Shameless legend is unrecognisable in first look at new ITV drama Passenger

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Shameless legend is unrecognisable in first look at new ITV drama Passenger
Shameless legend is unrecognisable in first look at new ITV drama Passenger

A SHAMELESS legend is unrecognisable in ITV's new drama, Passenger.

The channel has released a first look at the comic thriller, which follows former Met Police detective Riya Ajunwa as she investigates a series of strange and inexplicable crimes in the fictional small Northern town of Chadder Vale.

Shameless star David Threlfall looks unrecognisable in his new ITV series, Passenger eiqruidtirprw
Shameless star David Threlfall looks unrecognisable in his new ITV series, PassengerCredit: Handout
David played Frank Gallagher in the hit Channel 4 series from 2004 to 2013
David played Frank Gallagher in the hit Channel 4 series from 2004 to 2013Credit: Channel 4
David sports white hair and a big white beard in the ITV comic thriller
David sports white hair and a big white beard in the ITV comic thrillerCredit: ITV

The ITV cast includes Wunmi Mosaku, Rowan Robinson, Daniel Ryan, Debbie Rush and David Threlfall.

However, Shameless fans will be forgiven for not recognising the actor, as he looks worlds away from his days as Frank Gallagher in the hit Channel 4 series.

Shameless ran for 11 series from 2004 to 2013 and saw David play the dishevelled dad who was rarely seen without a cigarette or a can of beer in his hand.

Bernice Blackstock suffers new blow in Emmerdale as she struggles with illnessBernice Blackstock suffers new blow in Emmerdale as she struggles with illness

David, 69, had long, scraggly dark hair in the show, as well as a stubbly beard.

But in Passenger, the actor sports white curly long hair and a full beard.

Detective Riya Ajunwa (Mosaku) investigates the disappearance of local girl Katie Wells (Robinson).

Despite Katie showing up safe and well the next day, a series of increasingly shocking crimes start unfolding within the town.

It prompts the residents to come up with all sorts of theories, blaming outside influences such as the fracking site and its manager Jim Bracknell, played by David.

The show's synopsis concludes: "As things become stranger, so the people push back on Riya's absurd notion that something is not right with this town. But what are they so afraid of?"

The series will also see David reunite with fellow Shameless alumni Sean Gilder, who played Paddy Maguire.

David is good at totally transforming for his acting roles
David is good at totally transforming for his acting rolesCredit: Getty

Passenger will be an ITVX premiere next year and will also air on ITV1.

Jill Robinson

Shameless, ITV

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