Three teams now remain to battle it out for a life-changing place in the Grand Final of House Rules.
Engaged Queensland couple Maddi and Lloyd extended wedding invitations to the remaining three House Rules teams last night after the pair was eliminated following another poor placing in the exterior challenges.
The Townsville duo finished last in the second semi-final after their efforts in the Victorian team‟s back yard failed to impress judges, Joe Snell and Wendy Moore, who gave them a combined score of 12 points.
Maddi and Lloyd were applauded for their decision to extend the back deck to accommodate alfresco dining and an existing tree, but their design, furniture choice and plantings lost them valuable points. “I think you guys had the beginning of a really wonderful garden,” said Wendy. “But you didn‟t quite follow through.” Joe agreed saying the layout was poor, particularly the brick path dividing the lawn which was “OTT”.
After finishing third in semi-final one, NSW team Candy and Ryan rocketed to first place tonight with 16 points. The Sydney pair delivered a picture perfect front yard for Victoria‟s Adam and Lisa which the judges found hard to fault.
“This was the most complete exterior of all,” said Joe. Team NSW – with its choice of white picket fence, arbour entry, recycled brick pathway, cobblestone drive and quaint birdbath – won the second semi ahead of Team WA on 14 points.
Perth grandparents Carole and Russell edged-out previous semi winners Adam and Lisa, delivering Palm Springs cool‟ to the front yard of Maddi and Lloyd‟s home but the judges disliked their “muddy” orange entrance. “Overall you did some amazing work,” said Wendy. “But the journey of the [front] garden needed denser foliage.”
Team VIC once again took line honours overall, proving they are no longer the series‟ underdogs. Adam and Lisa were tasked with transforming the back yard of Maddi and Lloyd‟s home into „a poolside paradise fit for a wedding‟, incorporating a wedding arch.
The judges felt the team fell short but the homeowners were delighted. “This is perfect. It is exactly what we wanted,” said Lloyd. Maddi agreed: “You know you have to marry me now? You‟ve got no excuse”. Lloyd laughed at his fiancée before adding, “But you know what? We can do it now.”
Wedding bells may not be too far off for Adam and Lisa either, after the series‟ other engaged couple were left spellbound by the charming transformation of their 60‟s weatherboard cottage by Teams NSW and QLD. “This is awesome,” said Adam. Lisa nodded: “This is everything we wanted. ”
The Victorians finished only a point ahead of Maddi and Lloyd in the final challenge with 13 but their solid effort transforming Carole and Russell‟s Perth front yard in the first semi kept them safe and in first place overall.
For the VIC and QLD exteriors, judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell scored the teams:
1st Team NSW (VIC front yard) 16 points
2nd Team WA (QLD front yard) 14 points
3rd Team VIC (QLD back yard) 13 points
4th Team QLD (VIC back yard) 12 points
With scores added from the first semi-final, the overall leaderboard placed teams as follows:
One of the most popular teams with viewers and competitors alike, it was no surprise to see tears when House Rules host Joh Griggs announced Queensland were the third team to be eliminated. But the ever-smiling couple had nothing but kind words about their “amazing” House Rules experience. “I could probably say „thank you‟ a million times and it still wouldn‟t be enough,” said Lloyd “You‟ve change our lives.” Joh told the couple she expects the planned backyard wedding will be “a beautiful event.” “You‟re all invited,” said Maddi. “We‟ve been given a massive gift. Thanks so much, guys. We‟re so grateful.”
Tonight the inal 3 embark on one final challange to make it into the grand final.
