Neale Whitaker, the interior design expert affectionately known to The Block audience as “the judge who loves lamps,” has made a surprise move from Channel Nine to Channel Seven. He’ll front the network’s brand-new renovation series My Reno Rules, premiering on Seven and 7plus in 2026.
In the ground breaking competition format, Neale will be joined on the judging panel by top buyer’s agent Simon Cohen (Dream Home, Luxe Listings Sydney) and interiors guru Julia Green, founder of Greenhouse Interiors. Together, the trio will guide and critique contestants as they transform homes with creativity, innovation, and heart.
A veteran of Australian TV with more than 15 years’ experience on shows including The Block and Love It or List It Australia, Neale’s style authority stems from a stellar publishing career at the helm of Belle and Vogue Living. His expertise, paired with a reputation for honest yet encouraging feedback, promises to set the tone for Seven’s newest home makeover hit.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a show that will truly redefine renovation TV,” Neale says. “Along with Simon and Julia, I get to share my experience with a new generation of Aussie renovators in one of my favourite cities. I can’t wait to see the creative and innovative ideas our teams bring to the competition.”
Neale originally stepped down from The Block after 13 years as a judge in a full time capacity in 2024 to support his partner who was battling health issues.
Dr Chris Brown will front the series with billionaire Adrian Portelli as the principal program sponsor.
Taking on the challenge in My Reno Rules will be four teams, who will be working hard to bring new life into two neighbouring rundown houses all in the hopes of taking home life-changing prize money.
The live grand finale will see two Australians receive a renovated, multi-million-dollar home which is fully furnished, landscaped and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
The neighbourhoods are located in a picturesque Melbourne suburb, but the exact filming location remains unknown.
Touching on his new role, Dr Chris Brown couldn’t wait to have a “front row seat” to the “heartwarming” series.
“The term ‘life-changing’ can get thrown around a lot on TV, but this is absolutely that. Imagine winning a brand-new home – that’s going to be the reality for two lucky Aussies,” he said.
“And if you’re a passionate renovator, you could also win a massive cash prize. With the dream of owning your own home still top of the list for most Aussies, I can’t wait to have a front row seat to that becoming a reality.”
This is Dr Chris’ second renovation show on Seven recently, having hosted Dream Home which aired in 2024 but it unfortunately wasn’t renewed for a second season according to the Daily Mail.
The live prize draw, however, will be managed by the principal program sponsor, Adrian Portelli. The 35-year-old multi-millionaire became well known among the Australian renovation community after initially bidding on The Block.
He first appeared on the Nine renovation series in 2022, bidding on Ankur and Sharon’s home for $4.25 million. In 2023, he bid and won three homes, before purchasing all five houses in the 2024 season of The Block.
Speaking on his new role in the Seven renovation series, the LMCT+ founder revealed the opportunity felt aligned with his company.
“LMCT+ has always been about changing the lives of everyday Australians, so when this opportunity came up with Seven, it just felt right. For me, it’s about giving back – and doing it in a way that’s big, bold and exciting,” he said.
“These homes are in a beautiful area and have real potential. With the right teams and vision, they’re going to be incredible. I can’t wait to be part of a show granting lucky Aussies a brand new future, and inspiring thousands more along the way.”
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