FORMER Shameless and EastEnders actor Jody Latham has denied producing cannabis.

Latham, 29, of Market Street, Bacup, will now face trial over the charge at Burnley Crown Court on November 16.

He is accused, along with girlfriend Sarah Melia, 31, of Cotman Close, Bacup, of growing 24 cannabis plants, worth around £14,000, at a house in Stack-steads last May.

He rose to fame playing ‘Lip’ Gallagher in the Channel 4 drama Shameless but earlier this year said he was facing bankruptcy.

The actor grew up in Colne and attended former Walton High and Park High.