SHAMELESS star Jody Latham returns to our screens tonight in the run-up to the show’s grand finale.

Jody, who grew up in Barrowford and now lives in Bacup, returns to the role of Lip Gallagher for the final few episodes of the long-running show, created by Burnley writer Paul Abbott.

In tonight’s episode, Lip and daughter Katie are spotted by Frank on the bus not far from the Chatsworth estate after having supposedly left town in 2008, having been written out of the show.

Lip’s efforts to distance his daughter from his unruly home – and his seemingly transformed, smartened character – leave viewers wondering if he’s now a-shamed of his past.

The actor was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence in December after admitting to growing cannabis plants at an ex-girlfriend’s home in Stacksteads.

Writer Abbott said the reason for ending the show, which first aired in 2003, was linked to the death of his father, whom he cited as his inspiration. He said: “Its 10th anniversary seems a fitting time to shut the book on Shameless.

“We've had an absolute ball making this stuff up for a living.

“We’ve given back in spades and got away with absolute murder on behalf of such a fantastically outspoken audience.”

Commenting on Facebook, Jody said: “It’s great coming back for the grand finale of Shameless. It's been an amazing part of my life.”

Original cast members such as Ann-Marie Duff also return for the climax of the 11th series and up-and-coming Rawtenstall actor Thomas O’Toole also appears in the final series.

Take That star Jason Orange also makes a cameo appearance.