Episode 17 recap: One team make the gut-wrenching decision to leave The Block for good and Scott Cam's 'replacement' prank backfires

It's a new week on The Block, but this one is unlike any other.

Jesse and Paige have made the gut-wrenching decision to leave, a month into the series.

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Audio from the previous Friday replays the pair in a heated discussion about whether they want to remain on The Block, or return home to Perth.

"You're frustrated that you have someone who doesn't want to be here," Paige says. "You want me to want to be here and I don't."

The show's executive producer intervenes. Wanting the best for them, he says they need to see the show's health professional which they then do over the weekend.

After careful consideration, they make the decision to leave.

The teams wake on Monday morning after Room Reveals and Jesse and Paige are preparing to emotionally deliver their news.

It's a shock to everyone.

"When the decision was made I even just felt relieved," Paige tells Kristian and Mimi. "I just haven't been myself, like at all. I've really mentally struggled."

Jesse says that while he does want to stay, he needs to "put [Paige] first".

They go from house to house to say their emotional goodbyes, and there was not a dry eye to be found on-site.

Everyone escorts Jesse and Paige to the site entrance, where Scott Cam also arrives for a poignant farewell.

"Nothing is more important – not The Block, not building – nothing's more important than your mental health," he tells them.

"It is a big decision and a brave one that you've both made. I think we've probably all had to make that decision together and I feel as though, for people who are suffering with mental health issues, this is an inspiration for them to maybe make a decision as well.

"We feel as though you need to get to a place out of here that's where you can best take care of yourself."

EXCLUSIVE: Scott Cam discusses Jesse and Paige's brave decision to leave The Block

Paige "100 per cent" agrees and both she and Jesse thank Scotty for the experience.

"It's definitely sad to see them say goodbye but we have a lot of respect for them to be able to do that," Haydn says.

After final teary hugs, they are waved off The Block for good.

It's a sombre start to their week, and Scotty tells our remaining Blockheads that the Jesse and Paige's decision came following advice from the series' psychologist.

They are flying back to Perth to be with their family and get the care that they need and he promises to keep everyone informed on how they're doing.

Ricky asks what will happen to their house, but Scotty doesn't know just yet. Watch this space, he says.

The teams reflect on their shock at the decision and feel guilt about not knowing what was going on. "You never know what people are going through. Be nice to people, be nice to everyone," Courtney concludes.

Eventually, it's time to get their heads back in the game and plan this week's room: their Main Bedroom and Walk-in-Robes.

Courtney's prone to overthinking so she's come up with a new catchphrase: "What would Shaynna do?" Somebody get that on a t-shirt.

House 3's planning involves learning about the important of full length mirrors and at House 5, Kristian and Mimi are yet again shocked by how large their space is.

They also get some luxe upgrades thanks to last week's win – including $300 coat hangers! Who knew that was a thing?

DAN VS DANI: Dan and Dani get into a fiery disagreement over team's room

Oh, and who can forget the Gucci dress and earrings:

Well, well, well. If it isn't House 3 with a very cheeky plan to get around an all-important Block rule forbidding the delivery of materials (and power tools!) on public holidays.

Ricky and Haydn have had their timber delivered to builder Duncan's house in Victoria where they're working hard. Legally.

"It's important to know where the line is, not to cross it, but to work in and around that line," Ricky says.

READ MORE: The little-known rules of The Block

To be fair, they need all the help they can get because yes, they have their main bedroom and robe to do, but they're also planning to get their main ensuite finished this week too. Third times a charm, they hope.

Kristian and Mimi head out for their 'winners are grinners dinner' with Scotty and two Block legends. One great thing about House 5 winning four out of five rooms is that we get to consistently see Block fangirl Mimi in all her glory:

This week's All Stars are... Ronnie and Georgia!

The Elsternwick and Fans v Faves pair hold the record for the most ever room wins on the series, so they hold some very important knowledge – and $10,000 cash, of course.

Back at site, the boys are hosting (another) chumps dinner. Unsurprisingly, the topic of conversation quickly turns to what will happen to House 1 now.

Jesse and Paige had already pre-ordered things for future rooms in their house, so Haydn posits that a "fresh face" surely can't come in to deliver a house in someone else's style.

"It'll have to be Scotty or an All Star, ex-contestant or someone like that..."

The next morning everyone has the fun job of inspecting their sites after a lot of overnight rainfall.

There's flooding galore as The Block has turned from a dust bin to a mud pit. What's another curveball?

Kristian and Mimi have also returned and House 1's replacement is the only thing on Mimi's mind.

"What if it's Steph and Gian? What if it's Ronnie and Georgia?"

Well, Mimi. You just spoke it into existence!

Scotty takes the All Star couple around the site and introduces them to all the goings on in House 1, their new home for, he says, the rest of the season?

Huge news! And Mimi watches it all play out from the window:

She starts to spiral, but Foreman Dan is characteristically honest.

"They haven't won a Block yet so I wouldn't be too worried... I think both auctions have been disastrous for them!" he says.

Mimi doesn't need to hear logic right now (relatable!), so she tells Kylie and together, they spiral further.

"I'm leaving. If they come on, I'm leaving, I'm done" Kylie tells Dan.

Things get even worse when Georgia introduces herself to Haydn and Kylie as they and Mimi head out for a shopping trip. Watch the video below to see just how, uh, frosty things get:

On site, Scotty tells Brad that Kylie's threatening to go to the airport – which is awkward, because he's playing an elaborate prank.

Ronnie and Georgia are just in for a day!

He calls the trio in the car, although Kylie has walked off and doesn't want to talk. Eventually, she's available and he delivers the news.

"I'm extremely busy ringing around trying to find new contestants that are not ex-contestants to take [Jesse and Paige's] place," he tells her.

"Are you happy with me now?" he asks.

"Sure," she responds.

She's definitely not, but at least she won't be halfway back to Cairns when tomorrow night, two new Blockheads arrive to take over House 1.

Tune in tomorrow to see how it all plays out.

If you or someone you know needs immediate or mental health-related support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

The Block continues Sunday at 7pm and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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