Also returning in 2012 is Neale Whitaker, Editor-in-Chief of the renowned design publication, Belle magazine. He’ll be casting his critical eye over the design and styling aspects of the renovation challenge on The Block.

The Block’s “resident Brit”, Whitaker has a long pedigree as a writer and editor of home and food publications in the UK and Australia. Since moving to Australia in 1999 he has edited leading magazines including marieclaire Lifestyle and Vogue Entertaining + Travel.

He was the launch editor of the bestselling food magazine delicious and authored The Accidental Foodie which was published in Australia and the UK by Murdoch Books.

In 2009, he appeared as a judge on Channel Nine’s interior design reality competition, homeMADE.

His pivotal importance to The Block dates back to 2006, long before he first appeared as a judge, when he took over as the influential Editor-in-Chief of Belle.

With his vast magazine experience, he was the obvious choice as editor of last year’s The Block Magazine, a bestseller.

As a judge he brings an uncompromising eye for design and knowledge of the latest in fashion and home-styling trends to The Block.