Leapmotor sponsors Thrilling Drama on 5
February 4, 2026
5 has announced a new partnership with Leapmotor UK that sees the automotive brand become the official sponsor of the broadcaster’s ‘Thrilling Drama’ slate across linear and streaming.
The agreement marks Leapmotor’s first UK television sponsorship and spans a range ofscripted drama titles on 5’s streaming platform, alongside new and returning series on the main linear channel.
Leapmotor International is an electrified vehicle brand from Stellantis, bringing a echnology-led approach to the UK market. Already on sale in the UK with the compact T03 city car and the family-focused C10 SUV, Leapmotor is continuing to expand its range with the recent launch of the B10 SUV. Looking ahead, the brand is preparing to introduce further new models to the UK, including the all-electric B03X SUV and the bold B05 hatchbac,
Leapmotor idents will feature around a significant collection of dramas on 5 (linear) including Family Secret, Missed Call, The Teacher, Number One Fan, The Ex-Wife, Little Disasters and Baby Doll. In addition, Leapmotor will sponsor a collection on 5’s streaming platform, including critically acclaimed dramas such as The Castaways, The Au Pair, Cold Call, Coma, The Drowning, Insomnia, Riptide, Serial Killers Wife, Too Good To Be True, The Teacher, Compulsion, and more.
The news comes as figures from Barb confirmed that 5’s streaming service was the fastest growing among UK public service broadcasters for the second year in a row. In 2025, the platform grew its Barb Total Viewing Minutes (TVMs) by 34 per cent versus 2024 amongst all viewers, outperforming BBC iPlayer (+7 per cent), ITVX (+24 per cent) and 4 Streaming (+11 per cent).
The partnership was brokered by Paramount Advertising International in the UK.
Drachan Forster, VP of UK Sponsorships, Paramount Advertising International, commented: “Drama is one of the most powerful environments for brands, and 5’s premium slate consistently delivers scale across linear and streaming. The channel’s distinctive offer in the UK market is fuelled by a strong pipeline of new and returning hits that audiences actively seek out. Leapmotor’s debut TV sponsorship is a brilliant example of how brands can tap into the strength of 5, whose dramas have helped grow streamed viewing by 34 per cent in 2025, aligning with the high-quality, thrilling storytelling audiences love.”
Damien Dally, Leapmotor UK Managing Director, added: “This partnership with 5 is a powerful platform to introduce Leapmotor to UK audiences. Thrilling Drama allows us to connect our brand message of ‘Demand more from life’ with premium storytelling, shared moments and escapism, bringing our values to life in a way that feels natural, relevant and engaging for viewers”