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Aaron and Daniella on the ups and downs of winning House Rules

“I can truly say, hand on heart, that we are stronger people and better people for it.”
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Aaron and Daniella are still in disbelief over winning House Rules and a cool $200,000 last night.

“I woke up this morning thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’ We had a pretty restless night’s sleep,” Aaron tells TV WEEK.

Aaron and Daniella knew it would be a tight finish, but after watching the judges review their renovations on Kate and Harry’s home, they honestly didn’t think they would come out on top.

“When that nine came in from Wendy, I was astonished!” Aaron admits. “It didn’t hit home for me until Wendy said nine.”

Aaron and Daniella received a final score of 27 out of 30, beating Kate and Harry by just two points.

So how did the couple from Gold Coast celebrate their big win?

“We had a big night with family and friends,” Aaron says.

But it wasn’t just Aaron and Daniella’s nearest and dearest at hand, the couple celebrated with their good friends and runners up Kate and Harry as well.

“There were about 80 of us and 50 or 60 of Kate and Harry’s family and friends. We all said that no matter what happens, let’s just get a big room with our closest people.

“Win or lose, we have lots of moral support there and a cheer squad,” Aaron explains.

Despite feeling overwhelmed by the support, Daniella admits she’s relived the show is over.

“To have that weight lifted off your shoulders is such a relief,” she says. “For me, I explain it like you’re giving birth. That relief that the baby is out!”

Being away from their two young sons was the hardest part of the competition for the young parents.

“The guilt was pretty awful,” Daniella admits. “I felt like I had a bond with Jackson, but I hadn’t bonded with Brooklyn before giving them to my mum and dad.

“But I knew in the long-run, having a brand new house for them would be so much more satisfying and now, Brooklyn and I are thick as thieves.”

Despite the hardships, Aaron has no regrets.

“Now that it’s done, I can truly say, hand on heart, that we are stronger people and better people for it,” he says.

“The charity round for me was one of the nicest things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do in my life and I’m very grateful for that.”

Before working out how to spend their prize money, Aaron and Daniella are ready for a well-earned break.

“We’re just going to take a little time and have our little holiday with Kate and Harry. Then, we’ll sit down and process it,” Aaron says.

Sounds like a good plan to us!

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