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.