Shameless star Tina Malone is ‘led away in handcuffs’

Shameless star Tina Malone is ‘led away in handcuffs’



Shameless star Tina Malone was last night caught up in a drug scandal after she was led away in handcuffs by police. 



The actress had performed in a pantomime performance of Sleeping Beauty at a theatre in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, with her four-year-old daughter in attendance.



Staff at the theatre tipped off police after suspecting the 54-year-old actress had taken cocaine during both rehearsals and performances.



She was photographed between performances last night wearing her costume while walking back from a nearby McDonald's restaurant. 





'As she came off stage, she heard a rumour police had been tipped off she was using cocaine,' a source told The Mirror.



'She tried to get a taxi, but police stopped her in time and took her inside the venue to search her.



'She begged the police not to handcuff her, and seemed very worried.'



The actress, who is from Liverpool, was playing the role of the wicked fairy godmother Carabosse in the pantomime.



She was replaced by an understudy in today's performances.



Cumbria Police said they would be releasing a statement on the incident shortly.



Barrow Panto said: 'During today's performance the part of Carabosse will be played by the incredible Alan French. No further comment will be made at this time.'



The Panto is due to finish its run tomorrow. 



She also shared the stage with Big Brother contestant, Ellie Young, who played the princess.



Tina is best known for her role as Mimi Maguire in hi Channel 4 comedy drama Shameless, and has also starred in Dinnerladies and Brookside.



A representative for the actress was not available for comment last night.