The Block’s Ricky Recard has revealed the tragic personal loss that helped him audition for Nine’s blockbuster show.
The 34-year-old plumber said he wanted to pay tribute to his friend Lachey, who was killed in 2012 by a drunk driver when he was 23.
“I hope at the end of this life he’ll be there applauding me and saying ‘well done, mate, you couldn’t have done better,'” he said.
Interviewed for the latest edition of New ideaRicky said it took him many months to get over the loss.
In a heartbreaking confession, the fan favorite said he frequently visited the cemetery where his partner was buried to cry on his grave.
‘As time went by, I knew Lachey didn’t want me to be there crying at his grave,’ Ricky explained.
Ricky, who shares the Block with his best friend, IT manager Haydn, 37, said that after his friend’s life was cut short, he wanted to make the most of every opportunity that came his way.
“It’s something I’ve done since 2012,” he continued. “I’ve made sure to grab everything with both hands. I never walk past an open door without at least taking a look.”
The Block’s Ricky Recard has revealed that a tragic personal loss was what prompted him to audition for the Nine blockbuster. The 34-year-old plumber said he wanted to pay tribute to his friend Lachey, who was killed in 2012 by a drunk driver aged 23. Pictured: Ricky
This comes after the Melbourne native responded to viewers who have hailed him as the heartthrob of this year’s highly-anticipated 20th anniversary series of The Block.
As the contest began, Ricky gained a huge legion of fans and many viewers called him their favorite celebrity while commenting on his appearance.
Fans were also delighted by his positive attitude and cheeky sense of humour, taking to social media to claim that Ricky’s Yellow Team is their favourite.
Interviewed for the latest edition of New Idea, Ricky said it took him many months to get over the loss. Pictured: Ricky and Haydn. The pair have proven to be a fan favourite this season.
Responding to the backlash, the beloved plumber laughed off being called a “celebrity crush” while modestly insisting that he is in no way notable enough to be given that label.
“I don’t know if I consider myself a celebrity, really,” he said. Yahoo Lifestyle“I think as a celebrity, you have to have a good resume, right? Like Shelley (Craft), she has a list: Saturday Disney for years, Funniest Home Videos, The Block.
“She’s an Australian icon and I’m a nobody. But if people want to fall in love with me, that’s fine. I appreciate the love.”
On The Block, Ricky also revealed that presenter Shelley, 48, is actually his celebrity crush – and he’s now gushed about how starstruck he was to meet her in person.
“She’s so lovely,” he enthused. “It was probably a very special moment for me. I was like, ‘Wow, I’m actually rubbing shoulders with her and I’m actually talking to her!'”
Just days after The Block returned to screens, fans were already calling for Ricky and Haydn to be crowned the winners of the 2024 series.
On Instagram, one fan proved they were the big favorites by writing: “Ricky and Hayden win!”
“Ricky was so cute,” commented another, while a third added: “My current crush is Ricky.”
Despite fans calling for their victory, the pair recently insisted they had no game plan, confessing: “We’re just winging it,” in a recent scene.
As the pageant has begun, Ricky has gained huge legions of fans with many viewers calling him their favorite celebrity while commenting on his appearance.