New Blockheads revealed! Filming on new season of The Block begins - as producers are forced to do last-minute cast swap after NSW team pulls out days before cameras roll

Filming has officially kicked off for the 2026 season of The Block and it's shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet.

Before the first nail is hammered, there is already drama surrounding the new season, with producers scrambling behind the scenes after a surprise contestant exit forced a last-minute casting shake-up.

The latest group of hopeful Blockheads arrived in Melbourne last week for induction, where they were introduced to the show and briefed by network executives ahead of filming.

But according to insiders, the start of production almost looked very different.

Sources claim the series originally planned to feature teams representing each of Australia's major states – a casting tradition the show has often followed in previous seasons.

However, the New South Wales team unexpectedly withdrew just days before filming, leaving producers racing to fill the vacant spot.

'The NSW pair pulled out at the last minute,' a production insider told Daily Mail.

'It meant producers had to move very quickly to bring in a replacement team before cameras started rolling.'

In a surprising twist, the last-minute arrivals are a second couple from Queensland, meaning the upcoming season will now feature two Queensland teams competing against contestants from Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Filming officially began on Monday at the show's new building site in Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula.

The first day of production saw contestants meet long-time host Scott Cam, before launching straight into the season's opening challenge.

The task determines which team will receive each house and the colours they'll wear throughout the competition.

For some contestants, the experience was overwhelming.

'The first day felt completely unreal,' one participant revealed.

'Standing there in front of Scotty Cam after watching the show for years was pretty wild. Everything happened so fast.'

Despite the last-minute drama, the mood on set appeared decidedly airy.

That's because the cast took to the skies in hot air balloons to film what appeared to be a promo for the upcoming season.

Hosts Scott Cam and Shelly Craft stood inside the wicker baskets as they were lifted into the air. 

The pair looked very much in their element, smiling and waving to the crew on the ground.

Judge Darren Palmer remained on terra firma, watching the action unfold as the elaborate stunt was filmed.

Contestants also joined the promo, climbing into the baskets for the eye-catching shoot.

One glamorous team featured a stunning blonde and brunette, and they certainly looked the part in their bright pink hard hats and tool belts.

Meanwhile, the yellow team, featuring a brunette and her strikingly tall partner, looked all business as they prepared for take-off.

The blue team are reportedly the last-minute 'ring-ins', and the woman flaunted her toned midriff in a figure hugging sports bra, while her musclebound and tattooed partner showed off his guns in a tight tank top.

The red team brought a touch of country style to proceedings, stepping out on set in Akubra hats, red flannel shirts and cowboy boots.

Last but not least, the green team also turned heads thanks to a tattooed brunette who bears a striking resemblance to actress Megan Fox.

The teams had only just arrived in Melbourne days earlier, and insiders say many contestants barely had time to process the reality of being cast before filming began.

'They thought the lockdown period would feel long, but suddenly it was lights, camera, action,' the source said.

And for the replacement Queensland couple, the whirlwind start was even more intense.

'One minute they were being told they were in the show, and the next they were standing on set ready to start filming,' the insider added.

While the new cast is made up entirely of fresh faces, with no returning contestants or familiar Block personalities, sources say tensions are already beginning to bubble behind the scenes.

'These are eager newcomers who are really hungry to prove themselves,' the insider said.

'But with the pressure of the competition and the personalities involved, the drama is already starting to build.'

If the chaotic start to filming is anything to go by, the upcoming season of The Block could be shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet.