Block judge Neale Whitaker deletes brutal spraying of show producers after his emotional farewell speech was pulled from premiere
Block judge Neale Whitaker deleted a social media post criticizing producers for editing footage of his farewell speech during last Sunday’s premiere.
During the scene, the 61-year-old revealed to co-hosts Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer that he was reducing his time as a judge, but his explanation of why he was stepping down was never aired.
Neale subsequently turned on The Block editors over the “frustrating” and “inexplicable decision,” the part where he revealed he took time off to look after his partner David, who was struggling with health not to record.
This post has since been removed from his account, leaving fans wondering if he was asked to remove it or if he removed it of his own accord.
Chron Australia has reached out to Neale’s management for comment.
Block judge Neale Whitaker, 61, (pictured) deleted a social media post in which he criticized producers for editing footage of his farewell speech during last Sunday’s premiere
The now-deleted post said, “There’s nothing more frustrating than an unclear decision or an incomplete account — especially when it comes to health and family.”
“That’s what aired tonight on the first episode of season 19 of The Block, my 17th. I told Shaynna and Darren that I couldn’t come to their place every week and explained my reasons. “It was an emotional conversation for all of us,” he continued.
“Unfortunately, those important reasons didn’t play a role, so here it is,” the interior design expert continued, before explaining that he chose to “put family first.”
During the episode, Whitaker told Shaynna Blaze (left) and Darren Palmer (right) that he was reducing his time as a judge, but his explanation of why he was stepping down was never aired
“David, my partner of 20 years, had serious and ongoing health issues and we knew my apartment was like home,” he said.
The facilities expert clarified that David had made “great strides” in his recovery and that his “block family” was fully supportive of his decision to step down.
He also officially welcomed new judge Marty Fox, a top Melbourne real estate agent, who will represent him during his absence this season.
Whitaker clarified in his post that he had actually told Blaze and Palmer that he wanted to spend more time with his partner David (left), who was struggling with health
“There is nothing more frustrating than an unclear decision or an incomplete narrative – especially when it comes to health and family,” the interior design expert wrote on Instagram alongside a clip of the scene
Fans may remember Marty from the 2020 season of the show when he sold Harry and Tash Pavlou’s stunning home.
Finally, Whitaker promised that fans would see him back on the show as a normal in 2024 for The Block’s 20th anniversary season.
Whitaker previously announced in a similar Instagram post last month that he was downsizing his role on The Block to spend time with David.
Marty Fox (far right) will replace Whitaker (far left) and join Shaynna Blaze (second right) and Darren Palmer (second left) as paralegal judge