“He can control the narrative, the directive and the story.”

For the last few years, Adrian Portelli’s name has been closely tied to The Block, with the billionaire snapping up numerous properties from the hit reality show during the auctions.

He first appeared on our screens in 2022, making an unforgettable appearance in a yellow Lamborghini, earning him the nickname ‘Lambo Guy’. He was outbid on one house, but later purchased a different one for $4.25 million, proving he was a serious bidder.

In 2023 he returned to purchase three out of five homes, spending over $12 million. Adrian then made a huge splash in the 2024 season of The Block, buying all five properties for a huge $15 million.

People were shocked to hear Adrian wouldn’t return for 2025, after he announced at the end of last season he wouldn’t be back.
Adrian Portelli pictured with Steph and Gian from The Block 2023. Image: Nine

The Block’s Robby and Mat address Adrian Portelli’s departure

This year’s contestants Robby and Mat told Chattr they weren’t too phased by Adrian’s no-show for the 2025 season, saying they’d rather win by a fair auction.

“To be honest, it is what it is,” Robby said. “We were never involved in the previous seasons. We don’t know what goes on. The only thing that we need to worry about is us.”

Mat chimed in, saying, “Yes, it would be great if someone was there like that. But the thing is last year, he [Adrian] told the girls [Maddy and Charlotte] to go last, so that way he could control who won. He can control the narrative, the directive, and the story.
The Block’s Robby and Mat. Image: Nine
“So thing is, you’re allowing one person not just to buy the houses, but to dictate the whole overall 12-13, weeks of this show. I would rather win by fairness than by someone dictating it.”

“It’s not the end of the world if one person isn’t coming,” Robby said. “It opens a lot of doors.”

Adrian Portelli was asked to not come back to The Block

The Block host Scott Cam openly acknowledged Adrian’s absence earlier this year, saying the show asked him not to come back.

“We said to Adrian, ‘We’d love you not to come next year, if that’s alright…’ He said, ‘yeah OK he won’t come’,” Scott told Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie.

“But he may come,” Scott continued. “We don’t know, but we do want to give mums and dads the opportunity to have a crack at a Block house … but if Adrian comes and wants to buy the lot of them, well, that rules them out.”
Adrian and Scott on The Block. Image: Nine

What’s next for Adrian Portelli? What we know about his new show My Reno Rules

Don’t worry, Adrian probably isn’t crying into his large wads of cash. He’s left The Block behind and is now focused on his own renovation show, My Reno Rules on Channel Seven.

The show will be hosted by Dr. Chris Brown, and will premiere in 2026. It’ll follow four teams who will renovate two neighbouring rundown houses in Melbourne, overhauling kitchens, living areas and gardens.

The real twist? In a live grand final event, viewers will have the chance to win the fully-furnished end product, with two lucky viewers receiving one of the renovated homes each, mortgage-free. The winning renovation team will also take home a cash prize.