Yahoo Lifestyle 
The Block producers scramble to replace star couple just three days into filming
Producers of The Block have had to quickly find a replacement for one of the star couples of the reality show’s upcoming season.
Just three days into filming The Block Tree Change, influencer Elle Ferguson and her fiance, former AFL star Joel Patfull, had to leave the show after Joel’s mother had a medical emergency.
She is being treated for a broken coccyx, a fractured wrist and possible bleeding of the brain after a fall, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Elle and Joel packed their bags and flew out of Melbourne to be by his mother’s side, with both sharing photos from the airport on their Instagram Stories on Monday alongside the caption, “Wherever you are in the world. Whatever you are doing. Family always comes first”.
RELATED:
The Block fans fume as Love Island twins break ‘number one’ rule
'Rigged': Fans furious over The Block stars' 'major misstep'
Fortunately for Nine, producers have already been able to secure a replacement for Elle and Joel, with a spokesperson telling Yahoo Lifestyle on Tuesday, “Over the weekend, we were surprised to have one of our new contestant teams depart The Block a few days into filming for the upcoming season.”
“We wish them all the best for the future and we’re excited to have cast two new Aussies for the opportunity of a lifetime on The Block. The Block Tree Change will air as scheduled later this year.”
It remains to be seen whether the replacement couple will slot in where Elle and Joel left off, or whether the series will need to recommence from scratch.
Filming for the new season of The Block is currently underway in the town of Gisborne in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, about 45 minutes outside of Melbourne. It’s the first time in the show’s 17-season history that the site has been located in a regional area, and contestants will be tasked with creating a luxury country escape over the 12 or so weeks of shooting.
Elle, who has an impressive 680,000 followers on Instagram, and her fiance Joel, a former GWS Giants player, were set to be two of the biggest names on this year’s show.
The 2022 cast includes five couples with the other big name being Neighbours star Sharon Johal.
Interestingly, Scott Cam will also be renovating a house this season.
Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.
Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.
