Police now think the mother of Shannon Matthews copied a plot off an episode of Shamless broadcast a few week before she was "kidnapped" This is the episode in question "Episode 5.4" - January 15, 2008 After the news announces Frank has won £500,000 on the lottery the estate starts asking him for favours. Debbie doesn't believe it, and kidnaps Liam, holding him at ransom. Meanwhile Karen and Jamie discover Ian is gay and Ian reveals Karen's sexual past to Jamie. Mickey buys Ian a bed and the two are put in prison for using a stolen van to transport it.
Not only could this turn out to be a big scam (rumours that they approached McCann family for money), but also millions of taxpayers money wasted on the search. 600 police in total used on the search / investigation.
The stepdad refuses to get out from under his bed in Prison. Hides under it so that people can't see him. Told he is a complete freak who says other people put the stuff on the PC.