After 16 years it would appear viewers have lost none of their appetite for Nine’s stalwart reno show The Block.

Last night’s finale – won by Cairns couple Tess and Luke – pulled 1.541 million for the show proper, with the winner announcement topping the 1.9 million mark according to OzTAM metro numbers.

The finale handing Nine a commanding Sunday night with 42.4 per cent audience share (all channels). Seven had to settle for 24.4 per cent audience share, the ABC had 14.2 per cent, 10 could only muster 11.3 per cent and SBS did 7.7 per cent.

In further good news for women’s sport, Nine’s coverage of the Federation Cup tennis final between Australia and France (won by the French) pulled 336,000. 10’s Supercar coverage reached a high of 257,000.

In the battle of the 6pm news bulletins, Seven (953,000) beat Nine (860,000). 60 Minutes (901,000) had a big night and a Block halo effect, while the soon-to-be deceased Sunday Night could only manage 375,000.

Seven’s Bride And Prejudice pulled 453,000.

10’s best was the Sunday Project (305,000) and 10 News First (275,000) and a repeat of NCIS (216,000).

The ABC’s night ran thus: 7pm news (649,000), Total Control (512,000) and Grand Designs (430,000).

SBS’ best was Secrets Of The Railway with a neat 200,000.