They were the underdogs from the start, but last night, Sydneyâs Steve and Tiana Falzon took home the big win; becoming mortgage free after defeating Queensland in an epic grand final clash.
Steve, 47, competed alongside his daughter Tiana, 26, who entered the show to give thanks to her dad who struggled following the death of her mum when she was only seven. Taking home one of televisionâs biggest prizes â his entire $250,000 mortgage wiped clean â Steve battled to contain his emotions after the result was announced live by host Johanna Griggs. âThis is a dream come true,â said Steve. âIâm so overwhelmed. Itâs been a dream of mine for so long to pay this house off.â
Steve paid tribute to his daughter, who sustained a sprained ankle during the dying hours of the final renovation. Despite the injury, she rose to her feet determined to finish. âThereâs no way I could have done this without Tiana. Iâm so glad weâve shared this experience together.â
The grand finalists were given one last renovation challenge â to transform each otherâs garage into an entertainerâs paradise. It was incredibly close with NSW edging ahead of Queensland, 19 points to 17. The Sydney duo transformed Ben and Danielleâs dull Brisbane garage into a Ralph Lauren inspired oasis. âIâm so impressed that a team that struggled at the beginning have come to deliver a room like this,â said judge Wendy Moore. âFor the grand final, you couldnât ask for more.â
Queensland also impressed, turning Steveâs garage into a retro wonderland which oozed âFonzie coolâ complete with a jukebox, bar and Cadillac couch. âThis is excellent work; so deserving to be in the grand final,â said judge Joe Snell.
After the judgesâ scores were combined with the public vote, NSW were declared the winners. Runners-up Ben Edgeworth, 33, and Danielle Russell, 31, donât walk away empty-handed after having their entire house, garden, exterior and garage completely renovated.
Team NSW won the prize after a gruelling competition which saw six house interiors, four garden/exteriors, a holiday house and a special charity home completely transformed. So in my mind, I think it’s now time for a well deserved rest. Great job guys!
Photography by Channel 7