Long-term fans of The Block were stunned when the show’s judging panel got a shake-up in 2023.
In the absence of beloved cast member Neale Whitaker, a fresh young gun named Marty Fox joined established judges Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer on the team.
He wowed viewers with his industry knowledge and insights – but just who was this new addition, and is he now a permanent cast member?
Here’s all you need to know about Marty Fox.
Who is Marty Fox?
Fox is a professional property guru and the CEO of real estate agency WHITEFOX, which he founded in 2017.
Fox entered the real estate game in his early 20s and built up a strong clientele by focusing on the luxury corner of the market.
With a savvy eye for marketing and social media, he’s personally settled about $600 million worth of real estate, according to his website.
His property sales average at around $3.6 million, but the most expensive property Fox has settled to date rang in at a cool $49.6 million.
“My idea was to create a brand that attracted a clientele that liked nice things,” Fox told Elite Agent in March 2023.
“They liked watches, they liked cars, they liked finance, they liked property and aesthetically, they needed to be pleased with who and what they were dealing with.”
Has Marty Fox replaced Neale Whitaker on The Block?
As of 2024, yes. In 2023 Fox was billed as a temporary replacement for Whitaker as the latter took a year off.
But in 2024 Whitaker extended his leave of absence, so Fox was announced as a permanent cast member.
Whitaker announced that he would not be returning for the show’s 20th season in an emotional Instagram post.
“In 2023 – as many of you will know – I took a break from The Block to spend more time with my partner David who was dealing with some serious health issues,” Whitaker wrote.
“We all hoped that by this year I would be able to return full-time to the show, but life doesn’t always run to schedule. David gets stronger with each passing month, but my decision remains to be at home as much as possible.
“So while you’ll see me on Phillip Island from time to time, I’ve handed my judging sheet permanently to Marty Fox (who stepped in so brilliantly last season) and I know he will have a blast with Shaynna and Darren as I did for 17 seasons.”
Was Marty on The Block before he was a judge?
Yes! When Fox came on board as a judge in 2023, many fans realised they’d seen him on The Block before – he’d already appeared on the show as a real estate agent and auctioneer.
In 2020 he auctioned Harry and Tash’s home for $4 million, and in 2022 he was hired as the real estate agent for Rachel and Ryan, who sold their property for $4.25 million.
“It’s really nice to come back into the show having been on the periphery in the past,” Fox said after joining the show as a judge. “It’s almost like a tick for me professionally.”
Is Marty Fox married?
He certainly is! Marty Fox has been married to his wife Charlotte for nine years.
They met as teenagers and share a mutual love for real estate, having sold 12 properties together.
The couple live in the upmarket Melbourne suburb of Toorak and share very similar tastes when it comes to property.
“In terms of our personal style, it is generally of a period nature, old Victorian homes,” Fox told Homes to Love.
“My thing going into The Block is to make sure the contestants deliver a house that is as timeless as possible, but still keeping to the trends.”
Does Marty Fox have children?
Yes! Marty and Charlotte have three children – son Freddy, 7, and daughters Olive, 5, and Bonnie, 2.
And while Fox’s Instagram has all the style and slick marketing you’d expect from a high-profile real estate seller, he also shares the occasional candid insight into his life as a dad.
On the occasion of Freddy’s seventh birthday, Fox shared an adorable group of throwback pictures of his son as a baby.
“Words will never do justice what my heart feels for you,” he captioned the adorable series of pictures.
“Happy 7 years to our beautiful boy Freddy. This photo was the first time we connected and I remember it like it was yesterday.
“I came home for lunch, your mum made chicken Schnitty and I was so excited to pop home for a feed and cuddle. I sat with you in the spare room and we locked eyes for the first time and had a giggle together, and from that moment on I knew how special our bond was.
“You gave me the drive to become what I am today and I’ll forever have you to thank my boy.”
