US acquisition, Ugly Betty, is to air on Channel 4 from January as part of its Friday night line up.

The show, which stars British actress Ashley Jensen, has proved a global hit, with US network ABC signing up for full-season run last month.

The series will certainly help Channel 4's Friday night ratings, which have recently seen a dip with shows like Unanimous failing to draw in the viewers.

The broadcaster is believed to be looking to Betty to return the channel to the audience figures attracted by a Friday night line-up centred around US imports, as with Friends and Sex and the City.

January also sees the return of Celebrity Big Brother to Channel 4.