‘Looking like Frank now fella’
Whether you love it or hate it, Shameless is one of the most iconic shows in British TV history. The Channel 4 dramedy ran for 11 series from 2004 until 2013 and was unlike anything on screens at the time.
The programme, created by Paul Abbot, is set on the fictional Chatsworth estate in Stretford, Greater Manchester. It centres on the fiercely loyal yet wildly dysfunctional Gallagher family and their close-knit community, showing a brutally realistic portrayal of life on a deprived council estate with plenty of dark humour.
The Gallagher clan was headed up by their notorious father Frank, who spent much time on screen either drunk or past out, forcing his children to get street smart to survive. The show produced 319 episodes, as well as a hugely popular US adaptation hailed by an American audience.
The show’s cast would eventually swell into a mass of ensemble characters with their own storylines, but Frank Gallagher (David Threlfall), was the ultimate protagonist. And it’s one of Frank’s children that’s gone onto wildly resemble their TV father over a decade after the show’s end – Carl Gallagher.
The spunky sibling, played by actor Elliot Tittensor, is the fourth eldest sibling of Frank and Monica Gallagher. While he begins the show as a reserved, younger background character, he subsequently developed into a significant central figure with major storylines concerning his troubled childhood, relationships, and life on the estate, reports the Mirror.
Tittensor actually split the role with his twin brother Luke during filming of the first series in 2004. Elliot took over the role entirely while Luke went on to play Darren “Daz” Eden in British soap Emmerdale. Hey played Carl right up until series nine, leaving the show then returning for season 11.
Carl’s distinctive appearance was clearly marked by his fully shaved head and his “estate kid” look throughout his main years on the programme.
Nevertheless, Carl actor Elliot Tittensor, now 36, appears considerably different these days 13 years since he was last spotted on the show. Drumming up excitement for an upcoming Shameless cast reunion in Leeds, Elliot appeared virtually unrecognisable in a video posted to co-star Kelli Hollis’ social media.
Kelli, who portrayed Yvonne in the series, wrote alongside the clip: “Look who’s left you a message.”
Elliot’s appearance had dramatically changed, sporting a thick beard and lengthy hair tucked beneath a beanie.
The actor encouraged supporters to ‘come down’ to the gathering and ‘share a night with us’.
He mentioned the possibility of additional dates being arranged, though that’s “down to Kelli” as she’s the “mastermind” behind the reunion.
Elliot also declared they were “taking their birthright back”, insisting there was “only one original Shameless” in a nod to the American adaptation.
Supporters responded enthusiastically to Elliot’s message, with the post attracting thousands of likes.
Numerous viewers remarked that he had ‘turned into Frank’, with one declaring: “Carl has grown into Frank!”.
Another commented: “Looking like Frank now fella.”
A third observed: “Carl turning in to Frank.”
While a different fan posted: “Yes Carl, looking good dude.”
