The Block shocks keep coming with another star quitting the Phillip Island-based season
The Block shocks keep coming with another long running cast member leaving fans saddened by pulling back from the show, as the build for the 20th season continues at Phillip Island.
Fiona Byrne
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The Block shake up continues with long time judge Neale Whitaker confirming he is no longer a regular fixture on the show.
Whitaker took on a limited role as a judge last season, alongside Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and newcomer Marty Fox, to give him time to support his partner, David, as he faced serious health challenges.
Whitaker had hoped to return to the show in a full time capacity this year, however on Wednesday he revealed that he had exited The Block.
He is expected to make the occasional guest appearance on the new season.
Whitaker is the second long running cast member to leave or have their role substantially rejigged this season.
The Blockinator, Keith Schleiger, aka Foreman Keith, confirmed on Sunday that he would have a guest role on the show in 2024.
The Block is shooting on Phillip Island and has about a month of filming still to complete.
“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,” Whitaker said in a social media post.
“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.
“So while you’ll see me on Phillip Island from time to time, 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.
“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, and – of course – the dozens of contestants that kept us judges on our toes week after week, season after season.
“Who will ever forget Matt and Kim’s ‘crime scene’ room … sorry, Jackson Pollock homage? “Congratulations and good luck to this year’s Blockheads for their Phillip Island journey.”
The Block’s executive producer, Julian Cress, said Whitaker remained part of The Block family.
“The hearts of our whole crew last year went out to Neale’s partner David, when Neale stepped back from judging, and we all really respect his decision now to hand over to Marty,” Cress said.
“We wish David all the best with his recovery.
“We are thrilled that Neale was able to take some time to be part of our 20th series for some very special moments on The Block.
“He is a big part of our family and always will be.”
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