Woody Harrelson: 'Shameless' star

Woody Harrelson is to star in a US remake of hit Channel 4 show 'Shameless'.The programme's British creator Paul Abbot revealed that the former 'Cheers' star, will play layabout father Frank Gallagher when the hit comedy drama about a dysfunctional working class family's adventures on a run-down housing estate is remade for a US audience. Abbott told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "I was thinking about a number of names including James Woods and Steve Buscemi but Woody will be great." The show has also attracted the talents of John Wells, the award-winning producer of 'ER' and 'The West Wing', but Abbott believes its outrageous antics may have to be watered down for an American audience.The original show is set for its fifth series after gaining huge popularity and many awards.Such has been its success that it has now been granted its own permanent set, which was opened yesterday (23.04.07) at a ceremony in Manchester. The new series will feature 16 episodes, double that of past runs.The fictional Chatsworth Estate has been replicated using a real housing estate in the West Gorton district of Manchester. Channel 4 chiefs spent £250,000 on the set, recreating the dirty look of the original by dumping rubbish, old cars, household appliances and shopping trolleys.

Abbott claimed: "We plan to make it bigger and better."