Keith Schleiger, the tradesman best known as the foreman on Nine’s renovation series The Block, has admitted he has not been keeping up with the current season after stepping back from full-time duties earlier this year.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Schleiger, 50, said his children’s sporting commitments and a busy schedule have kept him from tuning in. "I haven't seen much of it, I must admit," he said. "Both of my kids are very into sport and I'm quite often not home between the hours of 7.30 and 8.00 due to my kids playing sport, so I haven't seen a lot of this season." He added that he watches when time permits.
Schleiger, who served as the show’s foreman for 11 seasons, stepped back from full-time involvement with The Block in 2024. He said he was confident the site at Daylesford had been left in capable hands and singled out current foreman Dan Reilly for praise. "I'm sure Dan is doing very well," Schleiger said. "He's very good at his job and I don't know if he's missing me or not, but I'd say he would be."
The Block has been a mainstay for Nine, renovating properties under tight deadlines and subjecting contestants to scrutiny from judges and tradespeople alike. Schleiger’s role as foreman made him a familiar presence on the series, responsible for overseeing on-site trades and helping contestants manage practical challenges as they competed to deliver market-ready renovations.
While Schleiger confirmed he was no longer a full-time figure on the program, he did not rule out watching individual episodes when his schedule allows. His comments underscore the balance many television personalities negotiate between public work and private family life, and mark a notable shift for The Block as it continues with a new on-site team and fresh contestants in Daylesford.
Producers have in recent seasons rotated supporting roles and introduced new tradespeople as the format evolves, a process that has continued since Schleiger’s reduced involvement. Viewers and former cast members have frequently commented on the show’s ability to adapt to roster changes while maintaining its competitive format, and Schleiger’s public endorsement of Reilly points to continuity behind the scenes even as on-screen personnel change.
Schleiger’s admission that he has not been watching much of the current season came as the show aired renovations and judging rounds in regional Victoria. He remains a recognizable figure from the series’ run and his remarks about family priorities provide context for his decision to step back after more than a decade on the program.