Episode 31 Recap: Scott Cam's horror as rumour threatens site's reputation while House 3 suffer a devastating blow

It's crunch time during Living and Dining Week on Phillip Island.

And boy oh boy, is there is A LOT to do.

Our Blockheads have a busy few days ahead (but then again, when do they not?). But thankfully, yesterday Scott Cam made two huge announcements to ease the stress after a late delivery of plaster threw their week into disarray.

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1. For the first time ever our teams will have help from a professional painter, and 2. He's going to cover the cost of their tradies waiting around with nothing to do. Yee haw!

This all comes in very handy for their budgets, which are not looking so hot. We're dangerously close to heading outside to the back and front yards, and the teams are starting to panic about how much cash they have to wow the judges!

READ MORE: The Block Island's budget woes explained - which teams are in the green and who's in the red ahead of landscaping

But hold your horses guys, you still have a living and dining space to complete. Guess who's here to check your progress? Yep, Shelley Craft's arrived for walk-arounds!

She and Scotty ask Maddy and Charlotte about their relationships with the other contestants now.

They're shocked to learn that Houses 2-5 have all gone out for dinner together while leaving the girls behind – and Scotty's protective dad mode comes out again.

"Don't make excuses for them, they should be inviting you out for tea, I'm going to go tell them–" he says.

"No, Scotty, don't do that!" the girls protest.

Another exciting part of Living and Dining Week is the furniture delivery. Tables, chairs, couches – they're all among the most important styling choices our teams can make!

Courtney and Mimi get a sneak peek at Maddy and Charlotte's table after spotting it hidden in Scotty's HQ. Spoiler alert!

EPISODE 30: Scott Cam breaks the cardinal rule of The Block for the first time in 20 seasons and romance rumours run rife

Meanwhile, Kylie and Brad have gone for a custom-made oak table from Christian Cole. We're not sure it's even necessary to specify at this point, but yes, it is black.

Ricky and Haydn's week is derailed by a devastating phone call from their landscaping team. They are pulling out of the job, which is now just three weeks away, and Ricky is certain the site's reputation for not paying trades is to blame.

Scotty and Shell are shocked to learn about the development. Scotty tells Shell about House 2's previously unpaid bills.

"And that's spread like wildfire," she says.

House 3 now need to find a new landscaping team in limited time – and of course, they still have a lot to do on this week's room as well!

During the rest of walk-arounds, Scotty and Shell are horrified by this latest development and want to turn The Block's reputation around. Kylie and Brad say they've also noticed consequences from this, not being able to find local tradespeople.

"Imagine if you can't finish the houses because no one wants to work here," Shell worries.

She is also very skeptical about House 4's cost-friendly Shou Sugi Ban alternative and everyone gets a lecture about the state of their budgets.

At House 1, Charlotte has a front row view to Foreman Dan calling their living room's wall lights "a disaster". It's not normally something you want to hear out of the Foreman's mouth, but Charlotte is not too concerned.

"Foreman Dan and his disasters," she laughs. "Disaster is honestly his favourite word but most of his disasters are really not disasters."

The argue about the height of the lights, but the wall is painted and it's too late to change anything.

"Don't lose sleep over it," she tells him.

This week, House 5 are doing their DIY project with Mitre 10. They have $5000 to spend, and if they do it right themselves, they'll win another $5k.

WATCH: The Blockheads hit the track in a racing challenge as Scott Cam reveals a cruel twist

They're going to install feature wall cladding beside their TV, which means... Mimi's first time on the tools. Thankfully, she does not cause anyone any injury and Scotty hand-delivers their winning cash!

With less than two days to go, House 1 and House 3 are ahead on painting but the other three hours are yet to begin.

As Courtney and Grant share their progress, a loud noise from Kristian up in House 5 startles... well, everyone. Grant does the loud, indescribable noise back and we are suddenly watching a nature documentary.

"That's their mating call... oh sorry, not mating! But that's their call to each other," Courtney says.

Helpful clarification there, Court!

Despite all the work to do, the houses lagging behind head to the lunch room for wine and gossip.

Kylie tells the story of how she proposed to Brad before the women descend in to what Haydn aptly calls "squawking".

Ricky and Haydn are busy working on their room, but it's hard not to be distracted "by the pack of galahs," they joke.

The screaming goes on for three hours according to Ricky, but who are they to throw stones?

"Maybe that could be us in a few weeks, sitting in the lunch room just going 'ahhhhhhhhhhhh!'" Ricky ponders.

We certainly hope not, boys!

READ MORE: What time is The Block on tonight?

Because of the NRL grand final on Sunday, we're heading into Room Reveals on Monday this week – but not before flat pack furniture takes its toll on Kristian and Mimi (how's that for relatable!?)

Tune in, as the judges deliver a record score for the series.

Who will nab the perfect 10? Find out Monday!

The Block continues Monday to Thursday next week at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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