As tension with other contestants grew, Suzi succumbed to the pressure of the renovation juggernaut; falling out with rivals, collapsing on set and then being snapped topless on a boat during the Melbourne Cup carnival.
The repentant Gold Coast mother-of-three has now made a public apology and explanation for the racy pics and her erratic behaviour, which goes to air during the final episode.
“I suppose I’ve got a few words to say to everyone,” says the 1991 Penthouse Pet Of The Year-turned real estate agent in her TV tell-all.
“If I’ve caused anyone embarrassment, I totally regret it. I’ve had a lot of personal issues in my life, which I suppose a lot of people do.
“I’m getting a lot better and I’ve had amazing support. I just want to say to everyone I feel for you all. Scotty, I thank you so much for your support. I’m on the road to recovery and thank you so much for supporting me.”
Suzi says she encourages anyone who is going through any sort of depression, or other serious problems, to seek help.
“I think the biggest thing with a problem in your life is to acknowledge it and own it so that’s what I’ve done.
“I’ve sought help and Channel Nine and everyone has been amazing. They are like my family here in Melbourne. I can’t thank them enough.”
The Block’s long-suffering foreman Keith Schleiger, however, isn’t so forgiving.
Speaking at a recent charity golf event, Keith says Suzi’s stripper antics have tarnished the family show.
“It’s not good,” Keith told the Herald Sun. “I don’t think anybody is happy with it. The Block is a family show. We’re not there to be getting our clothes off and revealing ourselves.
“I’m very disappointed. I like Suzi. (The pressure) obviously got to her. But at the end of the day, we’re a family show, and we don’t like things like that.”
When asked if Suzi pulled her weight on the show to help teammate and long-time friend, Vonni Cosier, Keith didn’t pull any punches.
“She tried the best she knew, but she had a problem listening to people. At times, Suzi thought she knew better.”
