by Kirsty Walker

Scumbag drama Shameless returns to Channel 4 with a guest part for Father Ted actress Pauline McLynn as the new love interest (sorry if you’re eating) of Frank Gallagher (David Threlfall).

Filming had begun on the seventh series of the award-winning drama which will also see the arrival of Karen and Jamie’s baby Connor and Liam hitting senior school and getting his first crush. Over at The Jockey, new landlady Mimi (Tina Malone) is stamping her authority.

Producer Lawrence Till says: “We are thrilled that the acting talents of Pauline McLynn and Valerie Lilley(who will play the mther of MLynn’s character) are to be joining our already celebrated cast on the Chatsworth Estate. This season we will continue to push the boundaries of storytelling: keeping the audience on the edge from the first frame to the last blast.”

Camilla Campbell, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 Drama says: “Shameless is still going strong and has garnered a devoted following thanks to the inventive, funny and outlandish storylines and characters.  The series has pioneered new talent, both on and off screen, and continues to be a defining and much loved part of Channel 4’s drama output.”

The sixteen episode series will air in the autumn.