The Block’s long-time judge Neale Whitaker has revealed he’s stepping back from his full-time gig on the 2023 season.
The 61-year-old former magazine editor has been a mainstay of the reno show’s judging panel for 17 seasons, but don’t fret — he isn’t disappearing completely.
Taking to Instagram on July 6, Neale said he’s simply “cut[ting] back” on judging weeks to spend more time with his partner, David, who has recently experienced some “serious health issues”.
“I’m very proud to be completing my 17th season as a judge on The Block. It’s an amazing privilege to have been part of this iconic show for 13 years,” he wrote. “For the 2023 season, however, I’ve put family first and cut back on my judging weeks.
“My partner of 20 years, David, experienced some serious health issues earlier this year and my priority has been to spend more time at home.”
Neale then revealed that “real estate guru” Marty Fox has stepped in “on the weeks [he] couldn’t be there”.
He concluded: “The best news of all is that David is making a great recovery, and I’m looking forward to returning to The Block full-time for the show’s 20th anniversary season in 2024.”
Who is Marty Fox, The Block 2023‘s new judge?
ICYMI: The Block fans have been speculating that Marty would be joining the show after he was spotted on set at Hampton East’s Charming Street alongside judges Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer.
So, who TF is he?
Marty launched WHITEFOX Real Estate back in 2017 and it’s since become a huge success.
The father-of-three describes himself as a “serial property flipper” and a “respected figure of success”. So it’s safe to say that he’s a very influential figure in the property world.
Eagle-eyed fans of the show might recognise the rumoured new judge because he auctioned Harry and Tash Pavlou‘s home in the 2020 season and Ryan and Rachel Carr‘s house in 2022.
Addressing his role of filling in for Neale, Marty commented on the judge’s Insta post.
“Thank you Neale… The decision to be there to look after David I guarantee will be the reason why he bounces back stronger,” he penned.
“You’ve given me some big shoes to fill mate and it’s an honour to have helped the OG.”
We can’t wait to see what Marty brings to the show!
Want even more goss? Listen to the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!
Know something that we don’t? Spill the tea here!
Get the tea first! Follow So Dramatic! on Instagram and tune in on Mondays to get your reality tea fix with the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto.
