Why Foreman Keith isn't on The Block 2024 as Dan Reilly takes on the responsibility solo

The Block 2024 has officially kicked off, and our five teams have jumped straight into renovating run-down villas in Phillip Island.

But you might have noticed that one friendly face wasn't present on-site, and that's Foreman Keith Schleiger.

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This year, Foreman Dan is taking over as on the role as sole Foreman – the reason being that Keith was unable to move to Phillip Island full-time.

Here's everything you need to know:

Why is Foreman Keith not on The Block Island?

Keith decided to stand back from his full-time duties in 2024 after 16 seasons in order to spend more time with his daughters, Ebony, 14, and Jasmin, 11.

Keith, who lives in Melbourne, told 9Entertainment he wasn't able to commute to Phillip Island for the duration of filming. The popular seaside destination is located two hours from Melbourne and connected to the mainland via a bridge.

"I couldn't see a way of seeing my children more than once a week or something like that," Keith explained of his decision.

"I wouldn't have been able to commute from Melbourne, I would have to live down there. That was always going to be very hard and it just didn't feel it was the right thing to do at the time – I don't really want to spend three months without them."

But it wasn't an easy decision.

"I'm definitely going to miss it," he said. "It's basically been 20 per cent of my life."

READ MORE: The Block's Foreman Keith steps back from full-time duties for the 2024 season on Phillip Island

Foreman Dan, who starred on the show in 2012 and again in 2013 on The Block: All Stars before becoming a permanent member of the cast as a Foreman, will take up the key Foreman responsibilities.

But Keith will not disappear from The Block entirely, promising viewers he will appear as a special guest in a few episodes once Season 20 gets underway.

"You'll see me there for about four or five days," he promised.

He said he "loved" his time on the show and "it does feel a bit weird not doing The Block", but he has been kept busy by the launch of his business, Keith's Bathrooms and Renovations.

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He also teased more to come, saying Keith's Building Inspections is "coming soon".

Who is Foreman Dan?

Dan Reilly and his partner Dani Wales first appeared in on Season 5 of The Block in 2012 as contestants. The couple returned in 2013 for The Block All Stars.

Their Block career didn't end there with Dan, a certified builder, working alongside Keith as a Foreman – a gig he started back in 2015 under the title 'foreboy'.

Years on, and he's taking on the role as sole Foreman.

"It's been fantastic to be involved with the show both as a foreman and as a contestant over the years," he said. "The show has given me so much."

The couple are also fronting their much-loved online series Dan vs Dani again this year.

Every week, the duo will offer their often clashing opinions before awarding one team as the 'champion' of the week, and another as the 'chump'.

Where is Phillip Island located?

It was announced last year that The Block's 20th season would be taking part on the stunning setting of Phillip Island.

Just two hours from Melbourne and connected to the mainland via a bridge, Phillip Island offers residents the best of both worlds and is perfect for anyone hunting for a life in paradise.

EXCLUSIVE: The teams reveal the best perks and biggest hurdles of The Block 2024's Phillip Island location

The destination is already a holiday hotspot for Melbournians, and has become a household name across Australia thanks to its spectacular coastal scenery, unique wildlife, family-fun activities and thick bushland.

The area is home to one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world, with one of the most popular tourist attractions being the Nature Park's Penguin Parade.

There's also the opportunity to spot fur seals up-close, hand-feed kangaroos and watch whales migrating past in the winter.

READ MORE: Everything we so far about The Block 2024 as the new location is confirmed as Phillip Island

The area is home to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, which has become a must-visit for both auto-enthusiasts and general visitors thanks to its rich history and exhilarating events throughout the year.

Who are the contestants on The Block 2024?

Five couples from across the country are renovating homes on Phillip Island in the hopes of making life changing money come Auction Day.

The couples who will be on this season of The Block are:

Carpenter Jesse (29) and claims specialist Jesse (27) – engaged couple from Western Australia.

Electrician Kristian (31) and restaurant manager Kristian (28) – newlyweds from South Australia.

Plumber Ricky (34) and IT worker Ricky (37) – best mates from Victoria.

Events account director and furniture designer Courtney (32) and landscape business development manager Courtney (29) – married couple from New South Wales.

Hairdresser and business owner Kylie (37) and electrician and plumber Kylie (32) – married parents from Queensland.

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