Ben & Chloe reveal 'THE TRUTH ABOUT US'

They aren't a couple, but these Block buddies do make a formidable team

- Debbie Harrison

Chloe Hes and Ben Speedy have been through life-changing experiences since we last saw them on our screens on the The Block NZ in 2018, with a baby and a world trip. But let’s get one thing straight – they did them separately.

“No, we’re not together!” Ben hoots. “People always ask if anyone from the girls’ team got together with anyone from the boys on our season. There was a little flirtation and fun, but we were all just really good mates.”

Nodding, Chloe adds, “The Block isn’t somewhere where people fall in love. Gib dust in your nose, you haven’t showered in days, you’re exhausted… You’re certainly not your best.”

However, the firm friendship Chloe, 29, and Ben, 28, forged set them in good stead for The Block NZ: Redemption. Chloe’s former teammate and buddy Emily Blanchett was out of contention because she’d just welcomed her baby daughter Penelope. Instead, fellow Aucklander Ben stepped up and Chloe is grateful to have him by her side as she navigates being away from her son Noah for the first time.

“I’m so happy to be doing this with Ben,” she smiles. “He’s out-the-gate fun and has great energy. We’ve found we balance each other out – if I’m feeling flat, Ben will bring the positive vibes and vice versa.”

Chloe’s upfront about her struggles with being away from her two-year-old son Noah, who was born a month before we went into our first national lockdown.