Former Shameless star Jody Latham is proving that life doesn’t always imitate art after revealing he now owns a cosmetic business worth £18 million.
The Burnley-born actor – who shot to fame as the smart-mouthed tearaway teenager Philip ‘Lip’ Gallagher in the long-running Channel 4 comedy-drama Shameless set on the fictional Chatsworth Estate in Manchester – is a far cry away from the life of his character.
Now, over seven years after the show finished airing on TV screens, Latham has taken an interesting career pivot, and it’s one that is seeing him fly high in the beauty industry, with the 38-year-old being the owner of an £18 million cosmetics empire.
He has also recently signed a £9.5 million deal with a firm in South Korea to distribute dermal fillers for cosmetic treatments.
Speaking to The Mirror about how his new career began, Jody said: “I became friends with an extra [and] years later, I saw she was giving Botox and I said, ‘Jab me up.’
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“I felt so good. I thought, ‘There’s got to be an in into this industry.’ I wanted to make people feel this good.”
Jody then decided to train to give beauty treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers and, after opening a few clinics four years ago, decided to focus on the distribution side and set up Epitique, but admits that he has learnt from his past mistakes of splashing the cash, and now puts all the money he makes back into the business.
He added: “I live in two-bed flat and drive a modest car. I’m pumping everything back into the company. It’s valued at £18 million.
“We’ll see where we are in a couple of years.
“I’ve had money before but not in my hands long enough. After series one of Shameless, I went with my first wage of £21,000 and bought an Audi convertible. I didn’t even think of rent or food.”
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News of the success of Latham’s company arrives after it was revealed earlier this year that he had contracted coronavirus (COVID-19). Speaking at the time, Jody said: “I was tested straight away. I isolated until I got the results and when I got the results I couldn’t believe it, it was such a shock.
“I’m in lockdown with my family and we all had to quarantine.”
“You’re as anxious as anything thinking the worst. Some people haven’t been that fortunate to get over it. It’s a brutal time we’re in [and] I just pray we don’t have to go through this again in our lifetime.”
Following his experience, the actor said he aimed to donate 100,000 face masks to care homes and charities across the North West, through his company Safe and Protect UK. He explained: “Previously my background has been in cosmetics and aesthetics distributions, besides acting, but because of the COVID-19 outbreak, my suppliers and a lot of people in the industry turned their attentions to PPE.
“We’re giving 100,000 masks away and it’s first come, first served.
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“Come on the website and there’s an option to apply for up to 1,000 free three-ply disposable face masks for you and your charity. All we need is the charitable number and if it’s a trust we can get the registered trust number. Be it a care home or charity shop, if you need them for your customers or for staff so they can serve customers, please get in touch with us.”
Despite his success in the cosmetics industry though, Jody said he hasn’t given up on acting and hoped “there’s more to come” after a “fantastic career”.
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The best graduation deals and freebies in Manchester this celebration season
Danny Jones
To all those completing their university degrees this year, first off: congratulations – and second of all, we’re sure you’re looking forward to making the most of all those graduation deals, offers and free stuff you can grab in Manchester this year.
We know we were when it was our time (longer ago than we’d like to admit…)
The post-graduation ceremony meal – hopefully at least one final meal your parents are happy to cover the bill for before sending you out into ‘the big wide world’ – is a truly special one, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t still look for savings where you can.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of graduate deals and freebies available in central Manchester for the class of 2026.
15 of the best offers and free things for 2026 graduates
1. Fenix – St. John’s
What is it: One of the best restaurants in Manchester, serving up plates featuring plenty of Greek heritage as well as modern-Mediterranean, elevated cuisine from one of the city centre’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
The offer: Special lunch menu noon until 3:45pm set at just £37.50 or sit down for dinner from £45.50; both include a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and you can even walk away with an engraved bottle of Champagne to take home with you. Available 1 July until 1 August – reserve your table while you can.
2. The Alchemist – Central, Spinningfields and Salford Quays
What is it: Manc-born mixologists and cocktail bar chain which started in Spinningfields, before opening on New York Street and beyond and going on to be a staple of the UK hospitality scene.
The offer: A complimentary ‘Cosmic Oyster’ for everyone around your table when booking ahead – you can do so HERE.
What is it: Stylish London-centric seafood and grill with Japanese and Robata-inspired cuisine, best-known for sushi, steak and their famous caramelised black cod dish.
The offer: Extensive sharing-style menu priced at £55 a head, including all the highlights and a gratis glass of Henriot Champagne for every guest, available until 24 July; you can reserve your spot now.
What is it: A canalside cornerstone of the Castlefield community, with a large outdoor terrace and beer garden, complete with a dedicated cocktail hut on busy sunny days, and two cosy floors inside.
The offer: Graduation set menu, with options for two or three courses and a glass of fizz on them, running from 6-31 July. Find out more.
What is it: Boutique city centre hotel just off Market Street offering numerous luxuries, including afternoon tea packages, set menus and more from the in-house restaurant, tender by award-winning chef Niall Keating, as well as various high-end rooms.
The offer: Free glass of cava with bookings, simple as that; available all throughout July and August.
What is it: Stunning, homely gastropub and bistro with multiple rooms across two floors, as well as a large terrace with various open-air and covered areas.
The offer: Happy hour drinks for your entire party and the chance to be the one lucky winner who’ll have the ENTIRE overdraft paid off in full by the team as part of a prize draw. Book and find the full terms and conditions right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
7. Piccolino – Central, Didsbury, Bramhall, Hale, Wilmslow and Knutsford
What is it: Popular British chain of Italian restaurants operated by the Individual Restaurants Group (IRG), with numerous locations across the country.
The offer: Graduates get a complimentary glass of champagne alongside their classic recipe tiramisu on the house. Booking in advance is advised.
What is it: Another one of the IRG brands, offering similar Italian cuisine as well as great deals and an expanded drinks menu.
The offer: Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
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Credit: The Manc
9. The Lowry – Salford
What is it: One of Greater Manchester’s most famous hotels, located right on the edge of the city centre, with a highly-rated bar and restaurant to boot. Needs no introduction really.
The offer: Those staying in town for their ceremony can enjoy a luxurious stay with 10% off the best available rate, plus 15% off food and drink, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, AND 50% off a second room for family members, too. A perfect package for out-of-towners – you can book HERE.
What is it: One of the best curry houses in all the region, specialising in contemporary Indian food and Pakistani flavours, too.
The offer: Their popular annual graduation deal is back for 2026, with the customary welcome drink making a return alongside a signature pudding to finish off; make sure to write ‘graduation’ and add ‘dessert’ in the booking notes. They’re also right near the main uni stretch, which is always handy.
What is it: ‘Feast of the Wise’ graduation menus are available from £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, both including a complimentary glass of Prosecco
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The offer: ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menu – £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner – with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Credit: The Manc
12. Browns – Central
What is it: A mainstay of the King Street strip, just around the corner from Cibo and The Rex hotel (another good option for those stopping over), specialising in British and European brasserie classics.
The offer: Receive a complimentary glass of Browns’ very own Champagne for the graduate and every accompanying guest, with two courses for £29 or a trio for just £36. You can book HERE.
What is it: Authentic Lebanese cuisine in a classy city centre setting, with covered outdoor seating and some great vegan options, too.
The offer: Graduates and guests can enjoy a 25% student discount, a wrap and fries offer for £10.95, or mark the occasion with a full ‘Graduation Feast’ for £32.50, including a free glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative. *This offer cannot be used alongside other offers, however.
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Credit: The Manc
14. Chotto Matte – St. Michael’s
What is it: A sky-high rooftop food and drink spot where Japan and Peru meet in an incredible fusion that makes for a fantastic culinary experience.
The offer: ‘Nikkei’ dining experience throughout July, with a curated sharing menu (£40pp/£35 for vegetarians) and a complimentary glass of Pommery Champagne for the graduates.
What is it: The Yorkshire-born brand now serving up us locals from their New York St site and arguably one of the best places for a posh tea or meal out no matter the occasion, with top-quality steak, seafood, bubbles and more.
The offer: Three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff – pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
An exclusive pop-up vintage clothing and charity market is coming to Manchester Arndale
Danny Jones
Love shopping locally, independently and sustainably and from the likes of traders and regional markets? Well, this one is tailor-made for you (pun intended), because a Greater Manchester favourite is coming to the city centre.
Better still, you can do your bit for charity whilst you’re at it.
That’s right: Salford’s former but ever superb CharitySuper.Mkt is making its way from Media City to central Manchester for the very first time.
Popping up at the Arndale for its city centre debut, Exchange Court will be taken over by a sea of indies and vintage clobber for three whole days.
Credit: Press shot (supplied via Charity Super.Mkt)
Boasting not only some native but even national history, the UK’s first multi-charity pre-loved fashion store boasts countless curated charity finds.
From second-hand gems and desirable denim, to retro and cult favourite football shirts and more, there’ll be plenty to get your hands on – all whilst supporting charities from nearby and all over the country.
Co-founded by Northern designer Wayne Hemingway MBE – whose Red or Dead footwear brand and fashion label began inAfflecks Palace and over on King Street – the Manc roots behind this run deep.
Notably, this upcoming and limited-time-only event marks a significant milestone for the initiative, too, as this will be their biggest activation since their highly successful two-month stint at the Quayside shopping complex.
The popular residency was only relatively short-lived, but it’s safe to say that it was much-loved and well-received by plenty more than justSalfordians.
Getting underway this month, the pop-up will kick off from 9am on Friday, 10 July, running across the entire weekend.
Participating charities include The British Heart Foundation and the RSPCA, who have already seen support through more than 10,000 vintage items being resold in an effort to raise important funds from theMedia City pop-up alone.
This also meant that more than three tonnes of textile waste were diverted from landfill, and over 25 tonnes of CO₂ emissions were offset, not to mention upwards of 4,500 cubic metres of water were saved in the process. Brilliant stuff.
Making its maiden appearance in Manchester city centre, this summer’s Charity Super.Mkt atManchester Arndale is a must-not-miss; you can find the opening times for each of the days down below:
Emily Sergeant -
26th October 2020 
