Reality television favourite Mat Johnson has shared the joyous news that he has become a father for the first time. The 41-year-old star of Channel Nine's The Block took to Instagram on Friday to announce the arrival of his newborn son, who was conceived through IVF with his close friend of two decades, Leah Cocks.
A Joyous Announcement and Co-Parenting Plans
Mat Johnson, who appeared on the 2025 season of the renovation show alongside his best mate Robby Lippett, posted a series of tender photographs to mark the life-changing event. One image showed the new dad beaming with pride as he cradled his baby boy. In his caption, he movingly wrote: 'Yesterday my life changed forever.'
The reality star revealed that he and Leah, who is in a same-sex relationship, plan to co-parent the child. While he announced the birth of a baby boy, Mat chose to keep his son's name private from his followers for the time being. The post was immediately flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
From Initial Reluctance to Dream Come True
The journey to fatherhood was one that took several years of consideration and IVF treatment. Speaking to New Idea last October, Johnson admitted that when Leah first proposed the idea, he was hesitant. 'I didn’t know if I was ready at that stage of my life, and I think I was terrified because I have a very good life that I worked decades to be able to have,' he confessed.
However, after a year of reflection, he had a change of heart. 'I have always wanted to be a dad, especially in this later part of my life,' he stated. The pair, who met 20 years ago when Leah first sat in his hairdressing chair, began their IVF journey, which culminated in a successful pregnancy. Interestingly, Leah discovered she was pregnant just one week after Mat and Robby commenced their Block build, but waited for Mat to return before sharing the news.
Celebrity Well-Wishes and a Prior Family Reveal
The announcement prompted an outpouring of love from the Australian entertainment community. Real Housewives of Melbourne star Jackie Gillies sent her congratulations, while Block co-host Shelly Craft wrote: 'Congratulations family,' to which Mat affectionately replied, 'Thanks, Auntie Shelly.' Former Block contestants Alisa and Lysandra Fraser commented: 'Congratulations and what a great father you will be.'
This happy news follows Mat's surprise revelation to his own family in October, where he shocked his mother and sister by pulling a baby onesie from a bag and declaring he was to become a father in under two months. The arrival of his son also comes after Mat expressed disappointment with his and Robby's auction result on The Block, where they each walked away with just under $55,000 after a challenging season.
