The Block 2024‘s Ricky Recard‘s father has spoken out following the tradie’s on-screen claims he fled an abusive childhood.
In a recent episode of the hit renovation show, the plumber alleged he “hasn’t really had a family in 16 years”, after he left home due to “some issues going on”.
“Alcohol and domestic violence were pretty rife,” he revealed, noting that his teammate, Haydn Wise, has since become his family.
However, Ricky‘s dad, Martin Blennerhasset, has denied this is the case.
Martin told Daily Mail Australia that his eldest son left home after an argument with his mother, Debbie, one Christmas Day. As such, their relationship has been “strained” ever since.
“I’m not proud of the night he left,” Martin confessed. “I have vivid memories of the altercation he had with his mother. But I want to be clear when I say I have never hit my kids or ever been violent.
“There was no violence in our household, and as for alcohol — I’d be lucky if I had three beers in a week.”
The Block 2024‘s Ricky’s mother is ‘devastated’ at son’s claims
According to the 34-year-old’s dad, his mum, Debbie, was “devastated and heartbroken” by Ricky’s claims about their family.
“She’s pretty fragile at the moment. It’s been a hard time for all of us,” Martin admitted.
He revealed that he and Debbie are close with their younger children, Tom and Melanie, who are also estranged from The Block contestant.
“Melanie called and introduced herself to Rick on the phone a few weeks ago, and he hung up on her,” Martin said.
“I’m very disappointed that Channel Nine didn’t do their due diligence in fact-checking his backstory.”
The family were also shocked to learn that their son had legally changed his name from Richard John Blennerhasset to Ricky Recard.
Despite the Blennerhassets’ sadness in Ricky’s depiction of the family, his parents hope to rekindle a relationship with their son.
“We still love him and we’re proud of him, he’s a very switched-on young person,” Martin assured.
“It’s never too late to reconnect. There is no doubt that his family loves him.”
Ricky’s family woes follow claims from his ex-girlfriend that she was “blindsided” when he dumped her, only for him to start dating a makeup artist he met on The Block.
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