The Block’s bidder Adrian Portelli has proved himself to be the ‘ticket’ to winning the show as the 2024 contestants were seen clamouring to buddy up to him this week.

The cast of the Channel Nine show were seen going out of their way to build strong relationships with Adrian after he snapped up three Block properties last year.

The entire Block cast all attended the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday and were seen rubbing shoulders with Adrian at the ‘Birdcage’ marquees.

Footage shared to social media showed Adrian smiling and laughing with the contestants, before sharing a playful moment with controversial star Kylie Baker.

A source claimed the cast were all viewing getting in Adrian’s favour as a ‘ticket’ to winning the renovation competition and were all eager to secure his attention.

‘It was like Channel Nine told the whole cast that Adrian was a ticket to winning The Block,’ an attendee at the Birdcage said.

‘The way everyone was vying for the attention of Portelli was next level.

‘It was fierce and this year’s contestants took on the opportunity to ”schmooze” like it was a challenge set by Scotty Cam.’

The Block’s bidder Adrian Portelli proved himself to be the ‘ticket’ to winning the show as the 2024 cast were seen clamouring to buddy up to him this week. He is pictured with Kylie Baker

‘Everyone from the cast was dripping off him and taking photos. I would be too if I had the potential to win millions of dollars,’ another guest claimed.

Their meet-and-greet came just days before The Block auctions are set to take place over the weekend, with one former contestant saying it is key to get Adrian on side.

They claimed: ‘Adrian claims to not even watch the show but in the end it was obvious he knew who we all were and that he had favourites.

‘The work you can put into your ”house” means nothing unless you have a buyer like Adrian Portelli in your pocket.’

Footage and photographs from the Melbourne Cup led to speculation that Kylie and Brad Baker could be lining themselves up to be the winners of the 2024 series.

Adrian was seen sharing a very playful moment with Kylie on camera as she was seen grinning and flipping the bird when the bidder grabbed her attention while filming.

The friendly moment sparked speculation that they are hoping to get in Adrian’s favours ahead of the auction and have formed a close bond with him already.

The entire Block cast (pictured) all attended the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday and were seen rubbing shoulders with Adrian at the ‘Birdcage’ marquees

Their jovial display came after Kylie and Brad – who were at the centre of the now-infamous ‘flirtgate’ scandal – were seen rubbing shoulders with The Block’s producer at the races.

Up until the Melbourne Cup, Courtney and Grant seemed to be the only ‘house’ focusing in on their relationship with Adrian, the owner of LMCT+.

Steph and Gian famously formed a genuine connection with the entrepreneur and the pair ended up making a profit of a winning $1.75million.

A source from a previous year predicted that Adrian is going to buy all five Phillip Island properties at Saturday’s auction, which is set to air on TV on Sunday.

However, talks with Adrian’s camp have hinted that may not be the case as he is planning to play it by ear on the day.

‘I think the more Adrian hears that he is going to buy them all – the more he won’t,’ they dished.

The 2024 series of The Block has had its fair share of drama with a ‘flirtgate’ scandal engulfing four contestants and rocking the grand finale.

Despite Kylie’s vow to boycott auction day, sources have claimed she and her husband Brad (pictured) would consider returning for the sale if the reserve was for the right price

The on-screen drama first kicked off when Brad told co-star Mimi Belperio – who is married to Kristian – that he would follow her OnlyFans account if she had one.

The controversial conversation came as Brad and Mimi shared a drink at his house while Kylie napped beside them and kicked off the now-infamous ‘flirtgate’ scandal.

Kylie sensationally split from her husband Brad, who she shares four children with, on the show following his flirtatious comments with fellow contestant Mimi.

Kylie then sensationally stormed off set and threatened to ‘break the f**king camera’ if the crew kept filming in a dramatic exit, and she appeared to cut ties with Nine.

However, Daily Mail Australia then revealed that Kylie and Brad are still together following the drama, and they were seen looking loved-up at the races this week.

Amid an alleged fallout with Nine, Kylie and Brad were also seen spending time with The Block’s producer Julian Cress at the glitzy event, sparking speculation the drama could have been staged.

Despite Kylie’s vow to boycott auction day, sources have claimed the married couple would consider returning for the sale if the reserve was for the right price.

The Block’s host Scott Cam has since addressed theories about whether Kylie and Brad will attend the auctions, claiming the couple has not been in contact with Nine

The Block’s host Scott Cam has since addressed theories about whether Kylie and Brad will attend the auctions.

Speaking on Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Friday, Scott insisted the couple has cut contact with Nine, despite their friendly display with the show’s producer at the races.

‘We can’t confirm anything with those guys [Brad and Kylie], because they’re not in communicado, so we’re not sure how it’s going to play out,’ he dished.

‘I don’t have communication with them because I’m doing other things, but we’ve got people at the network that do that, and they have been struggling to make contact.’