In a renovation TV landscape often dominated by polished designers and high-stakes auctions, My Reno Rules brings something refreshingly different: real Aussies with genuine dreams.
Leading the feel-good charge in House 2 are best mates Franky (38) and Isaac (23) — the self-proclaimed underdogs who are proving that heart, humour, and hustle can go a long way, even without formal design experience.
The new Seven Network series, which premiered on 21 April 2026, sees four teams transforming two rundown 1970s homes in Bulleen, Melbourne.
The ultimate prize isn’t auction profit — it’s a $100,000 cash prize for the winning team, while the fully renovated, furnished, and landscaped houses are given away to lucky viewer families in a live grand finale. It’s billed as the biggest giveaway in Australian television history.
Here’s everything you need to know about Franky Mellios and Isaac Papakyriakopoulos, the Melbourne duo already winning fans with their “no design experience, all heart” approach.
Who Are Franky and Isaac?
Franky and Isaac are longtime best mates from Melbourne with a strong Greek-Australian connection and an infectious “double trouble” energy.
- Franky Mellios (38) runs his own Audio-Visual (AV) business. He has some hands-on renovation experience from tackling a Victorian home previously. Franky brings strong people skills and a natural leadership style — he likes to lead without shutting others down. His design preferences lean toward modern aesthetics with greens, browns, and beige tones.
- Isaac Papakyriakopoulos (23) is a junior foreman. He worked side-by-side with Franky in the AV business for years before moving on. Isaac is completely new to renovation and design, but he compensates with youthful energy, humour, and his signature “luscious, flowing locks.” He favours contemporary finishes and earthy tones.
The pair reunited especially for My Reno Rules. They’re known for their laugh-a-minute dynamic, Greek generosity of spirit, and unbreakable teamwork. Even before the first episode aired, they fully embraced the “underdog” label — and viewers are loving it.
Why They Joined My Reno Rules: Big Dreams on a Tough Budget
Franky and Isaac aren’t chasing fame or Instagram aesthetics. Their motivation is deeply personal and highly relatable amid Australia’s housing affordability challenges in 2026.
- Franky’s goal: Win the $100k to buy a home where he can host “big fat Greek BBQs for all my family” and support his loved ones.
- Isaac’s goal: Use the prize money as a head start to buy a house with his fiancée so they can start a family at a young age.
They openly admit their lack of renovation and design experience but plan to make up for it with determination, positivity, and a day-by-day mindset. As Franky said: “We’re going to take the competition day by day and just put one foot in front of the other.”
Their Strengths and Approach to the Competition
What Franky and Isaac bring to House 2 (alongside Mitch & Shaz) is raw teamwork and resilience. Key strengths include:
- Excellent people skills and the ability to work well under pressure
- A can-do attitude that keeps morale high during tough builds
- Willingness to help others — they’ve already stepped up multiple times to support their housemates
They’re blending their styles into a modern-earthy palette and focusing on staying optimistic even when challenges arise. Their approach emphasises competing tough while keeping their moral compass intact.
Episode 1 Highlights: Battling Setbacks with Humour and Heart
The premiere episode wasted no time throwing curveballs at the teams. In House 2, Franky and Isaac faced their own drama when they discovered an uneven bathroom ceiling, forcing a full rip-out and rebuild just days before the first room reveal.
Isaac’s humorous reaction — “I may as well jump in the bin now” — perfectly captured the mounting pressure, but Franky kept spirits high and the pair pushed through together. At the same time, they showed their generous side by stepping in to help Mitch & Shaz through multiple setbacks, leaning heavily on teamwork early in the competition.
Franky quickly emerged as one of the more resilient contestants, maintaining calm leadership while the pressure cooker environment tested everyone.
Episode 2 Highlights: Building Momentum and Showing True Character
As the competition heated up in Episode 2, Franky and Isaac continued to demonstrate why their underdog story is so compelling. With tighter timelines and the next room reveals looming, the duo tackled new challenges head-on while navigating the shared space dynamics in House 2.
Their humour remained a highlight, helping diffuse tension during long workdays and unexpected hiccups. Isaac’s youthful energy paired with Franky’s steady leadership kept the pair focused on “one foot in front of the other,” even as they balanced their modern-earthy design vision with practical on-site realities.
Viewers saw more of their Greek generosity in action — continuing to offer support where needed without losing sight of their own goals. The episode highlighted their growing confidence as a team, moving beyond the initial shock of the bathroom rebuild and starting to find their rhythm.
While they still openly acknowledge their inexperience, their determination and positive attitude are turning potential weaknesses into strengths that are winning over audiences at home.
Episode 3 Highlights: Gaining Confidence and Delivering Surprises
By Episode 3, Franky and Isaac were clearly hitting their stride and showing viewers that underdogs can deliver real momentum.
With another room on the line and the pressure intensifying across both houses, the pair leaned even harder into their strengths — teamwork, adaptability, and keeping the energy high no matter what the build threw at them.
Moments of light-hearted banter and Isaac’s infectious humour helped the team push through longer hours and tricky decisions on finishes and layouts. Franky’s leadership shone as he guided choices that stayed true to their modern-earthy vision while making smart, practical adjustments on the fly.
One standout element was their continued willingness to collaborate and support within House 2, which helped maintain a positive atmosphere even as other teams experienced more tension. Early judge feedback (from Neale Whitaker, Simon Cohen, and Julia Green) hinted at appreciation for their authentic effort and the “lived-in warmth” they’re bringing to the spaces — qualities that feel genuine rather than forced.
Fans have noted that the duo appears more confident in their design decisions this week, blending Franky’s modern touches with Isaac’s contemporary preferences into cohesive rooms that are starting to impress. Their “day by day” mindset is paying off, turning initial inexperience into growing on-site competence and making their journey even more watchable.
Can Franky & Isaac Go All the Way?
Only time (and the judges — Neale Whitaker, Simon Cohen, and Julia Green) will tell. But one thing is clear: Franky and Isaac are bringing warmth, laughs, and genuine stakes to My Reno Rules, making the show feel more like a heartfelt journey than just another renovation competition.
As the weeks progress with Episodes 1–3 already delivering plenty of heart, hustle, and “double trouble” moments, their story continues to unfold in the most entertaining way.
Who are you backing — Franky & Isaac or one of the other teams? Drop your predictions and favourite moments from Episodes 1, 2 & 3 in the comments below!
Tune into new episodes of My Reno Rules Tuesdays at 7:30pm on Channel 7 and stream catch-up on 7plus. Follow @myrenorulesau on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates, contestant moments, and more.
