Shameless to lose groundbreaking gay character Ian Gallagher
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Actor Cameron Monaghan attends the 2016 GQ Men of the Year Party at Chateau Marmont on December 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for GQ)
Actor Cameron Monaghan has announced he is exiting the US series Shameless.
Monaghan currently plays the gay character Ian Gallagher but said on Instagram that he would soon be leaving the show.
He said he had been a regular on the series for around ten years.
The actor wrote: “I was the tender age of fifteen when we shot the pilot, and I came of age in so many ways, both legally and personally. I was very lucky to mature and grow with this show.
“Experiencing so many firsts, maturing as an actor, a professional, and a human. In the process gaining friends, family, and the best coworkers a very lucky actor could ask for, and for this I can be nothing but gracious. All good things come to an end.
“An old cliche, but one that rings true with a sincerity and clarity especially in moments like these. Everything ends. The next episode will be my last.
“I have known since last year, but I didn’t want to give it away too early as I wanted this season to be a surprise for the audience, allowing them to experience Ian’s unsure journey with his character.
“This role has been a joy to inhabit, a wild and special ride, and I’d like to thank #Shameless as well as you, the viewers, for being there with him. Goodbye, Ian Clayton Gallagher. We’ll meet again?”
This season has seen Monaghan’s character face up to 15 years in jail.
He had led a religious uprising, in which he became known as “Gay Jesus” – but it is still not known what will happen to him.
The American comedy-drama first aired in 2011 and is an adaptation of the British series, which is set in Manchester.
Since 2015, Monaghan, who lives in Los Angeles, has appeared in the television series Gotham as Jerome Valeska, a character similar to the Joker.
