Hit renovation show The Block is famously lacking in diversity among its contestants – with each year’s crop seemingly whiter, more middle class, and more generically attractive than the last. But this year Nine executives have allowed a gay couple, Mitch and Mark, on the show – and they’re just the kind that old school TV producers love; outrageous and comedic.
WATCH THE BOYS IN ACTION BELOW
Amid some sharp Twitter criticism of the casting from New Idea’s own Matt Denby, The Block judge Darren Palmer has risen to the occasion, defending the show.
‘Imagine a day when gay couples aren’t cast on Australian reality TV shows as cartoonish comedy figures or bitchy antagonists,’ tweeted an annoyed Matt, initially without naming the show, amid a string of scenes that some perceived as playing on stereotypes.
Judge Darren, who is gay, responded that he feels the show has a good record with the portrayal of gay people. Nominating himself and fellow judge Neale Whitaker as balance to Mitch and Mark, Darren claims the show is great for the gay community.
‘Our community has so many diverse kinds of people, Neale & I represent other facets,’ he wrote. ‘Seeing different types of people represented on our screens is positive.
‘With 2/3rds of the judges being gay & a large amount of people behind the scenes the block does a lot for our community.’
But Matt wasn’t having it, highlighting The Block’s record with contestants.
‘Thanks to you and Neale for the great job you do, but casting of contestants is another matter,’ he responded.
‘Australian reality TV has a problem in this regard, and that’s widely recognised. The days of gay people being given space only if they perform as the clown or the bitch are over.’
Darren responded by saying that was his point, adding, ‘I’ve worked on tv as a contestant & judge for 10 years & was not cast as the clown.
‘Diversity is worthwhile. No personality types are less than. To criticise someone for being themselves is the opposite of the what we as a community need.’
Matt clapped back at the judge for his ‘misrepresentation’ of his views, noting he was definitely not criticising Mitch and Mark, but was rather highlighting how Aussie reality TV seems to disproportionately cast gay male contestants to play certain pre-determined characters.
‘I haven’t criticised [Mitch and Mark] and I won’t criticise them,’ he told Darren. ‘I’m criticising the casting process that consistently shoehorns gay men into those limited roles.’
If Nine had a certain role in mind for the couple, it seems to be working – at least with some viewers.
One gushed on Twitter, ‘I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MARK AND MITCH!!!! The comedy relief and genuine couple who have no clue!!!’
But others weren’t so enthusiastic. One Block fan chimed in to the discussion to express his disapproval.
‘Admittedly, I’ve always enjoyed watching The Block, however they have never done anything other than promote the old fashioned stereotypes of our parents generation,’ they wrote.
‘Diversity has never been their thing, which I believe is probably a network directive.’
While some of the couple’s zany antics – including turning up on-site in wildly inappropriate platform-heeled trainers – charmed some viewers, the truth is Mitch and Mark are far from ‘having no clue’ – nor are they unfamiliar with the requirements of work sites, or the process of renovation.
The pair are experienced house flippers who have renovated 15 properties and previously starred on another reality show, Aussie Property Flippers.
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