TV stars Dan and Dani Reilly of The Block have opened up on the devastating loss of their newborn Billie in late 2024 as a result of “complications through birth”.
The couple, better known as Foreman Dan and Dani, have been regulars on the long-running series and spoke candidly to contestants on Monday night about their heartbreaking ordeal.
“I guess most people here would know our journey last year, we had our little girl Billie. She arrived on the 8th of the 12th last year,” Dan said.
“And, due to, what’s the wording? Some complications through birth, we only got to spend 10 days with our beautiful girl Billie.
“So we’re actually very grateful for those 10 days. Her time was spent in the NICU department at the Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.”
Dani added: “If you don’t know what NICU means, it’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit, so sick babies, premie babies, spend time in NICU to give them the care they need and the best start to their life”.
On December 20, the distraught couple publicly revealed the “insurmountable grief” they had experienced following Billie’s death.
She had been conceived after a three-year IVF journey.
The couple hope to redirect their pain into creating a legacy that would leave a positive impact on the world for years to come.
Tragedy struck The Block in late 2024, with popular couple Dan Reilly and Dani Wales revealing their newborn baby had died aged just 10 days. Credit: Dan Reilly/IG/IG
“The amazing people that dedicate their lives to NICU is just unbelievable. And what they did, not only for us, but other families, they do whatever is possible to make your time as good as possible,” Dan continued.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t end in the way that it should have for us. But our time there, as Dan said, was really special with Billie.”
As the couple courageously shared their story with contestants, host Scott Cam was one of many to shed a tear as new Blockheads felt the weight of emotion in the pair’s words.
The Block contestants process the tragic death of Dan and Dani’s newborn. Credit: The Block
Thankful for the assistance they received during the experience, Dan and Dani have since been on a mission to raise money for NICUs around Australia, and several other organisations that provided them with care.
“There support for us and Dani has been absolutely amazing. And they guide you through something that no one should ever have to go through,” Dan said.
“We wish we didn’t need them, but we did. And they saved us at that time. So now, we’re here to help them.”
Sharing their heartfelt address to social media after the episode aired, the show favourites have been flooded with love and support from those touched by them along the way.
“Even in your darkest time, you strive to help others. There are no words. You both are so brave and so incredible,” former contestants Sarah and George wrote.
“Dan & Dani, 2 beautiful souls + an angel in the family, Billie 💕 love u guys xx”, Last season’s Rick and Haydn said.
Aussies can show their support by donating to Billie’s Besties, a charitable fund founded by the pair that is dedicated to supporting families affected by neonatal intensive care, loss, and bereavement.
