Crunch time for underdogs
DESPITE being “hopeless” renovators who only just manage to scrape by each week, a father- daughter duo are within spitting distance of a major reality TV windfall.
Steve and Tiana Falzon from Sydney’s west will find out tonight if they’ve won the House Rules grand finale, which would see the family’s mortgage fully paid off.
They’re the first to admit they severely struggled in early parts of the competition, but they’ve come a long way and now feel they’re serious contenders to win the ultimate life- changing prize.
“Dad’s been working really hard since mum passed away and it’s his turn to get some good things out of life,” Tiana, 26, said.
They’re up against Queensland glamour couple Ben Edgeworth and Danielle Russell, who were hot favourites to win from the start of the season.
“I really want to win this for Danielle,” Ben, 32, said. “She poured everything she had into this competition and I’d love to see her rewarded for every sleepless night and every tear she shed.”
The latest season of the Channel Seven reality show has been “the most dramatic ever”, according to host Johanna Griggs. “It was a bit like being in the movie Mean Girls at times,” she laughed.
“The competition really ramped up towards the end and it was pretty full on. It’s like the teams all of a sudden remembered it was a competition with this lifechanging prize.”
That realisation seemed to have the biggest impact on the New South Wales team, she said, who finally “pulled their fingers out” and got serious about the opportunity.
“It’s safe to say Steve and Tiana had their bags packed for the first few eliminations. They were hopeless – totally hopeless.
“Then they hit their straps and turned it around.
“They’ve done some brilliant work. It’s amazing to see the transformation, from one of the weakest teams we’ve ever had in this show to real contenders.”
But beating the talented Queensland renovators will be a big ask, Griggs said.
“They’re very strong, they’re consistent, they’re good. I picked Ben and Danielle for the finals from the beginning.”
Steve said winning would allow him to spend more time with his young son, while Ben and Danielle said the strong financial position would allow them to start a family.
Scores from the judges and a public vote will decide the outcome, with the results delivered live tonight.