After more than a decade on The Block, one veteran star has made a move no one saw coming.

Longtime The Block judge Neale Whitaker has swapped networks, leaving Channel Nine after more than a decade to join the cast of Channel Seven’s new renovation reality series My Reno Rules.

Seven confirmed the move on August 15, revealing the design expert will head the judging panel alongside agent and Luxe Listings Sydney star Simon Cohen, and interior design specialist Julia Green.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a show that will truly redefine renovation TV,” Whitaker said in a statement.

Neale Whittaker, Shaynna Blaze, and Darren Palmer from The Block. Picture: NCA

“Along with Simon and Julia, I get to share my experience with a new generation of Aussie renovators in one of my favourite cities. I can’t wait to see the creative and innovative ideas our teams bring to the competition.”

Whitaker first joined The Block in 2010, judging alongside Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer.

After 13 years and 17 seasons, he officially stepped away in 2024, having already reduced his appearances in 2023 to care for his partner, David Novak-Piper, who was in poor health.

He was ultimately replaced by real estate agent Marty Fox.

 

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“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,” Whitaker wrote on social media at the 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.”

The 63-year-old’s departure came just weeks after the show’s well-known firey foreman, Keith Schleiger, also announced he was stepping back to spend more time with his family.

Beyond The Block, Whitaker is also recognised for co-hosting Love It or List It Australia with property expert Andrew Winter since 2017, and for his past editorial roles at Vogue Living and Belle magazine.

Love It or List It Australia’s Neale Whittaker and Andrew Winter at the AACTAs on February 10 2024. Picture: David Clark

Seven first teased My Reno Rules in July, confirming it would be fronted by celebrity vet Dr Chris Brown.

The series will see four teams of Aussies compete to transform two rundown houses in a picturesque Melbourne suburb for a cash prize.

However, in a twist, two lucky Aussies will win the finished multimillion-dollar homes, fully furnished, landscaped, and kitted out with cutting-edge technology.

“It may be the biggest giveaway ever on Australian TV,” Brown told Sunrise on July 24.

Adding to the excitement, rewards program LMCT+ founder Adrian Portelli- a familiar face to The Block audience- has donated the two houses for the series.

 

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Portelli made headlines in 2024 when he bought all five Phillip Island Block homes for more than $15 million, later offering the entire resort as a giveaway through LMCT+.

“On previous reno shows, they might do auctions and, unfortunately, only one per cent of the viewing audience have the capacity to buy those homes,” Portelli said.

“So, it’s an awesome feeling to be able to take the viewers on an emotional journey, watch the houses get renovated and transformed into a dream luxury home, then potentially win it. It’s fantastic. It’s phenomenal.”

My Reno Rules will air on Channel Seven and 7plus in 2026.