Nine
As The Block heads into its final weeks, Ricky and Haydn have cemented themselves as fan favourites—not only for their determination and talent but also for their lively personalities, bold design choices, and sense of humour.
However, beneath the fun and vibrant energy they bring to the show lies a deeply emotional motivation behind Ricky’s drive. Their journey has been shaped by a promise Ricky made over a decade ago—a promise that has guided him through the challenges of the competition and continues to fuel his ambition.
Why did Ricky join The Block?
Long before their time on The Block, Ricky tragically lost his best mate Lachy in a car accident. The two were inseparable, both young plumbers with big dreams and a close bond that felt more like brotherhood. “We did everything together,” Ricky shared in an emotional video earlier in the season. “It’s amazing how quickly your life changes in a heartbeat.”
Lachy’s passing left a hole in Ricky’s life, but it also gave him a mission. “When he left, I made a promise to Lachy that I would make it,” Ricky revealed. The show became more than just a renovation challenge—it became a way to honour Lachy’s memory and live out the future they had once dreamed of together.
That promise has driven Ricky to push through every obstacle on The Block, knowing that he’s working not just for himself but for his friend as well. “It’s my job now to accomplish as much as I can for both of us,” he explained. Even though Lachy couldn’t be there to witness his success, Ricky’s resolve remains unwavering.
One of the season’s most heartwarming moments came during The Block’s Fun Fair challenge when Ricky was reunited with loved ones. Among them was Lachy’s sister, Bridget, who came to show her support. “She definitely sees a bit of Lachy in me,” Ricky said.
It was a sentiment echoed during the latest episode of the season when Ricky and Haydn took a moment to commemorate the passing of their friend.
“Today’s a very special day,” Ricky admitted. “Today is my late best mate Lachy’s birthday.”
“I know he’d be super proud of where we are,” he continued, before admitting his friend was the driving force in his ambition to win the season. “I think it [his passing] was one of the driving reasons why it’s never enough for me,” he shared. “After every win…all I want to do is win the next one for him.”
As the competition reaches its final stages, Ricky’s journey has become a testament to the power of friendship, love, and a promise that transcends loss. Whether or not he and Haydn take home the ultimate prize, it’s clear that Ricky has already achieved something far more meaningful—living up to the vow he made over 10 years ago.
