It’s long been a case of opposites attracting for this year’s The Block favourites Mitch and Mark. While on the surface they may seem unlikely soulmates, the seasoned renovators from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs have always got along like a house on fire.
And the pressure-cooker environment characteristic of the reality show is only proving to make the duo’s relationship stronger.
WATCH: Mitch and Mark lash out at Scott Cam on The Block
“Whilst we may have always been totally different in personality – Mark is more conservative and I was way too outgoing when we met – we both always recognised that we had the same values,” says Mitch. “I think mutual values and respect are probably what drew us together.”
Agrees Mark: “And while Mitch is a lot more outgoing than me, he’s actually very committed to a relationship.”
Together 14-and-a-half years – “every half year counts!”, quips Mark – the pair are truly a match made in renovation, as well as everyday heaven.
So, how did the loved-up couple, who have transformed and sold a staggering 15 properties in their time together, first meet?
“It was the old-fashioned way in a bar in Sydney,” says Mitch. “I just happened to be out with a friend, and we were chatting. Somehow Mark and I caught each other’s attention. I went over to chat to him and that was it. We’ve been together ever since.
“At the time, Mark was happily single and I was very keen to change that,” adds Mitch with a smile. “But I think we both recognised something in each other.”
That said, reveals Mark with a laugh, “It didn’t become serious between us until Mitch announced that the sofa he had ordered, and which was being made and was eight weeks to delivery, was being delivered to my place. When I asked him why he was doing that, he said, ‘Because I live here now!’ and I thought ‘Oh, yes, you do too!’
“The relationship between us is the most important thing. While we may disagree on something, we’ve never yelled or called each other all sorts of stuff – that’s not what a relationship is about. I think wehave a great foundation of respect, care and love.”
While Mitch is a wonderfully doting father of three grown-up children from a previous relationship, and now a proud grandfather of five, ‘Poppy Mark’ is just as involved in their lives.
“Mark’s very much the other dad,” says Mitch. “We’re all very lucky.”
It’s plain to see, too, that Mitch, 56, and Mark, 57 – who will, says Mitch, “never say never” to tying the knot – are relishing the chance to showcase their stunning decorating style on The Block.
“We never really intended to get on The Block, but once we did, we thought, ‘What the heck? Let’s mix up things again!’” says Mitch. “If you don’t take chances, you won’t come across some amazing joy.”
And the pair are more than happy with their Block moniker of ‘The stylish grandads’.
“It’s definitely better than ‘The grumpy grandads’,” laughs Mitch.
To which Mark adds: “Mitch is absolutely the more stylish of the two of us! But while we do have different decorating styles, I think they are very much complementary.”
Indeed, just like the couple themselves.
For more, see this week’s New Idea – out now!
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