Channel Nine star shocks industry as he sensationally quits flagship show in favour of rival network
The interior design expert, 63, is set to appear as a judge on Channel Seven 's upcoming reality TV series My Reno Rules, hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
'I'm thrilled to be joining a show that will truly redefine renovation TV. I get to share my experience with a new generation of Aussie renovators in one of my favourite cities,' Neale said in a statement.
'I can't wait to see the creative and innovative ideas our teams bring to the competition.'
My Reno Rules will see four teams of contestants completely renovate two existing properties, which are then given away to lucky viewers.
It distinguishes itself from The Block in that the houses are not auctioned off, meaning contestants are working to their own style ideas instead of trying to appeal to buyers.
The Block judge Neale Whitaker has revealed his shock career move, one year after quitting the Channel Nine series
'Contestants will be judged on quality of craftsmanship, execution and creativity,' Neale told Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington on Friday.
Neale will be part of a judging panel, alongside Top Buyer's Agent Simon Cohen and interior design specialist Julia Green.
The series is set to air on Channel Seven and 7Plus next year.
He won't be the only Block veteran on the show as last month it was reported that billionaire home buyer Adrian Portelli would also be joining the series.
The 36-year-old entrepreneur, who has spent millions of dollars snapping up houses over the last three seasons, shared a post to social media revealing he was leaving the Channel Nine series for good.
'Bet my high school teachers never thought… I'D HAVE MY OWN TV SHOW,' he wrote alongside a promotional photo of him and Dr Chris Brown.
'The Reno games looking a little dusty. Time for a fresh coat. The gloves are off. My Reno Rules - Coming to Seven.'
Seven recently announced the brand-new home renovation series, My Reno Rules, produced by MasterChef Australia creators Endemol Shine.
Neale will be part of a judging panel, alongside Top Buyer's Agent Simon Cohen and interior design specialist Julia Green
The show will feature four teams of renovators competing on two neighbouring rundown house.
The teams are competing for a huge prize, with a live grand finale awarding two fully renovated and furnished properties.
It comes after The Block host Scott Cam sent a warning to billionaire businessman Adrian Portelli ahead of the new season's premiere.
Scott begged Portelli not to attend this year's auction to give others a chance to own a home.
'To be honest we said to Adrian "we'd love you not to come next year, if that's all right." But you know it's up to him it's a public auction and he can do whatever he wants,' he revealed on Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie.
'He said he won't come but he may. We don't know, but we do want to give mums and dads the opportunity to have a crack at a block house.
'If Adrian comes and wants to buy the lot of them, well, that rules them out,' Scott said.
During the 2024 finale of The Block, Portelli made history by purchasing all five of the properties for a huge $15million.
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