Channel 4 to offer free online archive

Some of Channel 4's most popular shows like Shameless, Ali G and Father Ted are to be put online, allowing viewers to watch every episode free of charge.

More than 4,000 hours of the channel's archived content - about 10,000 programme titles - will be added to the 4oD catch-up service from July.

Other shows to be made available include Queer As Folk, Teachers, Brass Eye and Trigger Happy TV,