Episode 24 Recap: Returning judge savages 'crime scene' room - and not even the contestants are defending it as 'biggest prize ever' awarded

It's the midway point of The Block and after a month-and-a-half of relentless work, the teams have woken up on a public holiday in desperate need of electrolytes.

Look. It's been a hell of a six weeks, who can blame them?

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Despite a tough end to their evening in the bathhouse, Han and Can have woken up with big smiles.

They've swapped the stress of the challenge for hangovers and strangely, that is preferrable at this point.

Scott Cam and Shelley Craft are all smiles too, for different reasons. We think.

This week's walkarounds are really a mixed bag!

It's part interrogating budgets, part Scotty wondering why the heck Han and Can were wrestling and part questioning what on earth they were thinking when designing their bathhouse room.

Shelley is yet to see what House 2 have pulled together... but she cannot wait.

"I'm really excited to because it sounds so hideous," she tells House 4.

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Okay, it's time.

After weeks of work, and a 'copycat' scandal that shattered the 'happiest Block on earth' vibes of the competition, it's time to see what the teams have delivered at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.

And who will win the $260,000 caravan – a.k.a the biggest challenge prize in Block history.

To judge the space, they've brought in a very familiar face: yes, it's the lamp king himself, Neale Whitaker!

So, what does he think?

Emma and Ben's Spa

Emma and Ben are sick of always being the bridesmaids and would really like to get their first win of the competition.

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Neale is impressed by their space, saying it feels very warm.

The tile they've chosen has a nice golden fleck, which matches the colour of the natural mineral water.

"What I like about this is you just want to relax, you don't want something that's too busy," he says.

He also loves the giant stone slab under their bath, which makes clear the bath is the hero of the space.

A solid start!

Britt and Taz's Spa

Britt and Taz think they've nailed the brief with a calming, timeless room.

Neale agrees, immediately describing it as "relaxing".

"It feels like you could really chill out in here," he continues.

He praises the three different tile choices and how they all complement each other.

However, he thinks their wooden stool is not luxurious enough and that they've gone too hard on greenery.

"That's minor stuff. Overall, I think they've made good choices," he says.

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Robby and Mat's Spa

Robby and Mat love their space but is it to Neale's tastes?

They've got music playing and petals in the bathtub, and Neale appreciates that it adds to the sensory experience.

He also likes the choice of wall tiles.

"The pinks works well with the rose gold tapware, somebody is thinking about the overall presentation," he praises.

However, he worries the pink may date the room in the future.

He also thinks the floor tile clashes.

"It's just too busy... that's wrong," he says, suggesting a plain tile would've worked much better.

Sonny and Alicia's Spa

Everyone knows how much Sonny and Alicia want to win – so much so, Alicia admits it will be embarrassing if they don't!

"Wow," Neale says upon entering. "This to me, takes all the elements I loved in the previous bathroom to a new level."

He's impressed by the subtle printed ceiling and happily takes a seat on their "beautiful" (heated) bench.

The only detail in the room he doesn't like is an "odd" small pendant light in the corner.

But it does little to distract from how much Neale likes this room.

"It's impressive in its simplicity, and I guess it goes back to what I was saying at the beginning about how you want to switch off in these rooms so actually, less is more," he concludes.

Han and Can's Spa

It's the room everyone has been waiting to see. Han's trying to tell herself it's not that bad, and all Can can bring herself to do is chuckle.

Well, consider us excited.

"Ooooh wow," Neale says. And we don't think it's the same type of 'wow' as he gave Sonny and Alicia.

Spa spaces are supposed to be quiet and tranquil... but this?

"I haven't said this for a very long time but this is a crime scene," Neale says.

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There is simply too much going on and none of it works together.

"All of those individual elements can be fine on their own but not together. It's a mess, it's everything that a spa experience shouldn't be."

Given the chance, he'd keep the marble tiles and strip absolutely everything else back.

But then, in true Neale style, he has a positive to share: "I like the lamp," he says, pointing to their ceiling.

Of course he does!

It's the moment of truth – who will take out the biggest prize in Block history?

Neale rattles off his top three: Third place is Britt and Taz, second is Emma and Ben... again. Are we surprised?

The winners are House 4! Sonny and Alicia are both so happy they're in tears.

While they are elated, the same can't be said for Emma and Ben.

"Maybe we just reapply for The Block next year? Just start from scratch," Emma jokes.

Constantly coming second is taking its toll and the competition's happiest pair are officially devastated.

"Someone comes out on top and it hasn't been us yet but we'll keep trying," Ben says, before a big teary hug with his wife and a quiet, sad drive home.

Maybe they can turn it around on Sunday!

From incomplete rooms to an angry Shaynna Blaze, the Rumpus Room Reveals are set to ruffle feathers and have jaws on the floor.

We'll see you there.

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

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

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