IT’S drinks all round in The Jockey for Shameless layabout Frank Gallagher and the rest of the Chatsworth estate regulars.
Channel 4 has ordered a record-breaking eighth series of 22 episodes to be filmed at the drama’s Wythenshawe HQ.
It means the future of the award-winning show is secure to 2011 with an increase of eight episodes from the current 16.
Hale-based creator Paul Abbott said: “The most fantastic thing about this decision is that it is the first time that Channel 4 has extended a British drama series for a 22 episode season.”
He added: “After eight years of working on this show, you’d think I’d be sick of the sight of it by now, but I am thrilled.
“It has fired me up even more and already has inspired a thousand new ideas to try experimenting with. I genuinely love the idea of us taking Shameless further.
“Shameless is the show I’m most proud of being associated with. There has never been, and still isn’t, anything remotely like it.”
The seventh series begins on C4 next month with new faces, including former Father Ted star Pauline McLynn, joining the regular cast.
Filming of the extended eighth series begins later next year on the purpose built Shameless complex. It was opened in 2007, allowing the number of episodes to be doubled from eight to 16.
Company Pictures, which makes the drama, signed a £1.2m five year deal to lease the former Umbro building, known as the Aviator Building, on the Roundthorn industrial estate.
The site includes replica streets, houses, shops and The Jockey as part of an exterior set linked to various interior sets.
Previously filmed on location in West Gorton, with the studio sets inside a Salford warehouse, the move has seen the production flourish.
Channel 4 Head of Drama Camilla Campbell said: “Shameless is truly a one-off. It’s very dificult to find a hit series but Shameless has consistently grown audience from year to year and remains as popular as ever with fans.
“We are immensely proud of it at Channel 4 and so I am delighted to further back Paul Abbott and the creative team behind the show.”
At one stage there were fears that TV cuts might lead to a reduction in the number of episodes but that crisis was averted.
Filming is also about to start on a US remake of Shameless, starring veteran Hollywood star William H Macy as Frank Gallagher - the role played by David Threlfall in the original.
Last month David won Best Actor at the Royal Television Society North West Awards for portrayal of Frank.
Record-breaking eighth series for Shameless
December 03, 2009
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A tv show being recommisioned for an eighth time is the top story-are you struggling for news that much?!?!?!?
Ran out of ideas in series 6.
God I already live amongst these sort of people I don't want to watch them on TV as well
It's a comedy drama???
I thought it was a documentary of the local peanut headed- big eared brigade, and their deep fried tea eating, turkey twizzler munching families, (except on on the special occasions like birthdays and christmas, when they can dine on curly fries and bernard matthews turkey drumsticks).
Amazing show. It certainly isn't a representation of working class life but some aspects of the stories cross all class boundaries, very talented script-writers and cast, a jewel of Manchester writing.
Channel 4 has ordered a record-breaking eighth series of 22 episodes to be filmed at the drama’s Wythenshawe HQ.
It means the future of the award-winning show is secure to 2011 with an increase of eight episodes from the current 16.
That'll be an increase of 6 episodes then i.e. 16 + 6 = 22. Need to buy a new calculator I think
Great news, looking forward to the new series!
Whatever your views on this show, some of the people and lifestyles they represent and seem to glorify aren't funny at all.
PW: I agree, it's making that kind of lifestyle seem acceptable in the minds of todays youth
and yet the best educational show for our labour government is still being ignored!
note to gordon, watch it in great detail, this is what your parties time in power has created.
I must admit that the actor playing Frank Gallagher is good, in real life he has a very posh voice and probably eats quail eggs whilst laughing at poor people going about their day to day business.
At least the production team no longer have to venture into 'dangerous' West Gorton to film their patronising nonsense, the writers, directors, actors and assembled crew can now sip their frappachinos in the comfort of their constructed set hidden away from the public in Wythenshawe.
Shameless....I guess not
I suppose it's based on Beirut ie Benchill!
Matthew Wright-
How do you know it ran out of ideas in series 6..? Series 7 hasn't even aired yet. And could you do any better? Any ideas you'd like to put forward?
22 episodes to be filmed at the drama’s Wythenshawe HQ.
It means the future of the award-winning show is secure to 2011 with an increase of eight episodes from the current 16.
Normally i'm not pedantic but this is some shocking maths!
22-16 = An increase of 6.
Just thought i'd let you know!
David Threlfall hasn't appeared at the Royal Exchange for a while. Although he's obviously busy with screen commitments I wonder if he has turned his back on the stage. Or may his reputation in the acting community has been diminished slightly by his ongoing involvement with 'Shameless'. Perhaps some better informed 'luvvie' can enlighten us?
I thought this was a comedy show at first, only after watching a few episodes I realised it was a documentary about Gorton!