Block shock as beloved cast member steps back from hit show

In a shock shake up to The Block, one of the show’s fan favourites is stepping away from the spotlight for family reasons.

The Block fans are in for a shock with a long time favourite ‘stepping back.’

In a shock shake up one of The Block’s longest serving fan favourites is stepping back from the show.

Foreman Keith, aka Keith Schleiger, will be making irregular appearances on the hit reality renovation series this year, handing the head foreman role over to Dan Reilly.

Schleiger has put the decision to scale back his commitment to The Block down to distance and family. The Block is filming on Phillip Island this season.

“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.

The Blockinator, Keith Schleiger. Picture: Supplied

“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.”

Schleiger announced on social media on Friday his new business, Keith’s Bathrooms and Renovations.

The timing, in the midst of The Block build, was the first hint he was not as involved in the show as he had been in past years.

Meanwhile, The Block’s big spenders Adrian Portelli and Danny Wallis have broken bread.

Adrian Portelli and Danny Wallis at The Block’s Buyers Jury event. Picture: Supplied

Adrian Portelli with Scott Cam and Shelley Craft having dinner on Phillip Island on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

The businessmen with deep pockets have been pitched as auction rivals on the grand final of The Block in recent years with their robust jousting for homes and competitive bidding.

But now they have bonded on The Block.

Portelli and Wallis were among the invite-only crowd at The Block’s Buyers Jury event at the show’s Phillip Island base on Thursday night.

The pair turned heads as they walked around the five properties, chatting, checking out the progress of the builds.

Later they were spotted having dinner with Block hosts Shelley Craft and Scott Cam at the French restaurant Anerie in Cowes.

The Block is deep in production with only a month left until it is the final ‘tools down’ for the contestants.