The Block 2024 fans divided over 'harsh' judge: 'Nothing constructive to say'

The Block Island 2024 is giving us the "MAFS with hammers vibes" we were promised and we are INVESTED. We've had couples committing forgery on documents, another team threatening to quit and one cast member having to leave via helicopter as his first child arrived early.

Amongst all of the shenanigans from the Blockheads, we've also welcomed back Marty Fox, who has now joined Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer as a permanent replacement for Neale Whittaker. Neale, who has appeared on the reality show since season three in 2010, announced in May that he was stepping back from his role to be with his partner David as he battled “some serious health issues”.

The interior design expert told Yahoo Lifestyle that the decision to leave had not been an easy one saying, “Oh gosh, it was a big decision, but it was something that I had to do for my personal life,” he shared. “After 13 years, it kind of felt like the timing was right. I gave it my best shot for all those years, and it was time to move on."

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Viewers slam returning judge

While Neale may be content with his decision to leave the series, fans seem to be missing him quite a bit as they debate the permanent addition of Marty to the line-up.

"Why, oh why, do we have to put up with Marty Fox? He has nothing constructive to say!" one viewer lamented online.

"Agree. Unless everything is beige he's not happy. Such a boring man," someone replied.

"He’s just contrary! Argues against everything!" said another.

"Can’t stand him," someone else said.

"Didn’t like him tonight," yet another viewer added. "Way too harsh. It’s not necessary."

"He has a lot to say and takes over the conversation, Darren seems perplexed," a different viewer said.

Fans defend Marty Fox

However, plenty of fans said they really liked Marty and that he brought a good perspective to the competition.

"I'm not a huge fan, but it's better than judging rooms based on vases and towels," someone said. "I like his perspective in terms of saleability. I have always thought the judging should be based on design, build/craftsmanship and saleability."

"I really like him, he’s the only one who actually knows the market, the other judges in previous series have always given the highest marks to the ones that sell for the least or don’t sell, indicates they know 0!" someone said in his defence.

"I really like him as a judge," another fan said.

"I think he's great. He's really saying what will sell, rather than fad styling...," a third viewer said.

"I think Marty is good - after all, it’s about making money," yet another fan argued.

"I think he adds another dimension to the judging by coming from a different viewpoint. I like him on the show," was another opinion.

Other viewers praised his "professionalism" and said that they felt the combination of the three judges was "great".

Who is Marty Fox?

After impressing fans with his guest stint last year, filling in for Neale Whittaker, real estate guru Marty Fox is back on the judging panel for The Block on Phillip Island.

As well as his gig on The Block, he is the co-founder and director of WHITEFOX Real Estate which has offices all around Australia and New Zealand.

He is also a doting father and husband, with his wife Charlotte and three children: Freddy, 7, Olive, 4, and Bonnie, 2.

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“It was nerve-wracking last year but everyone was so warm and encouraging,” Marty said in a statement prior to the new season airing. “Coming into this year I feel like I have found my voice even more so. I am very comfortable delivering feedback to the contestants and the energy between myself, Shaynna and Darren is really good. We have great banter and we work well together.”

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