Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull’s camp claim The Block is attacking their reputations

Blogger Elle Ferguson and partner Joel Patfull believe they are being used to stir up extra publicity for this year’s season of The Block, with sources close them claiming Nine has been stretching the truth when it comes to facts.

Blogger Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull believe they have been used to stir up interest in Sunday night’s premiere of The Block, with Nine allegedly stretching the truth when it comes to facts, according to those close to them.

Saturday Confidential has been told of claims Nine has been exaggerating truths and embellishing storylines in a bid to stir up extra publicity for the program, which debuted to mediocre ratings last year.

In August 2021, The Block premiere attracted a dismal 591,000 metro viewers — the lowest viewership recorded in the show’s entire 17-season run.

However, numbers did pick up through­out the season, with last year’s finale bringing in an average of 1.55 million viewers before 1.83 million tuned in for the winner announcement.

Fashion blogger Ferguson, 36, and retired AFL player Patfull, 37, were meant to star on The Block’s upcoming “Tree Change” season, but quit just two days into filming after Patfull’s mother had a life-threatening fall.

The Block host Scott Cam is seen in promos for talking about Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull’s early departure from the show.

A source close to the pair says the couple are well aware they are being used as a vehicle to promote the show, with their reputations and character under scrutiny in recent weeks.

“(Nine) need this season to work as there’s a lot at stake,” one insider said.

“Elle and Joel were the most high-profile talent on the show and they don’t have them any more, so they still need to find a way to incorporate them in their promos.

“It’s clear what Nine’s tactic is and, to be honest, it’s working for them.”

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