They were devastated when they just missed out on a spot for the Phillip Island season of the hit reality show. So, Sonny and Alicia made plans to really make a lasting impression on The Block when they were cast in the 2025 season.
“I was really upset last year that we just missed out, so when we got the call to say we were in it was an amazing feeling,” Alicia has previously said.
Described as a charismatic couple from Queensland, the duo renovated their own family home and granny flat prior to competing on the show.
“We are by no means epic renovators, but not completely green,” Sonny explained.
They’re also set to be this season’s resident social butterflies, with Alicia telling New Idea that they both worked really hard to build connections with the other blockheads.
“If it meant cooking dinner and having everyone over on a Sunday, you know, I was happy to do that,” she said.
Every room Sonny and Alicia have renovated on The Block
Week 1: Bathroom
Once again, Shayna commented on the vanity and basin being too high and the vertical towel rails. She also critiqued the placement of tiles at the top.
Darren admired Sonny and Alicia’s colour palette, and he said he was “besotted” by the bathroom and aesthetic.
Darren gave them a nine, Marty gave them a score of 8½, and Shayna gave them an eight out of ten. Overall, they received a score of 25½.
Week 2: Kids’ Bedrooms
Darren adored their tartan wallpaper in their boys’ bedroom, and Shayna praised their use of colour.
However, she did not like the TV on the wall. All three judges agreed that the finishes were not up to the expected standard.
Week Two: Kids’ Bedrooms
While they made their second bedroom with their daughter in mind, the judges felt like it was geared towards an adult.
They received a nine from Darren, 7 ½ from Marty, and eight from Shayna. Overall, Sonny and Alicia finished with a score of 24 ½.
Once again, they spent the least amount of money and hence secured another $10,000.
Week 3: Main Bathroom
Alongside earning themselves another $10,000 from the judges for managing their budgets the best, Sonny and Alicia were awarded a final score of 26 and a ½ for their main ensuite bathroom.
The judges agreed that the space was relaxing, calm, and beautiful and had “the makings of a 10”, but was ultimately let down by too simple styling.
Week 4: Main Bedroom and Walk-In Robe
While they did not come last, Sonny and Alicia were left defeated after the feedback.
They finished in fourth place and were awarded a 7 from Darren and Shaynna and a 7 and a ½ from Marty, leaving them with a total score of 21 and a ½.
All three judges were unhappy with the couple’s walk-in robe, describing it as impractical and “outdated.”
While she loved their choice of artwork, Shaynna did not like how it was placed and described their entrance as a “dated hotel entrance”.
She also said there was too much space in the room, and the visible power sockets made it look “messy”.
Week 5: Living and Dining Room
While they won $10,000 for their budgeting skills, Sonny and Alicia scored the lowest of the week after receiving just 21 points from the judges.
The judges did love the choice of artwork and bricks chosen for the fireplace, but the praise ended there.
The proud parents were criticised for their choice of furniture and lack of spatial awareness, while Shaynna voiced concern over the styling of the room.
“I’m really concerned about their design direction. Because at the moment, I don’t see one room connecting with the next, and I’m really worried,” she said.
Week 6: Rumpus Room
Sonny and Alicia were overjoyed to receive a total score of 27.5 for their rumpus room – a significant improvement from their score the week prior.
The judges loved the colour drenching in the space and the styling, with Darren saying he was “besotted” with the space, and Shaynna saying she thought the room was “perfect” for a home in Daylesford.
Week 7: Kitchen
After their high for their rumpus room, Sonny and Alicia received the lowest score for their kitchen.
While the judges loved their use of colour for the cabinets, they all agreed that the overall space was underwhelming.
“I really like the layout, but from a marketing perspective, there’s nothing that stands out,” said Marty, with Darren adding the kitchen was missing “drama and impact.”
“I’m totally disengaged, I really don’t like this room, it’s plain,” Shaynna agreed.
Week 8: Guest Suite
After their high score for their rumpus room, Sonny and Alicia received the lowest score for their kitchen.
After spending $31,077, they finished with 28 and a ½, and also finished their suite!
For Shaynna, Alicia’s wallpaper was a standout. She loved it so much, that she wanted to buy it!
Overall, they all agreed that their colour choices and styling, mostly paid off. However, they questioned the drawers they used.
Week 9: Back of House
While the parents were criticised for how they set out their laundry and pantry, they were praised for featuring a fridge in the pantry, as well as their mudroom, and the garage with Australiana wallpaper.
“They’ve thought about so many different things,” Shaynna said, but Darren was quick to point out that the butler’s space didn’t quite function as the couple clearly had intended.
The judges loved their washroom and powder room, and while the garage wasn’t terrible, it was plain in comparison to the other houses.
Week 10: Terrace and Shed
Sonny and Alicia were hoping to score a win, but lost by one point to Robby and Mat, who achieved the first perfect score of the season.
Shaynna, Marty, and Darren all agreed that their alfresco area was stunning and commended their attention to detail.
“This is the most connected outdoor area I’ve seen today,” exclaimed Marty.
They also couldn’t fault their shed, and loved its functionality. Not only that, they also admired the fun elements, which included darts and a pool table.
Week 11: Backyard and Pool
Darren described Sonny and Alicia’s backyard as “perfect”, with the others agreeing that families will love it.
Big selling points they loved included all of the space, the large outdoor table for entertaining, and their pool cabana.
Overall, Sonny and Alicia received a final score of 36 and ¾.
Week 12: Front Yard
Sonny and Alicia finally scored their first reveal win of the season!
With some extra money over, and their $260,000 caravan and an MG in the driveway, they were determined to impress with their quintessentially Aussie backyard.
All of the judges were immediately taken by the grass and greenery, which added life to the front yard.
They also praised their choice of trees and the use of the large space.
Overall, they were a 10 from Marty, 9 and a ½ from Shaynna and Darren, and 9 from Dave Franklin.
Not only did they win a $50,000 off their reserve, they also won an MG for home, and one to keep at their property. Because they received a 10, they also won $10,000 worth of Arnott’s biscuits.
Who are Sonny and Alicia?
With their bright personalities, it’s no surprise Sonny and Alicia reside on the sunny Gold Coast.
Sonny, 44, has worked as a plumber for the last 25 years and lives a very active lifestyle. He loves swimming and playing touch football. Meanwhile, Alicia, 42, is a dental practice manager with some bite.
“If something is bothering me, I will say it,” she says of her straightforward attitude.
How did Sonny and Alicia meet, and how long have they been together?
“We have been together for 14 years (married for 10), so we are rock solid,” Alicia says. ” We know each other inside and out, so we each know when to push or pull the other.”
Sonny and Alicia also share three kids together – daughter Aria, 12, and sons Boston, 11, and Koa, 8.
As to why they really decided to sign up for the show?
“It’s our favourite show to watch as a family,” Sonny tells us.
Alicia adds: “Finally, our kids are at an age where we felt comfortable enough to leave them for the time period, so we thought, why not? We’d love to have a crack and show our kids that mum and dad can do hard things too, and that we are still learning. This is all for them!
The couple admits they have grand family plans if they win.
“If we were fortunate enough to win The Block, we’d pay it straight off our home loan. It would make a world of difference to our whole family,” Alicia says.
“We’d also love to take the kids to Disneyland! Nothing like making lifetime memories with your kids.”
Share this post