Channel 4 drama Shameless is to end next year after its 11th series.

The drama, created by Paul Abbott, was first aired on Channel 4 in 2004. By the time it ends next year, it will have had 139 episodes.

Abbott said: “Its 10th anniversary seems a fitting time to shut the book on Shameless. We’ve had an absolute ball making this stuff up for a living. We’ve given back in spades and got away with absolute murder, on behalf of such a fantastically outspoken audience.”

Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt said Channel 4 was in Abbott’s “debt for bringing his dysfunctional band of characters” to the channel.

She added that the broadcaster is working with Abbott on other dramas.

Shameless is made by Company Pictures and its 11th series will be broadcast early next year.