The Block favourite to take step back from show in upcoming 2024 season

A fan favourite star from The Block is set to scale back his involvement on the long-running renovation series.

The Block fan favourite Keith Schleiger is set to scale back his involvement on the long-running renovation series this year, with the beloved star set to make “irregular appearances” on the upcoming season.

Known as Foreman Keith to viewers, Schleiger will step back form his full-time duties to spend more time with his young family, a Nine spokesperson told the Herald Sun.

The mammoth new season – which marks the show’s 20th anniversary – is set to begin filming on Phillip Island in Victoria later this year.

Foreman Keith (right) with The Block host Scott Cam and fellow foreman Dan Reilly (left).

With the location a two-hour drive away from Melbourne, where Schleiger lives with his wife Rebecca and their young two daughters, Ebony and Jasmin, the skilled foreman has chosen to stay close to home to be present for his family.

The skilled builder and carpenter will hand the head foreman reins over to Dan Reilly, aka Foreman Dan, who first appeared on the show as a contestant in 2012 with his now-wife, Dani Wales.

Foreman Dan Reilly will take over the reins from Foreman Keith.

“With The Block shooting on Phillip Island this year, Keith had to step back from his full-time duties because of his commitment to raising his two daughters,” a Nine spokesperson said.

“He couldn’t come to the island for three months straight. It was literally a bridge too far. But Block fans will be pleased to hear that he has been involved with filming for our 20th season as a special guest.”

Foreman Keith joined the Block on 2011 and quickly became a fan favourite.

Schleiger, who joined the Block as an on-site foreman in the 2011, also announced his new business, Keith’s Bathrooms and Renovations, on social media last week.

“I’m announcing the opening of Keith’s Bathrooms and Renovations,” he wrote on Instagram alongside his new business logo.

Foreman Keith, seen here with his daughters, is stepping down to spend more time with family.

“For all complete bathroom renovations in Melbourne. Perfect bathrooms at competitive prices produced by my exclusive building network. Contact me on Instagram quotes and consultations.”

The show and his business aside, Schleiger is a family man at heart.

“I love my family dearly; they are everything to me,” he previously told the Herald Sun.

“I met Bec 18 years ago in a cafe on Exhibition St, in the city. It was kind of love at first sight. A week later, we were together and we’ve never looked back. She’s definitely my rock.

“And I’m a big softie with my daughters. I find it really hard to discipline them. They tell me off, rather than the other way around!”

Originally published as The Block favourite to take step back from show in upcoming 2024 season