The Bonus Point Gnome is one of the biggest advantages a team can win on The Block, having the potential to hand them a much needed $10,000 and room win.

This year’s gnome, Dayle S. Ford, has already secured both Han and Can and Robby and Mat wins, but he’s been taking a break since Living and Dining Week.

Until now… we think.

Emma and Ben score a ‘secret gnome’

Emma and Ben were thrilled to win the Buyers Jury Challenge after opening their home up to 100 locals and potential buyers.

While the main prize was a potentially game-changing $50,000, the couple also spotted something a little unique in their winners’ bouquet of cash.

“One of these is not money,” an intrigued Ben reacted, pulling a note out.

Then they realised what it was:
Game changer! (Nine)
“Shhh, it’s a secret gnome!” a very shocked Emma responded.

“We will keep that a secret, we do a pretty good job at keeping secrets up at House 1,” Ben said.

Robby and Mat create ‘Russell’

While Dayle has been out of action, Mat devised a cunning plan during a shopping trip to Bunnings.

Introducing Russell:
Hello, Rus! (Nine)
As the Blockhead explained, Russell was about to become his and Robby’s “secret, fake, pretend gnome”.

It was clear Mat had a big prank up his sleeve.

“Russell is called Russell because we’re rustling some feathers in the hen house,” Mat explained with a sly smile.

“We bought gold spray paint and we are going to be painting him this week so stay tuned everyone playing at home, we’re about to play a trick on everyone.”
What is he up to?! (Nine)
Consider us intrigued… and a little worried!

Mat plots to prank House 1

None of the other teams were aware of Russell’s existence, but after Ben pranked Mat by turning a hose on him (and his fancy white pants!) he let Alicia in on the secret.

“Rob and I had been planning to work out who to give it to, it’s them now!” he said, plotting some major revenge.

At the time, Ben admitted he didn’t regret the prank… yet.

We’ll have to wait and see if he changes his mind on that!

What is the Bonus Point Gnome?

The Bonus Point Gnome can be won by teams at a challenge, and it can be played during the Room Reveal judging.

The bonus point can only be played after the first batch of judge scores are revealed, and before the final judge scores are shown.

Typically, host Scott Cam will ask if the team with the gnome would like to play their bonus point.

Since being introduced to the show, the Gnome has had several looks; from silver to gold to changing species and becoming a penguin during last year’s season in Phillip Island.

This year the Gnome is back (as an actual gnome!) with a very important sounding name.

Say hello to Dayle S. Ford:
What a guy! (Nine)
Dayle has been busy this season, helping Han and Can finish on top for their Main Ensuite and Robby and Mat secure the Living and Dining Room Reveal win.

In an exclusive and unseen video, Scotty explained the importance of the gnome to Mat, who had notoriously never watched the show before arriving on The Block.

“He’s a very handy little mate to have, he’s worth $10,000 because if the points are close you’re always going to play him and you’ll generally win,” Scotty said.