'The Block' is ratings flop

ITV's big new property reality series The Block got off to a disappointing start in the ratings last night (Tuesday), according to early figures.

The Australian-born show - presented by Lisa Rogers and Simon Cowell's equally acerbic brother Nick - could only muster an average of 2.6 million viewers and an 11.6% audience share in the 9pm hour, leaving it trailing behind BBC One, Channel 4 and even Five.

C4's Wife Swap held an impressive 3.8 million (17.1%), even though it was a repeat, while Five's CSI: Miami had 2.7 million (12.1%).

BBC One was top dog with 5.7 million (26.0%) for drama 55 Degrees North. The remaining terrestrial - BBC Two - was biting at ITV's heels, with Restoration pulling in 2.5 million (11.4%).

ITV today admitted that the ratings were not what had been anticipated but it was too early to consider dropping the show. "Obviously, it was not what we would have hoped for the launch episode, but there are certainly not any alarm bells ringing at the moment," a spokeswoman told the Media Guardian. "The next couple of weeks will be crucial."