Jessica Szohr
Jessica Szohr will play the role of Nessa, Fiona’s (Emmy Rossum) newfound friend, in “Shameless” Season 8. Pictured: Szohr at premiere of Showtime’s “Twin Peaks” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on May 19, 2017. Getty Images/Alberto E. Rodriguez

“Shameless” Season 8 will introduce a new character named Nessa, and the role will be played by actress Jessica Szohr.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nessa is a tough and smart lesbian living in Fiona’s (Emmy Rossum) apartment building. The two women will develop a close friendship with each other in the upcoming episodes. Szohr’s casting also seals her work with Showtime after previously appearing in the “Twin Peaks” revival.

Read: “Shameless” star Emmy Rossum opens up about being axed to wear a bikini for an audition

Szohr’s casting also comes after the series sealed a major storyline in Season 7. At that time, the Gallagher family decided to move on without their absentee mother, Monica (Chloe Webb). This resulted in Fiona purchasing an apartment building to explore entrepreneurial side after she met Ryan (Barry Sloane) at a networking event.

In Season 8, the major storylines for “Shameless” would have to do with the people that Fiona will meet now that she’s her own landlord. The first of which is Szohr’s Nessa. “Shameless” follows the life of Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), a father of six who spends much of his time drinking at bars. His children, led by his eldest daughter, Fiona, learned how to tend for themselves since Frank doesn’t have impressive parenting skills. The Oscar-nominated series was adapted from the BAFTA Award-winning British series of the same title.

Szohr starred in The CW’s hit drama, “Gossip Girl,” for several years. In the show, she played the role of Vanessa, Dan’s (Penn Badgley) best friend. The Brooklyn hipster eventually revealed that she also has very strong romantic feelings for the latter. Szohr’s other credits include “Kingdom,” “What About Brian” and “Complications,” according to TV Line.

Szohr also appeared in multiple movies, far more than she did on television shows. This includes “Piranha 3D” in 2010, “The Internship” in 2013, “Two Night Stand” in 2014, “Club Life” in 2015, “Love Bite” in 2012, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” in 2011, “Hirokin” in 2011, “Lucky In Love” in 2012, “Ted 2” in 2015 “Art Machine” in 2012, and more.

As of late, Showtime has not yet announced the official premiere date for “Shameless” Season 8, but this will definitely happen sometime in the fall.

RELATED STORIES