The new season of House Rules is just days away, so if you’re yet to meet the colourful contestants that are soon to grace your TV screen, strap yourself in and get the lowdown on each team right here. Season two promises to be bigger and better than last year, with twists and turns around every corner!
Candy and Ryan – NSW
Fans of season one of House Rules, Candy and Ryan were ecstatic when selected to represent New South Wales soon after purchasing their house in Sydney’s heartland.
“We never thought we would actually get in,” admits Candy.
“But we jumped on this ride and are holding on and enjoying every moment,” adds Ryan.
Family-orientated and impatient to get married, Candy divulges her main motivation for appearing on House Rules was so her partner, Ryan, could finally put a ring on her finger.
Adam and Lisa – VIC
The couple think their ability to remain level-headed will help them in the competition but they’re concerned another trait may hold them back.
“We are the most indecisive people you’ll ever meet,” says Adam. “We can’t even decide where to go to dinner.”
They’re also worried about Lisa’s lack of renovation and design experience, but hope to make up for it with Adam’s insistence on quality workmanship and their fearless attitude towards ‘hard yakka.’
Bomber and Mel – SA
Bomber and Mel, who both grew up in Adelaide, believe that his extensive renovation experience and their interest in interiors and vintage furniture will be a plus.
“I think we’ve got a great eye for design,” says Bomber, who enjoys scouring junk yards and second hand shops with Mel.
They don’t have traditional gender role ideas so plan to take turns doing the heavy work and shopping. “Bomber is big, tough and blokey, but underneath he’s really sensitive and sentimental and has a huge heart,” says Mel.
Carole and Russell – WA
Carole’s dream renovation would be a blend of rustic and industrial décor and large verandahs so they can soak up the aspect. “I actually don’t mind it being a tip because of the view. It’s spectacular.”
Gym fanatic Russell thinks the other contestants will consider them “a couple of old farts”, but he reckons they stand a good chance due to their fitness levels, reno experience and Carole’s interest in interior design.
On the downside, he’s worried his wife’s blunt and bossy manner, and inability to compromise could get them in trouble.
Brooke and Grant – TAS
“We would love to win the competition,” says Brooke, 30. “It would absolutely change our lives and make things so much easier for us and the kids.”
“We didn’t enter to make friends but we don’t want to make enemies either. We have one focus and that’s to win for the kids,” adds Grant, 31.
With seven children under 10 living on top of one another, it’s easy to understand the steely determination of this devoted couple who came together five years ago.
Maddi and Lloyd – QLD
Their unflappable nature is what Maddi and Lloyd believe will make them a formidable team in the competition, along with their design ideas and building experience.
Before joining the aviation firefighters, Lloyd worked in the building industry as a plasterer and labourer for close to a decade, while Maddi has grown up on building sites.
“I’ve lived in, like, 30 houses. Dad would renovate them and then we would move on to the next. I enjoy the smell of sawdust. It feels like home.”
The great news is that Johanna Griggs is back to host season two of House Rules (check out my interview with Griggsy here), and is joined by judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell, along with designer Carolyn Burns-McCrave and build supervisor Chester Drife.
House Rules hits screens this Wednesday, April 30 at 7.30pm. Click here to visit the official website.
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Want more interior design interviews and goss? Check out my chat with season one contestant Michelle Ball by clicking here.
