Shameless is ready to party as the Manchester drama reaches its 100th episode next month.  Hale-based creator Paul Abbott is back to write a special marking the landmark for The Jockey regulars, including the return of some old faces.

But will Frank Gallagher (David Threlfall) be receiving a telegram from the Queen to celebrate a Shameless 100th birthday?

The Chatsworth estate first burst on to our screens in January 2004 with the drama filmed on location in West Gorton and on a Salford studio set before moving to its current Wythenshawe home. Each Channel 4 series includes 16 regular cast, 60 guests, over 2000 background artists and 60 main crew members. With an American version now successfully launched, the UK original attracts a regular audience of 4.5m.

As Shameless returns to our screens, Paul and members of the cast reflect on their favourite moments so far:

• Paul Abbott:

“My all time favourite Shameless moment is in series six, episode three, written by Jimmy Dowdall, where Frank is unfathomably summoned for jury service. He compulsively spots a real earner and obstructs the verdict – any verdict – to rack up his expenses for ‘loss of earnings’. In one speech he refers to a ‘boss-eyed scouser selling a fake shirt on the market to another little immigrant...’ That’s a perfect pitch on Frank, the hardest character to nail properly – but written by one of our newest recruits who aimed for high mischief with intrinsic honesty. That’s a quintessential Shameless writer for my taste.”

• David Threlfall (Frank Gallagher):

“After so many years it really is impossible to single out just one favourite moment. It’s been a joy to play and develop Frank for eight years – something I certainly did not anticipate as an actor when we began. When I was asked to direct it was a wonderful situation where I had to direct my wife Brana Bajic, who was playing Lena in Shameless at that time. Directing Sean Gilder (Paddy Maguire) playing his twin in one episode, then him playing another character in flashback in The Jockey in another episode, brings a smile to my face.”

• Rebecca Atkinson (Karen Maguire):

“Jamie and Karen’s wedding – I really enjoyed the make-up and dress process! My favourite storyline has to be Sheila (Maggie O’Neill) and her agoraphobia and overcoming it. And my favourite memory has to be meeting Ben Batt – now my boyfriend – who played Joe Pritchard and working together in the Joe, Karen and Mandy triangle.”

• Tina Malone(Mimi Maguire):

“On a personal level, my ‘fat’ episode was very close to my heart! Quite cathartic filming it, painful and challenging. Comedy has to be Frank when he was on jury duty. And I loved filming that Take That song at Karen and Jamie’s wedding – fab day.”

• Ciaran Griffiths (Micky Maguire):

“The fireman episode for me in series seven. Both my dad and uncle were firemen and my stepmum worked in the control room, so it was ironic the writers chose that profession. They asked me at work about Micky joining the police and I said, ‘No chance – the fire service is much better.’ It worked brilliantly for Micky. I even got to film with the fire service at their station and I loved being in uniform.”

• Karen Bryson(Avril Powell):

“Avril has a Life On Mars moment, waking up in 1973 in episode 15 of this current series. I had to wear a full 1970s outfit complete with an Afro wig. It reminded me of old photos of my mum. I always enjoy the big community scenes. Especially a scene where the Chatsworth community and a special needs drama group cobble together the Nativity play culminating in a song – for episode 21 of this series. Filming that episode lifted my spirit because of the huge sense of community.” 

• Sally Carman(Kelly Maguire):

“My favourite storyline is the fight club in series eight. Shameless has been a joy for me so far. Not only do I get to have fun with and develop a character throughout the series but I get to do it on one of Manchester’s iconic backdrops.”

• Elliott Tittensor (Carl Gallagher):

“Carl as Gollum – my twin brother filmed that scene, as we shared the role in the first series. After watching the first series again last week it really brought back all the fun memories of the last eight years. There was one scene when Liam (Johnny Bennett) couldn’t stop joking in a scene and got a little telling off. But that only made us laugh more.”

• Nicky Evans(Shane Maguire):

“Doing scenes with the Maguire brothers and the scene when they are briefed by Paddy (Sean Gilder) about all those little jobs that need doing for the family business.”

• Valerie Lilley(Patty Croker):

The story when Patty is in the woods, kidnapped by her minder and rescued by her daughter Libby (Pauline McLynn). The script was a lovely Shameless mixture of sad reality sailing on to fantasy and madness.”

What is your favourite Shameless moment? Submit your comment below.

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