Original 'Shameless' cast member to quit

[dutchman]

Gerard Kearns has announced that he is planning to leave Shameless.

The actor, who played Ian Gallagher, has been on the show since it started in 2004.

However, PA reports that he has now decided to move on to work on other acting projects.

Kearns said that he was "happy" to be leaving and explained: "I feel I can do whatever. There's so many British actors, we're really thriving at the moment, we're really going good, and I'd like to be part of that - I'd really like to move forward with that."

The 25-year-old added that he is pleased he was able to work on Shameless.

"It's been such a good job, such a good experience," he said. "And it's given me all the tools I need to try to get where I want to get to."

While appearing in Shameless Kearns has also starred in critically acclaimed dramas Red Riding and The Mark Of Cain.