Sopranos shock for TV fans

The long-awaited new series of the Sopranos has opened with a bang on American TV.

Fans who prefer to wait until the show hits UK screens to find out the first episode’s startling twist should look away now.

Because it was none other than Tony Soprano himself who was on the receiving end of a bullet last night, courtesy of his mentally-troubled uncle.

The character, played by James Gandolfini, screamed in agony before losing consciousness in the closing minutes of the episode, leaving viewers waiting in suspense to see how serious his injury is.

He was shot in the belly by Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) – who is suffering from delusion, paranoia and Alzheimer’s disease – in a totally unexpected development.

The episode was the first of 12 that will air in America this year, with the series’ final eight to be shown in 2007.