There’s only a few weeks left of the emotional rollercoaster that is DIY reality show Mitre 10 Dream Home, but as the Weekly can exclusively reveal, Team Orange and Black have “secret weapons” – special people in their lives doing their bit to help make dreams a reality.
As sleep deprivation and the stress of building, decorating and finishing a room in a weekend get the better of contestants, a secret family member is helping Sarah and Martyn Giles (Orange), and Jay Blair and Amanda Fail (Black). And they could ultimately be the difference between success and failure.
She admits that she’s a DIY novice and not much use with a paintbrush, but Gaylene Sergent will do anything to help her eldest daughter, Amanda (31).
The Wellington-based 57-year-old dedicated her time in Christchurch for over a month, helping Amanda and partner Jay work on their dream home.
But hairdresser Amanda’s same-sex relationship initially came as a surprise to Gaylene – although she now adores 29-year-old Jay.
“It was a little hard to get my head around at first, but part of me knew, and part of me was probably in denial [about Amanda’s sexuality],” says Gaylene.
“I really like Jay – and the kids love her. At the end of the day, my biggest concern was that Amanda’s new partner be someone I could trust with the children, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better.”
Gaylene’s support has been invaluable to Amanda, who has found Dream Home an emotional experience.
“It meant everything to me,” says Amanda, who admits that her mum helped mop up a few tears. “Having her here as a part of the build was just incredible – I was very lucky. She helped me pull my head in like only your mum can.”
Although she lacks building expertise, the experienced businesswoman, who currently runs a sewing alteration store, became the team’s Girl Friday, helping take care of Amanda’s kids – Josh (13), Bailey (10) and Summer (8) – and also running some errands.
And it’s not the first time Gaylene has relocated to help her daughter.
After the February earthquake, she moved down to the Garden City to be near the family and make sure everyone was safe.
“Mum came to the rescue after the quakes,” says Amanda. “She decided she couldn’t stand being away from us, as she was worried all the time – I so appreciated her being here.”
Amanda and Jay started dating three years ago, after meeting through friends. Jay says although she knew Amanda had kids from her previous relationship, she was amazed when she found herself becoming a parent. And she loves being a major part of Amanda’s kids’ lives.
“I’ve kind of surprised myself, because I’ve turned into a mum,” says Jay.
“It sounds weird saying that out loud, but it’s true. If the kids need anything, I’m there, and it’s a cool feeling.”
“Gaylene has definitely been a rock. She’s stepped up when we’ve needed her help.”
Meanwhile, over on Team Orange, Sarah Giles’ father, Phill Paul, also knows about putting in the hard yards to help his family.
Affectionately known as “Orange Dad”, the 59-year-old is clearly the most popular guy on the building site, becoming like a surrogate father to the workers on Team Orange.
However, Sarah’s husband Martyn didn’t initially make the best first impression, when he met Phill 19 years ago.
Turning up at their family home in a lowered racing car to take Sarah on a date probably wasn’t the best move, but today, Phill says he couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law.
For his day job, Phill is also helping rebuild Christchurch, operating a crane on the city’s many construction sites. However, after working a 40-hour week, he then sacrifices his weekends to help Sarah and Martyn build the home of their dreams.
“Dad’s totally our secret weapon. He’s so well-loved on set,” says Sarah.
“When we first found out we were on Dream Home, we booked Dad in to help out one Friday night – but he wasn’t having that, and he hasn’t missed a single day that we’ve been doing this,” she adds.
Bypassing time with wife Joy, as well as his beloved fishing season, Phill has proved adept at building, painting and laying up jib board, but his biggest contribution has been a sense of humour and calm approach.
“I didn’t do much really – I think I spent most of the time trying to calm down Sarah,” jokes Phill.
“It was a bit nerve-racking watching them do this show – they got very tired at times. I just said to Sarah, ‘Don’t panic, it’s better just to do a nice job on a room and not finish, than rush it and not enjoy the process.’”
Phill and Joy have been there for the couple through thick and thin, taking them in, and their six kids – Isaac (13), Xavier (9), Bailey (7), Rhys (6), Chevalyn (5) and Janaya (3) – after the quakes. Growing up with foster siblings himself, Phill was supportive of the couple’s decision to foster four children.
Unlike other DIY reality shows, where the contestants design houses with other sellers in mind, Phill says Dream Home is much more personal, and he is trying to help his daughter enjoy a fresh start.
“The stakes are so much higher. Winning this would put Sarah and Martyn on their feet – and be much easier for the children,” he adds.
Photos: Tessa Burrows • Hair and Make-up: Cheryl Fowler • Styling: Julie Vernon and Angela Stone Amanda’s top and pants from k&K. Gaylene’s cardigan, top and necklace from Max, pants from K&K. Jay’s top, shirt and pants from barkers. • Phill’s jacket, top, shirt and jacket from barkers. Sarah’s top and necklace from Max, tunic from city chic. Martyn’s pants and shirt from barkers.
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