Long-time The Block judge Neale Whitaker has revealed why it was his “time to move on” from the show.

ICYMI: The Block 2024 has hit the small screen, albeit with one very noticeable absence — Neale!

After appearing sporadically to judge rooms during the 2023 season, the interior design expert announced ahead of the landmark 20th season that he had permanently stepped back from his judging duties.

neale whitaker the block judge
Long-time The Block judge Neale Whitaker has revealed why it was his “time to move on” from the show. Source: Nine

Chatting to Yahoo Lifestyle at the 2024 Logie Awards on August 18, the 62-year-old said handing over the reins to Marty Fox was “a big decision”.

“But it was something that I had to do for my personal life,” he confessed. “After 13 years, it kind of felt like the timing was right. I gave it my best shot for all those years, and it was time to move on.

“It’s always going to have a very special place for me, that show, always. And I think if I’m honest, I’ll always feel like an honorary member of the show – I don’t know whether they’ll approve of that, but that’s how I feel.”

Why did Neale Whitaker leave The Block?

Neale’s reason for his part-time role on The Block 2023 was so he could be there to support his partner David through “some serious health issues”.

In his Instagram post announcing he was permanently hanging up his boots, Neale said David’s ongoing health battle contributed to the decision.

“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,” he penned.

The former magazine editor explained that while David was getting stronger “with each passing month”, he felt it was best to “remain home as much as possible”.

However, die-hard The Block fans mustn’t fret, because Neale confessed he will appear on the show “from time to time”.

So it’s just goodbye for now, not forever!

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