Neale Whitaker calls out Block edit for omitting partner reference
Block judge not happy "important reasons didn’t make the cut" as he takes time out to care for partner, David.
- Published by David Knox
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Normally it is reality contestants complaining about editing but The Block judge Neale Whitaker is unhappy his explanation with Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer about taking time out, omitted reference to caring for his partner, David.
On the weeks he is absent he will be replaced by real estate proprietor Marty Fox.
On Instagram he wrote, “There’s nothing more frustrating than an unexplained decision or an incomplete narrative – especially where health and family are concerned.
“This is what went to air tonight on the first episode of The Block’s 19th season, my 17th.
“I broke the news to Shaynna and Darren that I would be unable to join them each week and explained my reasons. It was an emotional conversation for all of us.
“Unfortunately those important reasons didn’t make the cut so here goes.
“This year I’ve chosen to put family first. David, my partner of 20 years, has been experiencing some serious and ongoing health issues and we knew my place was at home. Melbourne real estate expert Marty Fox will be standing in for me on the weeks I can’t be there, but I’ll still be popping up from time to time over the next 12 weeks.”
Whitaker first broke the news of the need to take time out on his social media a month ago, with support of production.
Last night he added, “The good news is that David is making great progress, my Block family has been fully supportive of my decision and I’m looking forward to returning to The Block full time for the show’s 20th anniversary season in 2024. But for the time being, welcome to The Block @martyfox01!”
Nine has been contacted for comment.
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6 Responses
Mitch and mark anyone?
Plus Darren and Neale are both gay.
That’s a horrible edit, full stop. No context whatsoever for his decision, the wow Street and then Shayna’s wow, the pedestrian music. Agree that Neale deserves better than this.
He should have told them over a coffee at McCafe, they would have definitely left it in then.
Wow that edit posted doesn’t make sense without context. While I understand the need to trim unnecessary details in these shows to focus on the story, it should still be coherent. It’s possible that the filmed moment was excessively prolonged, yet it also gives the impression of being overly scripted—a characteristic these shows strive to capture!
Given The Block had TV’s first gay couple in reality in S1 2003, plus two openly gay judges, it isn’t homophobic. But Whitaker not happy with the edit.
Oh disappointing it was edited out. I’d assumed he didn’t want it disclosed but went fishing for the info online anyway