Scott Cam Confirms The Block’s 2026 Move to Mt Eliza and Addresses Adrian Portelli “Ban” Rumours

Scott Cam has confirmed The Block will head to Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula for its 2026 season, while also setting the record straight on talk that bidder Adrian Portelli had been banned from this year’s auction.

Shelley Craft and Scott Cam (image – Channel 9)

The long-time host made the revelation during an appearance on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick on Thursday morning, where he discussed the upcoming season and cleared up the rumours surrounding the recent finale.

Cam told the hosts he’ll be travelling to Melbourne’s south-east next week to find a rental home for the duration of filming, saying he needs a house big enough for wife Annie and their children to “pop in for a week here and there” during production.

“We’re looking forward to that. I’m going to go down there next week; I’m going to pop into Mt Eliza and have a look for a house to rent for three months.

So, if you have a house that I could rent in Mt Eliza for three months, give me a call!”

The casual on-air slip confirms weeks of speculation after several properties sold in the area were linked to The Block’s production team — backing earlier media reports that Mt Eliza had been locked in for the show’s 22nd season.

Cam, now entering his 19th season as host, said he enjoys immersing himself in each local community during the months of filming.

“I love engrossing myself in a community like a town and a community – like Daylesford, Phillip Island, and now Mt Eliza. I really enjoy that aspect.”

Meanwhile, the presenter used the same interview to respond to claims that high-profile buyer Adrian Portelli had been prevented from attending this year’s auction, dismissing the rumours as false.

“We didn’t ban him; that’s something he said. It’s a public auction, anyone can turn up.

We just kindly said, ‘What do you reckon… you had a good run on the auctions, why don’t we leave it to some families to try and buy the houses?’”

Cam added that Portelli had “gone over to another network” but made clear he’d still be welcome if he wanted to attend future auctions.

“If he wants to turn up, he can.”

He also praised returning buyer Danny Wallace, describing him as “a good bloke” who supports children’s charity My Room through his property purchases.

“He’s a good bloke and if he wants to buy another house like that, that’d be terrific for us.”

Channel 9 has not yet officially confirmed the location, but the network’s 2025 Upfronts, scheduled for next Wednesday, are expected to unveil The Block’s 2026 line-up and location.

The Block 2026 will film in Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula and air on Channel 9.