The Block couple respond to 'abuse' claims

We know nothing sparks fighting between a couple like a shared renovation job, but a heated exchange on The Block has been said to have crossed a major line, with fans slamming the language used as ‘abusive’.

Newlyweds Tess and Luke came under fire after a dispute over paint lead to some violent words exchanged, most notably from Tess towards Luke.

“F**k you’re a dickhead,” Tess said to Luke during an interview with producers.

“Honestly I could knock you out square in the face and punch you.”

The fight went down last week on the show while the couple were trying to reach a decision on paint and tensions were clearly at an all-time high.

The pair have had a number of blow ups on camera, but this is the first that has sparked true concerns among viewers.

The latter line is of course what has eyebrows raised, with many arguing it’s an indication of potential underlying violence, but the couple now say it is nothing of the sort.

“I don't condone violence at all,” Tess said in a statement to 9Entertainment. “Luke and I are in a very loving relationship and I absolutely think the world of him and I'm not a violent person at all."

Luke also stood up for his wife saying allegations over violent behaviour against her “could not be further from the truth”.

"She's not violent whatsoever,” he told the publication. “We both have a cheeky personality. We don't mean to offend anyone. It's our relationship. It's a bloody good one.”

White Ribbon identifies threats of violence and yelling as signs of a potentially abusive relationship.

Though the domestic violence advocacy group identifies the behaviour as male to female, it is possible to see roles reversed in some cases.

If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual or domestic abuse, don't suffer in silence, call 1800 RESPECT any time of day or night.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com

Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.