C4 launches Shameless series 5 on MySpace

Channel 4 is to broadcast the first episode of the new series of drama Shameless on social network MySpace before transmission on C4.

Fans of the award-winning show, which returns for a fifth run of 16 programmes, will have an opportunity to view episode one at uk.myspace.com/shamelessc4.

The first TV episode has been split into four segments, with the first on MySpace on Boxing Day. The next parts will run on 29, 30 and 31 December. Shameless will be broadcast on Channel 4 on New Year's Day at 10.10pm.

The Shameless MySpace community has more than 13,000 friends, and a preview clip of the upcoming series has been viewed more than 50,000 times.

The programme is being promoted across the MySpace network in the UK, including extensive homepage advertising offering the chance to win series 4 on DVD, a Shameless podcast and Christmas Shameless computer wallpaper.

Dom Cook, marketing director at MySpace UK, said: "With 10 million unique users each month, MySpace UK can offer massive exposure to programmes such as Shameless and help to significantly increase their audience."

FX was the first broadcaster to debut a show on the social network when it premiered Brotherhood in October last year.

Source: Brand Republic