Block shock: Portelli’s secret Block Daylesford visit

Billionaire Adrian Portelli may have left The Block behind, but a new Daylesford sighting has fans convinced the show’s most unpredictable buyer isn’t finished yet. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

The Block’s most talked about buyer may not be finished after all.

Billionaire and LMCT+ founder Adrian Portelli, who declared his retirement after sweeping all five Phillip Island homes last year, has been spotted in Daylesford, sending fans into meltdown ahead of the show’s most uncertain finale in years.

A short clip on TikTok appears to show the LMCT+ boss inside a wine cellar built by Victorian contestants Emma and Ben.
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The footage has unleashed a wave of speculation that Portelli could make a dramatic comeback for the October 25 auctions.

Some fans believe the sighting is a calculated leak to boost hype for what critics have called “the show’s riskiest auction yet.”
Others think the billionaire couldn’t resist one last bid.

Social media groups lit up within hours, with some users insisting they’d “seen him looking around” at the site and others arguing he was “just there for a look, not bidding.”

One fan claimed Portelli’s “other half loves The Block” and said if he does bid “he’ll have someone doing it for him.”

A viral TikTok video allegedly showing Adrian Portelli inside Emma and Ben’s Daylesford wine cellar has set off fresh speculation ahead of the auctions. Picture: Tiktok/jameerealty

Another pointed out the challenge facing buyers, writing: “Who else has $3m to buy a house in Daylesford?”

But those close to production say a return is highly unlikely.

Portelli told media after his clean sweep that it would be his final appearance, saying he would “hang the boots up and go out with a bang.”

He has since signed a multimillion dollar deal with Channel 7 to produce My Reno Rules in 2026.

Adrian Portelli stunned viewers at last year’s Phillip Island finale, buying every house in a record-breaking clean sweep worth more than $15m. Picture: Channel 9

Host Scott Cam confirmed on radio that producers had asked Portelli to take a breather.
“We said to Adrian, ‘We’d love you not to come next year, would you mind having a rest?’” Cam said.

He later clarified last week on Fifi, Fev & Nick on 101.9 The Fox last Thursday, Portelli was not banned, adding it was more of “a mutual understanding” and that his shift to Channel 7 made it “probably best for everyone if he sits this one out.”

Still, Portelli’s presence looms large over the new season set in Victoria’s spa capital.

Without him or serial buyer Danny Wallis, who has been selling off his Victorian portfolio, the Daylesford auction will be the most unpredictable in years.

Last year’s winners Maddy and Charlotte saw their lives changed forever when Portelli delivered the winning bid, sealing a fairytale finish. Picture: Nine

Block regular and buyers advocate Frank Valentic said the bidder pool would look very different this year.
“Daylesford’s a stunning location but it’s a very different market to Phillip Island,” Mr Valentic said.
“You’re not going to see the same level of local competition.

“These homes are in the $3m range in a town where the median’s under $1m. It’ll be mainly high end investors or Melbourne buyers looking for Airbnb income and a lifestyle property. Without Adrian Portelli or Danny Wallis it’s going to be the most unpredictable auction we’ve had in years.”

The LMCT+ boss is still offloading several of his 2024 Block purchases, even as rumours swirl about a surprise return in Daylesford. Picture: Instagram/adrian_portelli

A senior media insider told News Corp Australia that Nine would be quietly thrilled by the renewed buzz.
“Even when Portelli’s not on the payroll he still drives the headlines,” the insider said.
“Every whisper keeps The Block in the news cycle and that’s gold in the final week before auction.

“The speculation around Portelli’s possible appearance is become the perfect publicity tool for Nine, him to The Block auctions even as the show prepares for life without him.”

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david.bonaddio@news.com.au

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