David Threlfall has joked he is looking forward to the end of Shameless as he can finally have a shave.

The 59-year-old actor has played chaotic anti-hero Frank Gallagher in the Bafta-winning drama for the last 10 years, and it is about to come to an end with an eleventh and final series.

David quipped: "It means that for the first time in 10 years, I'll be able to shave and have a haircut."

The actor defended the show, created by Paul Abbott for running for so long.

He said: "Listen, I know people have a pop at the show because it's been on so long now but the issue's always been to never settle on things.

"You can only reflect the time you're in and we've tried to keep pace with and reflect what's going on."

He added: "It's a very close-knit community on the set of Shameless, with production and cast working so closely for so long but it had to end sometime.

"I was happy to stay with Frank and the production until it was decided it was time to leave the world according to Chatsworth Estate."

:: The final series of Shameless begins on Channel 4 on Tuesday, February 26