Ricky Recard from The Block has captured hearts this season with his charming demeanor and relaxed style, earning the title of heartthrob for the 2024 season. However, his reputation has faced scrutiny following allegations from his former partner, who claims he ended their relationship to pursue a romance with a makeup artist he met during the show.
At 34, the Melbourne plumber quickly became a fan favorite, expressing his appreciation for the attention despite considering himself an ordinary individual. He revealed his tumultuous upbringing and the absence of a family for over 16 years, highlighting his deep bond with his close friend and teammate, Haydn.
However, Recard’s image has taken a hit due to claims made by his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Smith. Lauren alleges that she was left in shock after Ricky ended their relationship. She had spent three months managing his home and caring for his dogs while he filmed The Block. Lauren was reportedly unaware of Ricky’s new relationship with Erin Lee, a married mother-of-two and makeup artist on the show, which she discovered while in Mexico.
Erin’s estranged husband has defended Ricky, stating that the affair began after his separation from Erin, and that they were already separated by the time Ricky returned from filming.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, Ricky downplayed his celebrity status, expressing gratitude for the fan support while maintaining that he does not view himself as a notable public figure. He humorously contrasted his own perceived lack of fame with established personalities like Shelley Craft, who have extensive resumes in the industry.