Shameless star looks totally different in harrowing new BBC drama Unforgivable

David Threlfall, known for his role as Frank Gallagher in Shameless, is almost unrecognisable in the BBC's new drama, Unforgivable. The grim narrative revolves around child grooming and sexual abuse, highlighting the devastating impact such a horrific crime can have on a family, with the Mitchells at the centre of this 90-minute feature. The 71-year-old actor, famed for his portrayal of the alcoholic, chain-smoking Frank in the popular working-class comedy sitcom, has abandoned his signature long dark hair to play the role of Anna Mitchell's father.

Anna, a mother of two, has a brother Joe who is the offender - having served a two-year prison sentence for his appalling crimes. With Joe set to be released from prison and begin rehabilitation, the strain intensifies for Anna, portrayed by award-winning actress Anna Friel, as she grapples with the emotional aftermath. David embodies the furious father of Anna, enraged after discovering she visited her brother Joe despite his chilling crimes. His character in Unforgivable is a far cry from his former patriarchal role as Frank in Shameless.

In this fresh production, the acclaimed actor is completely transformed, sporting short grey hair and a neatly trimmed matching beard.

Fans of iconic Frank Gallagher might be taken aback by a recent sighting of actor David Threlfall, who has shed his character's dishevelled look for a more polished appearance, complete with a black tie, blazer, and a pristine white shirt - a far cry from the oversized green parka he donned on-screen.

David's real-life demeanour and accent have previously left fans perplexed, as they struggle to reconcile his true persona with that of his well-portrayed character on Shameless.

His portrayal was so convincing that many viewers found it hard to believe he could be different in reality.

Shameless, which graced Channel 4 with eleven series and 139 episodes from 2004 to 2013, also enjoyed a successful US adaptation that ran from 2011 to 2021.

Off-screen, David is quite the family man, sharing two children with his talented wife, actress Brana Bajic.

In stark contrast to Frank, David confessed to the Mirror in 2010 that the idea of morning drinking is alien to him, saying: "I can't imagine getting up in the morning and taking a drink.

"My body doesn't take more than four pints. I was doing a scene yesterday where he was drinking cough medicine. He's lost."

Unforgivable will air on BBC Two at 9pm this Thursday and will be available on BBC iPlayer from the same day.