The Block judge Neale Whitaker joins News as editor-in-chief of Vogue Living

DESIGN and style guru and regular judge on Nine’s renovation series The Block Neale Whitaker has today announced his next move.

Neale Whitaker is the new editor-in-chief at Vogue Living. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

DESIGN and style guru Neale Whitaker has today announced his next move.

Whitaker, who is a regular judge on Nine’s renovation reality series The Block, will join NewsLifeMedia, also the publishers of news.com.au, in the role of editor-in-chief of Vogue Living.

The popular television presenter has deflected from his role as editor-in-chief of Bauer Magazines’ design publication belle, where he has been since 2006.

NewsLifeMedia CEO Nicole Sheffield said: “Neale is one of the best in his field. He is highly respected in the industry with an incredibly strong home and design background and extensive media experience.

“This is a wonderful coup for News and builds on our solid stable of high-profile editors.”

Whitaker will also take on a dual role as design columnist for News Corp Australia’s network of Sunday newspapers.

The move is quite the scandal, given that the British-born TV personality has always publicised belle while appearing on the popular renovation show.

Block judges Darren Palmer and Neale Whittaker on the red carpet.

Whitaker said of his new role: “I’m excited to be returning to Vogue, one of the world’s most powerful media brands. Interest in all aspects of interior design, decoration and homemaking has never been stronger and it’s a perfect time to explore the unlimited power for Vogue Living across all media platforms, while speaking to the widest-possible audience through the newspapers.”

Ms Sheffield added: “His Sunday design column will reach millions of Australians each week and focus on his philosophy of good design is for everybody, the same approach he takes in his role as judge on the top rating renovation show The Block.”

Neale Whitaker at the Domayne VIP shopping night at Alexandria.