The Block winners Maddy and Charlotte Harry break their silence about claims the show is rigged before admitting they knew Adrian Portelli would be buying everyone’s homes

The Block winners Maddy and Charlotte Harry have all but confirmed Adrian Portelli’s claims the Channel Nine show is rigged after he snapped up their renovated Phillip Island property for $3.5million on Sunday night.

The sisters have become the youngest-ever auction winners of The Block, taking home an eye-watering $1.65million profit during the nail-biting finale.

Maddy, 24, and Charlotte, 22, also took home an extra $100,000 for their monumental victory.

The Melbourne-based sisters confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that they knew early on during filming for the series that Portelli had his eye on their property. 

The billionaire Block regular also purchased the other four properties on the night, spending a total of $15.03million. 

‘Adrian showed interest in all the houses from the start,’ said Charlotte.

‘We’d had quite a few conversations with Adrian over the past few weeks and spent some time together, so we knew he was keen on all the houses,’ she said.

‘It was surreal to watch it unfold, but we feel incredibly lucky he invested in ours.’

The Melbourne-based sisters confirmed to Daily Mail Australia they knew early on during filming for the series that Portelli had his eye on their property 

Charlotte and Maddy also admitted they knew Adrian would spare no expense when it came to their home, despite going under the hammer last.

‘Adrian was genuinely interested in the communal area and seemed to have his eye on multiple properties,’ Charlotte shared. 

Their comments come after Portelli confirmed to Nova’s Jase & Lauren the auction order was pre-determined. 

‘We hand-selected the auction order to make sure the girls [Maddy and Charlotte Harry] went last. So we can get them to win,’ Portelli began.

‘Adrian showed interest in all the houses from the start,’ said Charlotte. (Pictured with Adrian at the auction)

Portelli revealed it was decided their house would be the last to go to auction, in order to increase the drama.

‘The girls cared. They came in late. They were the underdogs, were picked on, were bullied.’

He said Maddy and Charlotte were informed in advance as to why their property would be auctioned last, adding the other contestants were kept in the dark.

‘It was just the girls [who were in on the plan]. How good is that? They are the sweetest and innocent and were playing the game the best.’

The reality of reality TV: ‘Staged’ moments and drama 

Maddy and Charlotte also addressed claims The Block is ‘staged’ to create extra drama.

‘Of course, things are taken out of context sometimes. It’s reality TV – everyone loves a bit of drama,’ Charlotte told Daily Mail Australia.

When asked about contestants who may have received an unfair portrayal, Maddy kept it simple.

‘Honestly, we just focused on ourselves. We stayed in our own lane and didn’t get involved in the drama, so I can’t really speak to that,’ she added.

Their comments come after Portelli confirmed to Nova’s Jase & Lauren the auction order was pre-determined. ‘We hand-selected the auction order to make sure the girls [Maddy and Charlotte Harry] went last. So we can get them to win,’ Portelli began

Secret to their win

The pair’s serene, coastal-inspired property won rave reviews after the pair created a peaceful, cosy haven that captured the attention of potential buyers.

‘We wanted a holiday home vibe that felt comfortable and peaceful, and I think that’s exactly what we achieved,’ Charlotte said. 

‘People told us it felt calm and cozy, and that’s what you want in a holiday home.’ 

The Block fan-favourite Dan and Danni Healy were among those who pegged Maddy and Charlotte as winners from early on.

‘We watched the Dan and Danni series, and Danni gave us quite a bit of praise throughout the season,’ Maddy said.

‘Her final prediction was that we would win, and that’s just what happened.’ 

Public walkthroughs also boosted their confidence, with many attendees declaring their home the standout.

‘People would say to security, “If we could buy one, we’d buy theirs,”‘ Maddy noted.

As for the hefty winnings, Charlotte and Maddy revealed they would be investing it into property

Prize Money and Plans for the Future

As for their hefty winnings, Charlotte jokingly declared she might take it all for herself.

‘I’m going to take the whole lot… kidding! We’ll definitely be splitting it and most likely investing it together. We’d love to buy another property and get into another renovation, which could be exciting!’ she said.

With The Block experience now behind them, Maddy and Charlotte are ready for a well-deserved holiday break and are already eyeing up fresh projects for the new year. 

‘We’re hoping to find a new property as soon as possible so we can jump back into another renovation next year,’ Charlotte revealed. 

‘There’s just so much we’ve learned, and we’re excited to bring that to our next project.’

In the short term, however, the sisters are planning to recharge over Christmas.

With The Block experience now behind them, Maddy and Charlotte are ready for a well-deserved holiday break and are already eyeing fresh projects for the new year 

‘We’re definitely taking some time to relax over the holidays,’ Maddy said.

‘We’ve been going non-stop for six months, so we owe our family and friends some quality time after being so wrapped up in the show.’ 

As for another potential return to TV, Maddy and Charlotte aren’t ruling it out. 

‘Never say never,’ Charlotte teased.

‘We’d consider doing another show together, but it would have to be the right timing and the right fit. For now, though, we’re ready to get back to normal life and maybe explore some other opportunities in the property world. You never know what might come next!’

‘We’d consider doing another show together if the timing was right,’ Maddy added.

‘But for now, we’re just looking forward to some family time. We owe them that after being MIA for the last six months.’

Maddy and Charlotte admitted they weren’t surprised to see fellow contestants Kylie and Brad Baker turn up on auction day, despite earlier claims they wouldn’t attend 

The pair added that any tensions among contestants are firmly in the past. ‘Life’s too short to be bitter. We’re happy to be friends with everyone,’ Maddy said. ‘It’s water under the bridge for us’ 

Old Rivalries, New Friendships

Maddy and Charlotte admitted they weren’t surprised to see fellow contestants Kylie and Brad Baker turn up on auction day despite earlier claims they wouldn’t attend.

‘I think you’d be silly not to attend to collect some money,’ Charlotte said.

‘We’re genuinely happy for them – they worked hard, and they deserved a win for their family.’

The pair added that any tensions among contestants are firmly in the past.

‘Life’s too short to be bitter. We’re happy to be friends with everyone,’ Maddy said. ‘It’s water under the bridge for us.’