Like the other teams, “stylish grandads” Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie seemed horrified when they entered The Block‘s biggest ever project, St Kilda’s defunct Oslo hotel.
However, the NSW couple’s 13 years of experience as serial property flippers has caused an outcry among their fans – and fellow contestants.
Between them, Mitch, 56, and Mark, 57, have renovated 15 properties with budgets ranging from $30,000 to $250,000, pocketing a reported profit of $3.5 million, and Mitch and Mark’s renovation and real estate expertise has been seen by some as an advantage.
“It was a big point of conversation behind the scenes,” says the insider. “The last thing you want to find out is that you’re up against a team who essentially do this for a living.”
Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie have experience as property flippers.
(Image: Channel Nine)Meanwhile, fans have been left speculating about the decision to include the duo. “What happened to your average Jane and Joe?” questioned one fan on social media. Another commented, “I certainly wouldn’t want to go up against them.”
What’s more, not only do the glitzy grandpas know a thing or two about renovation, they’ve also been on reality TV before! In 2017 Mitch and Mark starred in Seven’s Aussie Property Flippers, which followed the work of amateur and professional renovators “addicted to the flip”.
A source close to the couple reveals the pair has quite the appetite for reality TV, and had previously considered applying for My Kitchen Rules!
“Mitch has worked in hospitality for a long time and is very well connected in those circles,” reveals the insider.
Mitch is a marketing manager for PorkStar – a pork-focused program for chefs and food industry leaders, and from his social media, appears to be a close friend of MKR judge Colin Fassnidge.
WATCH: Meet The Block contestants set to take on the mammoth challenge of transforming The Oslo. Story continues after video…
Neighbours from hell!
Once it’s renovated, the drab and dingy Oslo Hotel will no doubt be injecting some glitz to St Kilda’s sunny shores. But Woman’s Day can reveal the ambitious renovation has wreaked havoc on Grey Street’s neighbours.
“Between the noise, mess, cars and crew, it looked like a war zone,” says an onset spy.
“Neighbours are furious – they’re late to work due to vehicles and supplies just being dumped in driveways.”
Mitch, Mark and the other teams’ renovations have been annoying the neighbours.
(Image: Channel Nine)The Block 2020 revealed!
For the first time ever, The Block‘s 2020 season is set to be nothing more than a block of vacant land. A company owned by Nine quietly bought the $15 million block in Melbourne’s Brighton last month.
The suburb is one of the city’s most exclusive parts of town and boasts stately mansions and celebrity tenants. There’s been early speculation the show will be looking to build from the ground up, but there are also reports Nine has applied to move five existing homes to the parcel of land.
The show is heading to Melbourne’s Brighton next year.
(Image: Channel Nine)For more The Block 2019 content, check these links out below!
The Block: All the past winners and their incredible auction day results
Where to follow all The Block 2019 contestants on Instagram
Inside the colourful history of The Block’s Oslo Hotel
The Block stars’ surprising past revealed
EXCLUSIVE: Scotty Cam confirms Kylie Minogue’s debut on The Block
See inside The Block 2019’s first room reveal as the teams unveil their guest bedrooms
