HERALD SUN

SHE is best known as a swimsuit model, but underestimate The Block’s Elyse Knowles at your peril.

“People might say, ‘Oh, just a bikini model’, and judge a book by its cover, which is fine, they can do that,” Knowles, 24, said.

“I don’t really care what other people say or think and neither does Josh (Barker, her partner).

“We just do our job and have a good time at the same time.”

And The Block — particularly in last week’s episode where she and Barker were lauded for their bathroom makeover — has helped people see her as more than a glamour girl.

“We did not need to prove it but it was just a big confidence boost to show others that we are not here for glitz and glam,” she said.

“We are here to get our hands dirty and do the best quality build that we can do in 12 weeks.”

Melbourne-based Knowles is proving to be the breakout star of the series and Nine is understood to be keen to find her other opportunities with the network.

Knowles and Barker, who returned on Friday from East Timor where they were assisting the Water Aid charity, are preparing to buy their next renovation project.

“We are almost ready to buy our next home,” she said.

“We want to do top end designs. We are motivated. I thought we would come out of the show completely dead but we are ready to go again.”

Knowles has been a support of Water Aid for several years, and her recent trip took her to remote mountain villages in East Timor.

“It was the most rewarding and eye opening experience. I really want people to realise how fortunate we are here in Australia to have essentials such as clean running water out of a tap and toilets,” she said.

“The trip was to teach the villagers the importance of keeping the water clean, washing your hands, sanitation, going to the toilet in one spot. To see what Water Aid has achieved in the last few years is amazing.”