A longtime star of one of the Nine network’s flagship programs has today joined Seven, to star in a very similar rival show.

Former The Block judge Neale Whitaker has been announced as one of the judges on Seven’s upcoming rival home renovation show, My Reno Rules.

Whitaker had served as a judge on Nine’s hit reno show The Block since its third season back in 2010, but announced in May last year that he was leaving the show.

The announcement came after the NSW-based interior design expert earlier scaled back his on-air commitments in 2023 to spend more time with his long-term partner David while he battled ill health.

Whitaker’s new role on My Reno Rules means he’s the second former Block personality to have a key role in the show: The Block’s serial buyer Adrian Portelli, who bought all five houses at last year’s Block auctions, announced last month that he’d joined My Reno Rules as the show’s principal sponsor.

Former The Block judge Neale Whitaker will now star in Seven’s My Reno Rules …

As will ‘Mr Lambo’, serial Block buyer Adrian Portelli. Picture: PICTURE: INSTAGRAM
It came after Portelli insisted his big showing at last year’s Block auction would be his swan song from the show – and Block host Scott Cam later said the feeling was mutual, confessing he was keen to let everyday buyers get a look-in on auction day once more.

Joining Whitaker on the judging panel for My Reno Rules are Simon Cohen, buyer’s agent from the show Luxe Listings Sydney, and interior design expert Julia Green.

Whitaker (left) originally stepped back from The Block in 2023 to care for partner David during a period of ill health.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a show that will truly redefine renovation TV. Along with Simon and Julia, I get to share my experience with a new generation of Aussie renovators in one of my favourite cities,” Whitaker said in a statement provided by Seven today, ahead of the show airing next year.

Announcing his departure from The Block last year, Whitaker said it had been “such a privilege to be part of Australia’s most iconic TV show for an unbelievable 13 years – unbelievable to me, anyway.”

Real estate agent Marty Fox stepped in to replace Whitaker, joining longtime Block judges Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer.

Whitaker’s announcement last year came days after news another familiar Block face was stepping away from the camera: site foreman Keith Schleiger, who cited family commitments for his decision to leave the show.