The Block's Jess Eva and Norm Hogan reveal their shock split - and why they've kept it secret for three years

The Block fan favourites Jess Eva and Norm Hogan have revealed they are no longer in a romantic relationship – and that it actually ended three years ago.

The 2018 Blockheads, who walked away from Season 14's Auction Day with $209,000, confirmed to New Idea this week that they had officially separated in 2021.

Stream every episode ever of The Block for free on 9Now.

Despite this, the pair continue to co-parent their children, son Freddie, 11, and daughter Matilda, eight, and remain the best of friends.

They still share their home in Sydney, with their own bedrooms.

"We still love one another, we're still the best of friends, and we are still family," Jess told the publication.

Norm said he spends a lot of time in Victoria caring for his parents, but stays with Jess and the kids when in Sydney.

Jess said that in the year or so leading up to the split, the couple had been arguing a lot.

After having a mature conversation, they agreed they couldn't continue on the same romantic path together but wanted to remain the best of friends.

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They then explained the decision to their children, describing the break-up as "best-friending" rather than splitting – and it was a conversation that went down well.

The pair knew it was an unconventional break up, but wouldn't have it any other way.

"For me, a life without Norm in it isn't one I want to live, and he feels the same," Jess said. "Our relationship might not be conventional, but it works for us."

They have spoken out now to prove that the end of a relationship can be completely amicable when two people have love and respect for each other like they do.

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The duo first met outside a pizza shop on a night out 12 years ago, when Jess asked Norm for some of his pizza and he retorted that he would share if she gave him her number.

Jess, a radio host, and Norm, a builder, won Australia's hearts with their sense of humour and down-to-earth nature during Season 14 of The Block.

Last year, they returned to Channel 9 for Budget Battlers, which is streaming for free on 9Now.

In the series, the duo transform everyday homes owned by deserving Aussies – on the tightest budget ever seen on Australian television.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Blockheads Jess Eva and Norm Hogan return to screens in 'outrageous' new reno show Budget Battlers

With a new house to renovate each episode, Jess and Norm gear up with just $10,000 to $15,000 per home, a group of selfless qualified volunteers and only five working days, to inspire viewers with jaw-dropping transformations.

The idea was born from Jess renovating their kitchen for just $400.

Armed with spray paint, tile paint and $8 grout, Jess proved you truly can transform your home while on a budget – and that's exactly what the show is all about.

"I said to Normie, I think this is what we should do. We pretty much realigned our entire lives and went for it," Jess explained to 9Entertainment.

Stream every episode ever of The Block for free on 9Now.

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