The Block judge Neale Whitaker reveals he won’t be returning for 20th season

The longest-running judge on renovation show The Block has announced he’s leaving the series, as he revealed the emotional reason why.

Veteran The Block judge Neale Whitaker has announced he’s quit the renovation series ahead of the upcoming 20th anniversary season.

The NSW-based interior design expert, 62, scaled back his involvement in the high-rating Channel 9 show last year to spend more time with his long-term partner David Noavk-Piper, who has been battling ill health.

Now, he’s decided to step down entirely after 13 years as a judge.

Taking to social media, Whitaker – who starred alongside Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer – said he would be permanently handing the reins to real estate agent Marty Fox, who stepped in part-time for Whitaker last season.

Neale Whitaker announced he will no longer be a judge on The Block.

“Lots of people have been asking me if I’m back on the show this year. I thought now was a good time to answer those question,” Whitaker began in a lengthy statement shared to Instagram.

“In 2023 – as many of you will know – I took a break from The Block to spend more time with my partner David who was dealing with some serious health issues. We all hoped that by this year I would be able to return full-time to the show, but life doesn’t always run to schedule.

“David gets stronger with each passing month, but my decision remains to be at home as much as possible.

“I’ve handed my judging sheet permanently to Marty Fox (who stepped in so brilliantly last season) and I know he will have a blast with Shaynna and Darren as I did for 17 seasons.

“It’s been such a privilege to be part of Australia’s most iconic TV show for an unbelievable 13 years – unbelievable to me, anyway.”

Marty Fox (pictured right) will replace Whitaker from this upcoming season. Picture: Supplied/Channel 9

This year’s Block is currently filming on Phillip Island in Victoria – around 2 hours drive from Melbourne.

Whitaker, who added viewers would still see him “from time to time” on the new season, is based in NSW’s South Coast, where he and David own a farmhouse.

He went on to thank cast and crew for making his lengthy stint on the series so memorable.

“My thanks to The Block creators Julian Cress and David Barbour for having faith in me all those years ago, to my fellow judges who have become good friends, to the amazing production team and crew (so many of whom have been with the show as long as me) and – of course – the dozens of contestants that kept us judges on our toes week after week, season after season,” he wrote.

“Congratulations and good luck to this year’s Blockheads for their Phillip Island journey.”

Whitaker with co-judges Darren Palmer and Shaynna Blaze.

It comes just days after Keith Schleiger – the show’s Foreman – was revealed to be stepping back from his full-time role to spend more time with his young family.

“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 is scaling back duties on The Block. Picture: Channel 9

Meanwhile, Blaze recently told news.com.au the upcoming season would offer a completely “different” viewing experience for fans.

“We’re on an island, we’re in a holiday zone, and so the interiors take on a completely different meaning and message rather than being for the market, being for this price range, it is for the holiday environment,” she said.

“There’s not one contestant that’s taken the same interpretation. They’ve really moved it into what they think a beach holiday feel is, and I actually feel it’s very magical.

“And the fact it’s the 20th anniversary, there is this sense of joy in the rooms. There really is. And I’m quite sure that’s going to come across the screen because, driving there, it’s a long drive down to Phillip Island, and when you cross the bridge and you go onto the island, you just feel relaxed.

“You feel like, ‘Oh, I really am in a different world.’ And that’s sort of what this Block’s going to look like. It’s going to look like a different world.”

Originally published as The Block judge Neale Whitaker reveals he won’t be returning for 20th season