Elliott Tittensor, best known for playing Carl Gallagher in the Channel 4 series Shameless, has been seen looking completely different ahead of an upcoming cast reunion. The actor, now 36, appeared in a clip shared by co-star Kelli Hollis, who played Yvonne in the show, with the caption: "Look who's left you a message."
Tittensor sported a thick beard and long hair tucked under a beanie hat, a major change from Carl's shaved head and "estate kid" aesthetic that defined his look during the show's run.
Carl Gallagher's evolution in Shameless
Shameless ran for 11 series and 139 episodes, set on the fictional Chatsworth council estate in Stretford, Greater Manchester. The show, created by Paul Abbott, won BAFTA recognition and inspired a hugely popular American remake.
Carl Gallagher is the fourth eldest child of Frank and Monica Gallagher. He started as a quiet, younger background presence but later evolved into a major central character with substantial storylines. Tittensor shared the role with his identical twin brother Luke during the first series in 2004, before taking on the part fully in the second series after Luke left due to filming obligations for Emmerdale.
Tittensor portrayed Carl for 109 episodes across Series 1–9 and returned for Series 11. He appeared alongside David Threlfall as Frank Gallagher, Anne-Marie Duff as Fiona, James McAvoy as Steve McBride, Gerard Kearns as Lip and Ian, Rebecca Ryan as Debbie, and Joseph Furnace as baby Liam.
Fans react to the new look
In the clip, Tittensor urged fans to "come down" to the event and "share a night with us". He hinted at the possibility of further dates being added, though he stressed that was "down to Kelli" as she is the "mastermind" behind the reunion. He also declared they were "taking their birthright back", insisting there was "only one original Shameless" in a nod to the American remake.
Fans reacted with enthusiasm, with many noting he had "turned into Frank". One wrote: "Carl has grown into Frank!", while another commented: "Looking like Frank now fella." A third observed: "Carl turning in to Frank." A different fan posted: "Yes Carl, looking good dude."
The Leeds reunion event
The live event, described as "A Shameless Night: An Evening with the Cast of Shameless", is scheduled to debut at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds on October 17, with YouTube personality and presenter Lewis Nicholls hosting. Tickets are expected to go on sale shortly through the official Carriageworks Theatre Box Office.
Career since Shameless
Following Shameless, Tittensor secured a starring role in HBO's House of the Dragon, portraying Ser Erryk Cargyll in the Game of Thrones prequel. He appeared alongside his real-life identical twin brother Luke, who played his onscreen twin, Ser Arryk Cargyll.
Between 2010 and 2021, he made guest appearances on BBC crime drama Silent Witness. In 2012, he took the lead role in British cult comedy-drama Spike Island, centred around The Stone Roses' legendary 1990 gig. In 2017, he appeared in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. Last year, he teamed up with his brother again for the film Straight Circle, which won the top prize at the Venice Film Critics Week.
