The Block’s Ricky Recard has revealed the tragic personal loss that helped push him to audition for Nine’s ratings blockbuster.
The 34-year-old plumber said he wanted to pay tribute to his mate Lachey, who was killed in 2012 by a drunk driver at age 23.
‘I hope that at the end of this life he will be standing there applauding me and going ”well done, mate, you couldn’t have given it any more”,’ he said.
Interviewed for the latest edition of New Idea, Ricky said it took him many months to get over the loss.
In one heartbreaking admission, the fan favourite said he frequently visited the cemetery where his mate was buried to weep over the grave.
‘Eventually time passes, and I knew Lachey didn’t want me there at his tomb crying,’ Ricky explained.
Ricky, who is partnered on the Block with his best friend, IT manager Haydn, 37, said that after his mate’s life was cut short he wanted to make the most of every opportunity that came along.
‘That’s one thing I’ve done since 2012,’ he continued.’ I’ve made sure I’ve grasped everything with two hands. I never walk past an open door without at least having a look.’
The Block’s Ricky Recard has revealed that it was a tragic personal loss that helped push him to audition for Nine’s ratings blockbuster. The 34-year-old plumber said he wanted to pay tribute to his mate Lachey, who was killed in 2012 by a drunk driver at age 23. Pictured: Ricky
It comes after the Melbourne native responded to viewers who have branded him the heartthrob on this year’s hotly-anticipated 20th anniversary series of The Block.
As the contest has got underway, Ricky has won over huge legions of fans with many viewers calling him their celebrity crush as they commented on his looks.
Fans have also been left charmed by his positive attitude and cheeky sense of humour, taking to social media to claim Ricky’s Yellow Team as their favourites.
Interviewed for the latest edition of New Idea , Ricky said it took him many months to get over the loss. Pictured: Ricky and Haydn. The pair have proved to be fan favourites this season
Responding to the reaction, the beloved plumber laughed off being called a celebrity crush as he modestly insisted he is in no way notable enough to be given the label.
‘I don’t know if I consider myself a celebrity, seriously,’ he told Yahoo Lifestyle. ‘I think as a celebrity, you’ve got to have a fair resume, right? Like Shelley [Craft], she’s got the list – Saturday Disney for years, Funniest Home Videos, The Block.
‘She’s an Australian icon and I’m just an absolute nobody. But if people want to have a crush on me, that’s cool. I appreciate the love.’
On The Block, Ricky also confessed that host Shelley, 48, is actually his celebrity crush, and has now commented on how starstruck he was to meet her in person.
‘She’s so lovely,’ he gushed. ‘That was probably a bit of a moment for me, I was like, wow, I’m actually rubbing shoulders [with her] and I’m actually talking to her!’
Just days after The Block returned to screens, fans have already been calling for Ricky and Haydn to be crowned the winners of the 2024 series.
Taking to Instagram, one fan proved they were the firm favourites as they wrote: ‘Ricky and Hayden for the win!’
‘How cute was Ricky,’ another commented while a third added: ‘My current crush is Ricky.’
Despite fans calling for their victory, the pair recently insisted they had no game plan whatsoever, confessing: ‘We are just winging it,’ in a recent scene.
As the contest has got underway, Ricky has won over huge legions of fans with many viewers calling him their celebrity crush as they have commented on his looks
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