Shameless will return to Channel 4 for a ninth series of 22 episodes early next year.

New cast members will include Angeline Ball (The Commitments) and Stephen Lord (EastEnders) as feisty siblings Gloria and Dominic, Kari Corbett (The Royal) as Maguire niece Ruby and Morwenna Banks (Skins) as a ruthless project consultant.

In the meantime, here are some teasers for some of Series 9’s storylines…

» The Gallaghers find themselves evicted from their home, as are half the estate.

» Avril makes the most of her new job in a pharmacy by becoming the local supplier of prescription drugs.

» The Maguires decide to embrace freeganism, making money from what corporate bodies discard.

» Micky gets gay bashed.

» Shane develops a taste for smoking Kanda – that’s addictive dried cow shit, if you were wondering.

» Karen and Jamie’s marriage is put under pressure when they’re both tempted to stray.

» Jamie is stabbed by a corrupt copper.

» Young Aidan is a horrified bystander when his teacher is raped.

» Kelly and Marty are expecting – but their life takes a very dark turn.

» Mimi and her new husband Billy embark on an open relationship.

» Lillian fluffs and smothers clients in a unique take on euthanasia.

» Carl becomes a policeman and meets a girl who steals his heart.

> Buy the Series 1-7 boxset on Amazon.

Did you enjoy Series 8 of Shameless? Let us know below…