Just days after reports emerged suggesting Keith Schleiger, affectionately known as ‘Foreman Keith’ to audiences, was scaling back his involvement on The Block, ahead of the 2024 season it has been announced veteran judge Neale Whitaker has also quit.
The 62-year-old NSW-based interior design expert’s latest announcement comes after he scaled back his involvement in the show last season to spend time with his partner David Noavk-Piper, who has been battling ill health.
Lots of people have been asking me if I’m back on the show this year. I thought now was a good time to answer those question,” he began a statement shared to Instagram.
“In 2023 – as many of you will know – I took a break from The Block to spend more time with my partner David who was dealing with some serious health issues. 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.
“David gets stronger with each passing month, but my decision remains to be at home as much as possible.
“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.”
Just days earlier, a Nine spokesperson confirmed to the Herald Sun, that foreman Keith was set to make “irregular appearances” in the new season, instead focusing on spending more time with his young family. Keith and his wife Rebecca share two young daughters, Ebony and Jasmin.
The new location for season 20 is reportedly a two-hour drive from Melbourne, where the foreman lives with his family.
“With The Block shooting on Phillip Island this year, Keith had to step back from his full-time duties because of his commitment to raising his two daughters,” a Nine spokesperson told the publication.
“He couldn’t come to the island for three months straight. It was literally a bridge too far. But Block fans will be pleased to hear that he has been involved with filming for our 20th season as a special guest.”
Who is hosting The Block 2024?
We already know Foreman Keith is taking a step back from his regular full-time gig on The Block, but the network has remained tight-lipped on any other cast details.
A fan-run Facebook page reported seeing hosts Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft on set, and it’s likely Shaynna Blaze, Marty Fox and Darren Palmer are returning since they have shared some behind-the-scenes snaps to Instagram.
Neale Whitaker, who previously took a step back into a part-time judging gig on The Block did confirm to Homes To Love late last year that he would be returning for the 20th season in a guest capacity, but in May 2024 announced he was leaving the franchise.
Where is the Block 2024 going to be held?
The 20th anniversary of The Block, will see contestants build holiday houses on Victoria’s Phillip Island.
“The longevity of the show stems from the fact we are able to make it in a different location so it remains fresh,” Julia Cress previously said. “So, this year we are doing holiday houses for the first time.”
“Building the perfect holiday home for an Australian family is a new project and requires a new way of thinking. I personally am very excited to see the final products. “
When does The Block 2024 start?
While Nine is yet to confirm an official start date, it’s likely the show will return in August.
While The Block usually premieres in the first week of the month, we think it’s likely they’ll push it back another week or so due to clashes with The Olympics which conclude on August 11. But we’ll keep you updated if we learn any more details.
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