The Block is dealing with the fall out of another star stepping away from the long-running show in a matter of weeks.

Long-time judge Neale Whitaker has announced he’s quit the reno series, which is currently filming its 20th season in Phillip Island.

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The 62-year old scaled back his involvement with the show last year to spend more time with his partner David Noavk-Piper, who has been unwell.

Now he has announced that he is stepping away, after 13 years working on the show.

Neale Whitaker has appeared in 17 seasons of The Block.

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“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,” Whitaker wrote on social media.

“While you’ll see me on Phillip Island from time to time, 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.”

Neale Whitaker along with fellow judges Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze and new full-time judge Marty Fox. Picture: Supplied

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He flagged that he still may make a couple of appearances on the upcoming anniversary season, which is due to air later this year.

Whitaker becomes the second cast member to leave the show, or have their role substantially reduced in a matter of weeks.

Foreman Keith, aka Keith Schleiger

Long-time foreman Keith Schleiger is stepping away from a full-time rolle in the show this season.

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Schleiger, will make irregular appearances in the Phillip Island series this year, handing the head foreman role over to Dan Reilly.

Schleiger has put the decision to scale back his commitment to The Block down to distance and 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 Herald Sun.

Schleiger also recently announced on social media that he had started a new business, Keith’s Bathrooms and Renovations.

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