The Block has met its match as Channel 7 is set to air a rival reno show in 2026.
In Seven’s upcoming reality show, My Reno Rules, four teams will compete to renovate neighbouring homes in a Melbourne suburb for a cash prize.
Unlike The Block, which sells its properties at auction, My Reno Rules will finish with a grand finale where two Aussies will take home the renovated, fully furnished, landscaped and decked out homes, live on TV.
The rival reno show will be hosted by beloved TV vet Dr Chris Brown.
“With the dream of owning your own home still top of the list for most Aussies, I can’t wait to have a front row seat to that becoming a reality,” he said in a statement.
“It’s going to be a heartwarming ride!”
Neale Whitaker, the former judge of The Block, has been confirmed as a judge on Seven’s new home renovation series, My Reno Rules.
Whitaker, who joined The Block in its third season in 2010, announced his departure from the Nine Network series in May last year.
The NSW-based interior design expert had scaled back his on-screen appearances in 2023 to focus on his long-term partner David while he faced health challenges.
His move to My Reno Rules makes him the second ex-Block figure to play a central role in the program. Adrian Portelli, who bought all five homes at last year’s Block auctions, revealed last month that he would serve as the show’s principal sponsor.
Portelli had previously stated that last year’s auction would be his swan song from the show. Block host Scott Cam later confirmed he shared the sentiment, noting he wanted to give everyday buyers more opportunity on auction day.
Whitaker will be joined on the judging panel by Simon Cohen, a buyer’s agent known from Luxe Listings Sydney, and interior design expert Julia Green.
“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 in 2026.
Reflecting on his exit from The Block, 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 has taken over Whitaker’s role, joining long-standing judges Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer.
Whitaker’s departure followed news that site foreman Keith Schleiger would also step away, citing family commitments for his decision to leave the show.
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