Model Elyse Knowles takes former manager to court in dispute over The Block winnings

REALITY TV star and model of the moment Elyse Knowles is taking respected agent Sean ­Anderson to court over his cut of her earnings after winning last year’s season of The Block.

REALITY TV star and model of the moment Elyse Knowles has done her block over a payment feud with her former manager.

The newly signed Myer ­ambassador, who rose to fame after appearing on The Block, is taking respected agent Sean ­Anderson to court over his cut of her earnings from the hit show.

The Sunday Telegraph understands the claim, which has been lodged with Melbourne Magistrates Court, is for about $60,000 — a 10 per cent cut of Knowles’ earnings from the popular renovation program.

Elyse Knowles and her partner Josh Barker won The Block last year. Picture: Network Nine

Elyse Knowles with her former manager Sean Anderson. Picture: Megan Castran

It is believed 25-year-old Knowles wants the commission back as she claims to have applied to appear on the DIY reality show on her own ­accord, without the assistance of ­Anderson and his contacts.

Anderson vehemently disagrees.

“We pitched Elyse and (her partner) Josh for the show, organised their auditions, negotiated her participation agreement with Nine, managed all her Block publicity and so, quite rightly, commissioned her share of earnings from the show as per our contract,” Anderson said.

“I look forward to defending the court proceedings.”

Elyse Knowles is also a model who shot to more fame after her stint on The Block.

Knowles did not comment on the legal action.

The Sunday Telegraph has seen a letter sent by Anderson to Channel 9 introducing Knowles and her boyfriend Josh Barker as possible contestants for The Block.

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The pair went on to claim the top prize on the program in October last year, taking home $547,000 plus a $100,000 winners prize.

The relationship between Knowles and Anderson soured soon after, however, when she abruptly terminated her contract with the agent, one year after signing with him.

Knowles recently signed on as an ambassador for Myer. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

An insider source said Anderson, who has managed fellow Myer ­ambassador Jennifer Hawkins for more than a decade, is baffled by the claim, with none of his clients, who ­include Alex Perry, Jodi Anasta, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, David Koch and Leila McKinnon, ever having had a problem with him.

The ugly spat could cause some awkward moments in coming weeks considering Myer’s spring-summer parade is taking place on August 23.

It is also understood that Hawkins’ days with Myer are numbered, with the store’s longtime ambassador unable to reach an agreement regarding her contract.