Viewers slam Nine over 'irresponsible' trailer for new season of The Block as they spot one glaring detail - but all is not what it seems
The new season of The Block is airing in a matter of weeks.
A new trailer dropped on the Nine renovation show's social media last week, and not everyone was happy with what they saw.
Several fans on Facebook noted that hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft were shown driving without seat belts on.
Both Scott and Shelley are shown behind the wheel of large trucks, racing through gorgeous outback vistas - with no belt in sight.
However it appears the hosts are actually stationary and only pretending to drive, with the scenery added later with some movie magic.
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Regardless some viewers were unhappy with the trailer depicting what some called 'irresponsible' driving, whether real or faked.
'Where's your seat belts?' one person asked, later adding, 'it's obviously CGI… not a good example for the youngins watching though is it'.
'How irresponsible of Channel Nine to advertise in prime time showing celebrities driving on country roads and not wearing seat belts. Clearly not aware of the road toll related to driving on rural roads' one viewer said.
'Probably should have put ya seat belts on' one more said with another adding, 'Why aren't they wearing their seat belts Nine?'
'Everyone complaining about no one wearing seatbelts - it's pretty obvious they aren't actually driving…' someone else chimed in.
'Older model Kenworth have lap belts' reasoned one viewer with another agreeing, 'they aren't actually driving'.
'You don't need to wear seat belts when you aren't actually driving lol' one person reasoned.
Regardless some viewers were unhappy with the trailer depicting what some called 'irresponsible' driving, whether real or faked
This year's location for the series is the sleepy Victorian hamlet of Daylesford.
Daylesford is located 114km from Melbourne and its unique combination of natural beauty, historic charm and vibrant local culture provides a stunning backdrop ideal for the show.
Leaked photos of one of the completed homes reveal the upcoming 2025 installment has a very similar aesthetic to a previous season of the show.
While Nine is remaining tight-lipped on the official name, whispers around the network suggest the new series could easily be branded as a sequel to the 2022 'Tree Change' season, which was set in Gisborne in the Macedon Ranges - just a short drive from this year's location.
'Honestly, the style and finish of the homes are nearly identical to what we saw in Tree Change,' the insider said.
'Same vibe, same tones, same country-chic energy.'
Indeed, leaked photos of one completed property by same-sex couple Han and Can show a lot similarities, in particular the furniture.
One image shows a living space complete with a large white modular lounge that takes pride of place in the room.
The piece of furniture is almost identical to the couches which appeared in both Ankur and Sharon and Rachel and Ryan's living rooms back in 2022.
Han and Can's living room is augmented by a plush feature wall to the rear of the lounge as well as beige curtains and some mood lighting.
Meanwhile, other images show an equally spartan-yet-stylish open plan kitchen and living space, complete with a large fireplace encased in a marble feature wall.
The kitchen appears to be an entertainer's delight, with the space boasting a large wine rack and a refrigerator specifically for wine.
Despite being similar to the 2022 season, a production insider told Daily Mail Australia that the couple's luxe fit out was very 'on trend' for the location.
'It's sleek, chic and very on-brand for Daylesford,' they said.
The series, which wrapped filming on June 1, is set to premiere slightly earlier than usual, with a launch tipped for the first week of August.
While fans have come to expect fiery feuds and over-the-top drama, insiders say this season is shaping up to be very different.
'There's actually much less conflict this year,' one well-placed insider said.
'But that doesn't mean it's boring. There's a charm and warmth to this season that will surprise long-term fans.'
However, the source added that not everyone is convinced that producers have fully tapped into the healthy holistic living vibe Daylesford is known for.
'There was a lot of talk early on that the season might embrace living off the land, healthy eating and holistic living, which the town is so well known for,' the insider said.
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