The Block under fire for ‘white’, ‘cookie cutter’ casting

CHANNEL Nine’s popular reality renovating series The Block has come under fire for being too “white”, with its casting lacking diversity.

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CHANNEL Nine’s popular reality renovating series The Block has come under fire for being too “white” with its casting lacking diversity.

Fans hit out at the show after the Sunday Herald Sun revealed the 2017 cast, which includes successful model Elyse Knowles, in an exclusive onset image.

“Why couldn’t they get contestants of different ages, nationalities etc …. Shame,” wrote Marlene Doherty on Facebook.

“Channel nine obviously dnt (sic) like anything “different” from that “white” cookie cutter TV mould they seem so desperate to cling to …. …… I would like to see more diversity!!” posted Marc Lyle Hughes.

“Copy and paste the same type of cast from previous years,” wrote Tim Caterson.

“Where is the diversity?? Boring,” posted Alex Moore.

“Do only white people apply to be on the block?” wrote Erin Gibbons.

“Pity it is a white wash again Channel 9. Shame,” commented Tamsin Skye Buic.

Former contestants and same-sex couple Julia and Sasha featured last season. Picture: Channel 9

The Block casting is open to all Australians with more than 24,000 applying to be part of the new season which is set in the up-market Melbourne suburb of Elsternwick.

The Block has led the way with its support of same sex couples, featuring Gavin Atkins and Warren Sonin, the first same-sex couple to appear on Australian reality TV, in its debut series and Julia Treuel and Sasha Wright-Neville last season.

There have also been constants from a variety of backgrounds including Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Maori and German on the show over its 13 seasons.

Channel Nine declined to comment on the make-up of the cast this week.

“We’re yet to announce the cast for 2017 and look forward to revealing the new Block contestants in the coming months,” a network spokesperson said.