The Block cast left devastated as long-time star dramatically quits the series

Neale Whitaker has dramatically left The Block, leaving cast members devastated.

The beloved judge confirmed he will no longer be a regular on the Channel Nine giant, which is currently filming its twentieth season on Phillip Island in Victoria.

Whitaker took on a limited role as judge last year to support his partner David as he faced serious health problems.

“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 serious health issues,” Whitaker announced on social media on Tuesday.

“We were all hoping that I would be able to return to the show full-time this year, but life doesn’t always go according to schedule,” he continued.

The beloved judge confirmed he will no longer be a regular on the Channel Nine giant, which is currently filming its twentieth season on Victoria’s Phillip Island

‘David is getting stronger every month, but my decision remains to stay home as much as possible.’

Whittaker is expected to make guest appearances in the upcoming season alongside judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and newcomer Marty Fox.

The acclaimed interior designer’s departure comes after Keith Schleiger, aka Foreman Keith, confirmed he will also guest star in the new series.

Whitaker took on a limited role as judge last year to support his partner David as he faced serious health problems. “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 serious health issues,” Whitaker announced on social media on Tuesday.

Whittaker is expected to make cameo appearances in the upcoming season. Pictured right: Marty Fox

The reality star, 50, revealed he made the tough decision after deciding the long travel times to Philip Island for filming would keep him away from his two daughters.

“I didn’t see a way to see my kids more than once a week or anything like that,” he said 9Entertainment on Tuesday.

“I couldn’t commute from Melbourne, I’d have to live down there. I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do at the time, I don’t really want to be without them for three months.’

Keith is married to the love of his life, Rebecca, and the couple share daughters, Ebony, 13, and Jasmine, 11.

However, Keith promised that fans would still see a little bit of him next season, as he will make a brief cameo appearance.

“It feels a bit strange not to be doing The Block, so you’ll see me there for about four or five days.”

On Sunday, Channel Nine’s hit renovation show was hit by more drama when Keith confirmed he was quitting the series.

The acclaimed interior designer’s departure comes after Keith Schleiger, aka Foreman Keith, confirmed he will also guest star in the new series

The reality star revealed he made the difficult decision after deciding the long travel times to Philip Island for filming would keep him away from his two daughters. Pictured with children Ebony and Jasmine