, but look at him ... he's cute as! And while he can be impatient, stubborn and quite bossy at times, he's also incredibly thoughtful, caring and generous,'' Rana, 46 said.
The mother of three sons wants to study interior design after selling her homewares and fashion business, while Brett, a drainer and machine operator, is currently renovating a house he bought three years ago.
BRAD & LARA
Dating, live near East Maitland
Style: TBC...they're still deciding
Met five years ago in a pub near their home town of East Maitland, bonding over a shared love of Bon Jovi, The Foo Fighters and sport.
They have jumped into renovating boots-and-all, having relocated and refurbished two houses on vacant land, as well as adding an extension to a third property.
Brad is a fitter and machinist in a local mine, while Lara is a physical education teacher at the local high school.
Under pressure is worried about his other half: "she's got great organisational skills, but can become a little erratic and emotional if things start to go wrong.''
ANDREW & MIKE
Brothers, Andrew lives in Byron, Mike in Bondi
Style: Rustic warmth with contemporary touch
Andrew, 37, is a project manager who has left love behind to join The Block. He proposed to girlfriend Emilie the same day he scored a spot on the show.
Mike, 29, lives in one of the Bondi houses he restored with his big brother, leaving Dee, his girlfriend of six years. They spend their weekends together treasure hunting.
"It's paid off, with Mike putting himself through a business degree and then music diploma on the proceeds from "restoring things I found.''
BRAD & COURTNEY
Dating, live in WA
Style: Modern with a vintage twist
After a bumpy start - meeting on a bus trip with mutual friends - the pair have been inseperable ever since.
They have big dreams to renovate their own home, but have settled for small jobs on the house they rent from her parents..
"We're fast learners and we know that we'll gain invaluable experience on The Block.''
She's a speech pathologist and he's a project manager for a commercial property provider.
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