After 19 seasons and 15 years on The Block, Neale Whitaker has officially moved on to a new chapter.
In August, Whitaker surprised fans by announcing he was joining Channel 7’s My Reno Rules, taking on a full-time judging role, after making only brief cameos on the last two seasons of The Block.
He’ll appear alongside Luxe Listings Sydney star Simon Cohen, Greenhouse Interiors founder Julia Green, and the show’s host Dr Chris Brown. The show is sponsored by billionaire Adrian Portelli, who bought all five houses on The Block in 2024.
Channel 7 has described the new format as “a brand-new renovation competition that’s raising the stakes and flipping the script with two epic twists set to transform the lives of everyday Aussies”.
While filming continues in Melbourne, Whitaker says he is thrilled to be back in the judging seat again.
“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s wonderful to be involved with a new show,” he said in an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle.
“It’s good to have my sort of judging boots back on again, or my judging hat back on again, and so far, it feels like a real feel-good show.”
The series is expected to air in the first half of next year, so it won’t clash with The Block, which usually airs in August.
Whitaker also talked about the twist in the show, saying: “The big twist in the plot of that show, which is no secret, because it’s already been announced, is that the houses are being given away.”
“So basically any Australian, any one of us, has the opportunity to win those homes, so that is a massive, massive twist.”
He admitted that Channel 7 first contacted him about appearing on My Reno Rules as a judge, and it didn’t take him long to make up his mind.
“I thought about it for five minutes,” he shared. “I was ready for a new challenge and a step away from The Block.”
Whitaker stepped back from The Block last year to support his partner David through serious health issues, though he continued to appear as a guest judge.
Fortunately, David’s health has improved, giving Whitaker space to take on new opportunities.
“My partner went through some very major health problems… now David is a lot stronger now,” he said.
“So when Channel 7 came along and asked me if I would like to have a role on My Reno Rules, I thought, ‘Why not?’.”
Whitaker is keen to return to the spotlight, saying that he is very happy about his decision.
“It’s a lovely new challenge, and I’m ready to take on something new. So yes, I’m very happy about it,” he said.
Images: Channel 7/ Instagram
