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Block stars ‘set to make surprise comeback’

Two of The Block’s most infamous contestants are set to make a surprise return to the show following their recent dramatic exit.

Staff at Nine Entertainment striking over a pay dispute

Infamous Block stars Paige Beechey and Jesse Maguire are reportedly set to make a shock return to the reality show.

After their withdrawal from the show following a string of rows, it’s now been reported that they will make a surprise reappearance before the season comes to an end.

It will be a shock to viewers, who this week saw Paige take to TikTok to lash out at the show with a series of allegations.

The Block contestant Paige lashes out at producers after shock exit
The pair became infamous with viewers after being locked in a series of rows early on. Picture: Channel 9
The pair became infamous with viewers after being locked in a series of rows early on. Picture: Channel 9

It’s claimed the pair returned shortly before the season began to air, which meant they had yet to see how they would come across to viewers.

“It was a sneaky tactic of Channel 9 to have them back and film something before the controversial couple watched the show with the rest of Australia as their feelings have changed since they’ve watched their edit,” a source told Yahoo Lifestyle.

“What audiences will see in the final week will look very much like, ‘Everything is fine. See look, they still love the show!’ Would they have come back if they asked them now? I guess that answer is pretty clear if you are following Paige’s social media.”

The insider went on to claim that Channel 9 has been providing Paige and Jesse with mental health support since their dramatic decision to exit the show stunned viewers.

“The door will always be open to have more conversations with the team who make The Block. At this stage, it’s hard because it’s still fresh,” they continued.

“It would be confronting for any couple to watch back the tumultuous times of their relationship on national TV and Jesse and Paige were very real and very raw. Sadly, the show wasn’t the right environment for them and they were supported in their decision to leave.

“Jesse and Paige agreed to return five weeks later and were more than happy to come back. They have been back to Phillip Island twice since their dramatic exit.”

Following the couple’s exit, Paige took to TikTok to discuss, in-depth, what led to the pair’s decision to quit.

Paige took to TikTok this week to hit out at the show. Picture: TikTok
Paige took to TikTok this week to hit out at the show. Picture: TikTok
Paige and her partner will reportedly return to the show for a cameo, despite their negative experience. Picture: Channel 9
Paige and her partner will reportedly return to the show for a cameo, despite their negative experience. Picture: Channel 9

In a series of claims, she said things began to “spiral” for her after the show’s crew began “coming into rooms in the morning” to film “without consent”.

Morning wake-up scenes have been a fixture on the show for each of its 20 seasons.

As a result of filming in the mornings, she said she began developing “really bad PTSD symptoms” during the third week of filming.

“You wake up in your bedroom, it’s pitch black, and you have three black figures, two or three figures standing over your bed, and it’s terrifying. And that’s how you wake up,” she explained.

Paige then went on to claim that producers cut different things she was saying together to weave a narrative that made her look “crazy”.

In a statement to news.com.au, Nine insisted that it takes the mental health of its contestants “extremely seriously”.

“Nine and Cavalier Television takes its obligations in respect to the health and wellbeing of the participants of this program extremely seriously,” said the broadcaster.

“Nine has a service for all participants should they like or need individual and confidential psychological support.

“This service gives participants access to clinicians who have been specifically engaged to support those involved in the program in relation to their experiences. This service is available to all participants during filming, broadcast and once the program has ended for as long as they need it, it does not end.”

Originally published as Block stars ‘set to make surprise comeback’

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/television/block-stars-set-to-make-surprise-comeback/news-story/4d5d1e9b4e788592cc74e707765d6a60