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Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Shameless cast then and now from on set romances and rehab stints to Hollywood
With all 11 seasons of Shameless UK available on Netflix - here's a look at the cast 20 years on from when it first aired on Channel 4 Hard to believe the much-loved Channel 4 series Shameless aired over 20 years ago. The show followed the dysfunctional Gallagher family, who had Frank Gallagher, a neglectful, narcissistic, substance abuser as the head of the family. Frank had six children - Fiona, Philip, Ian, Debbie, Carl and Liam - to his ex-wife Monica, and both parents were absent due to their love for drugs and alcohol. To survive, Fiona took on the parental role, fending for her younger siblings. The family lived in a fictional estate - Chatsworth - in Manchester and knew how to throw the ultimate party. They got involved in drugs, crimes and crazy drama, creating one of the most watched TV shows in the country at the time. So much so, the idea was adapted by American producer John Well, who created a US version of the show. Shameless was hands down one of the stand out TV spectacles from the noughties, and many fans still enjoy watching it today. But what are the stars up to today in 2025? Here's what the Shameless cast are up to these days.... Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Frank Gallagher - David Threlfall Annabell Apsion - Monica Gallagher Fiona Gallagher - Anne-Marie Duff
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix fans are just finding out the US version of this hit UK show is so much better
If you're looking for a new show to watch - then this US version of a beloved UK show is on Netflix and fans can't keep to get enough... Netflix viewers are just finding out about this hit American show, which was inspired by an early 2000's Channel 4 show - and they can't get enough of it. Shameless UK was adapted by American producer John Wells, who brought to life a US version of the show. The show has been on Netflix since 2018 and has been a hit with viewers ever since. The UK edition of the show started in 2004 and ran for 11 series before ending in 2013. Although the US version started much later in 2011, running for the same amount of seasons before ending in 2021. If you haven't watched either the US or UK versions of Shameless, it tells the story of a poor, dysfunctional family who have Frank Gallagher as their father. Frank is a neglectful, narcissistic, substance dependent, single dad of six - Fiona, Philip, Ian, Debbie, Carl and Liam - who spends his days getting high or drunk. To survive, the family gets involved in crime, drugs and affairs to make money. The UK version is written and produced by Paul Abbott and set in a fictional estate called Chatsworth in Manchester. While the US version was adapted from Paul's version by John Wells and is set in the South Side neighbourhood in Chicago. Although the two versions have the same characters and character development, it is a completely different show altogether. After the first two seasons the US version veered off in its own directions - meaning there is little in common between the two other than some basic personality traits and background. Shameless US boasts an all-star cast that includes William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, Joan Cusack, Steve Howey, Emmy Rossum, and Cameron Monaghan. The show draws attention to American social issues such as healthcare, addiction and the welfare system, while sticking to lighthearted humour. Fans have taken to Reddit to discuss what version of the series is better, with the US version coming out as a clear winner. One user wrote: "Being from the UK, I initially fell in love with the original shameless. As much as I still like it, US shameless will always be one of my favourites. Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 have a special place in my heart." While one fan simply stated: "The UK version is awful." Another user commented on the lack of depth in the UK version, stating: "US by far tried the UK first episode and just couldn't get into it and no flavour what so ever." A fourth chimed in, favouring the US cast, saying: "The cast of the UK version alone is enough to make me not want to watch it. None of them are appealing in any ways at all." The show has been on Netflix since 2018, but it has just been revealed the series will be leaving the streaming platform in September 2025.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
BBC bosses accused of ‘throwing people out to the wolves' by axing River City
A former Coronation Street actress has accused BBC Scotland bosses of 'throwing people out to the wolves' with plans to axe River City. Lynda Rooke, who also starred in dramas Casualty and The Bill, told MSPs that shutting down the BBC soap could result in Scotland losing talent from the sector. Rooke, who is the president of actors' union Equity, told MSPs on Holyrood's Culture Committee about the security soaps can provide. She said: 'Sometimes when I was doing the soaps I breathed a sigh of relief that I could pay off the overdraft and get myself back on the straight and narrow, and that is so important. 'You take that away and you really are throwing people out to the wolves, basically. 'It is the long-term view and the security that so rarely happens in this industry, River City offers this to those performers and crew and technicians.' With that 'at risk', she said it is possible actors and others working behind the scenes in the TV sector could end up leaving Scotland. Rooke warned: 'You are going to lose talent again, we have known it happen in the past, many people have gone down to London because they couldn't make a living.' She appeared before the committe alongside River City star Frank Gallagher, who plays Lenny Murdoch. He told MSPs: 'There should be a place for people who want to work in our own country instead of waiting for some dramas that are probably brought up from the BBC production in London.' BBC Scotland announced back in March that River City, which is based in the fictional area of Shieldinch, is to end next year. It has been on air since 2002. At the time the broadcaster said the decision reflects a change in viewing patterns as audiences move away from long-running series, instead opting for shorter shows. At the same time as it axed the soap, BBC Scotland announced three new dramas. Speaking about these planned new shows, Rooke said: 'I can almost guarantee they will not replace the jobs or the infrastructure, I doubt that will be the case.' She told the MSPs how soaps can help develop talent in the TV sector, saying they 'allow people who normally don't have easy access into the film and television industry to actually get in there'. She added: 'They become a training ground both on screen and off screen and it allows people from marginalised communities in particular to enter into the industry, which can be a very closed shop, with lots of barriers, especially outside London and the South East.' Meanwhile, Equity general secretary Paul Fleming told the committee that 'River City is the rubicon we're not prepared to cross'. He insisted the Scottish soap 'has got a fanbase, it has got a clear dedicated viewership', and said both it and other long-running productions 'provide stable, high-quality employment'. Contrasting that with the planned new programmes, he said: 'Nine million pounds for three dramas is not really that sort of deep intellectual commitment.' Mr Fleming also questioned the value of the hit programme Traitors to Scotland. The show is filmed in the Highlands, but Mr Fleming said: 'Traitors does not employ actors as professional actors, that is not the role of it, and if you look at the economic value it creates, it is a small, contained production brought up from London, a bit of a flash in the pan.' A BBC Scotland spokesperson said: 'The decision to end River City is a creative one driven by changing audience habits and declining viewing figures, which have dropped to an average of 200,000 per episode, considerably lower than other BBC dramas. 'Audience patterns have shifted away from long-running serials to short-run dramas, so that is where we will be moving our drama investment. 'This is about value for money for the audience. We are not cutting our drama spend in Scotland – in fact, we will increase it to around £95 million over the next three years.' The spokesperson continued: 'The BBC remains committed to reflecting Scottish culture and voices in dramas across the UK. 'River City training opportunities will remain active for another year until we cease production in April 2026. 'We are actively working with BBC colleagues, the independent companies making our newly announced dramas and others in the industry on future training opportunities.'
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
River City ends on dramatic series cliffhanger as show takes break from screens
BBC Scotland revealed details about the show being taken off air next year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RIVER City fans are guaranteed to be left hanging tonight - as long-standing character Lenny Murdoch teetered on the edge of scaffolding as the series came to a dramatic end. The current run of the show has seen the Shieldinch gangster, played by Frank Gallagher, battle with his mental health. 3 Lenny Murdoch and wife Lydia stand on scaffolding looking over Shieldinch Credit: BBC 3 The Murdoch clan are one of the most well-known families on Montego Street Credit: BBC And his family rushed to his side, urging him towards safety. But the credits rolled before viewers found out if it was too little, too late for Lenny. A telly source said: "The storyline has been kept hush-hush and viewers will have to wait until June to find out what happens next." The soap returns in the summer for a new series - but will end completely next year after the BBC decided to axe the long-running drama. The flagship Scots soap will air its final series in Autumn 2026 - 24 years after viewers were first introduced to the residents of Shieldinch. BBC Scotland announced last month that it will reallocate the budget for the series away from long-running shows towards shorter runs. There will be three new series – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team. While popular drama Granite Harbour will return for a third series, filming in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months. Also making a return is Shetland for its tenth series and Vigil for a third series, while the previously announced eight-part drama, Mint, is shooting in Scotland. Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95million. Iconic Scots BBC show AXED after more than 20 years The BBC will also work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland to build on River City's successful training academy. Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland said: 'River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we'll all be sad to see it go. "The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year. "But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK. 3 River City ends on a dramatic series cliffhanger tonight as the show takes a break Credit: BBC "Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.' Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, added: 'We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision. "I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present. "For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. "The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we've announced will offer further opportunities. 'However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it's vital we respond to this. "Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK…and beyond. "We're delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland's creative industry.' Commenting on news that River City is being cancelled, Scottish Labour Culture spokesperson Neil Bibby said: 'River City is an iconic and popular show. It is deeply disappointing news for the actors, production crew and many viewers that BBC Scotland is planning to axe the show after over 20 years of success. 'The public service broadcaster must be fully transparent and explain the rationale for this decision. It is very concerning that an apparent lack of planning in relation to studio space may have contributed to this detrimental decision. 'River City has provided a vital platform for many Scottish actors and a pipeline of talent to the wider television and film industry. 'Everything that can be done should be done to save the show and ensure Scotland has a soap opera drama. 'Even if this decision goes ahead it is essential that the £9 million budget for the show is ringfenced for the production of Scottish drama to protect the jobs of actors and production crew and provide entertainment for Scottish viewers.'
