Circular ashtray filled with cigarettes from the set of Channel 4 series 'Shameless'.

This ashtray is from the set of the fictional pub The Jockey. The pub is often used as a location for the show's action. It is run by the Maguire family who not only work in the pub but live above it. Frank Gallagher, the father of the family the show is based around, was often seen with a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other. As well as burnt cigarette ends the ashtray contains small bits of rubbish like packaging from drinking straws and sweet wrappers.

The television show Shameless, originally created by Paul Abbott, was loosely based on what he described as his ‘sub-working class’ upbringing in Burnley. It follows the fortunes of characters living on the fictional Chatsworth Estate in Manchester, centering on the Gallagher and Maguire families. The show uses humour to explore social issues including life on benefits, crime and alcoholism. It is an interesting and lively portrayal of life in Manchester at the start of the 21st century.

Shameless was made in Manchester from 2003 until 2013. The show was produced by Company Pictures and broadcast on Channel 4. It first aired in January 2004. In total 139 episodes were made over 11 series. Shameless was originally filmed on location in West Gorton, but in 2007 the production moved to a purpose-built set at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe. The sets and props were either sourced or created by the production companies’ art departments. The costumes were sourced by the costume department led by Jo Slater.

The show has won and been nominated for multiple awards, including BAFTAs, International Emmys and National Television Awards. It has been broadcast in countries such as Brazil, Israel and Finland. It has also been remade for American television. Shameless helped to launch the careers of actors James McAvoy, Maxine Peake and Anne-Marie Duff.