As we reported just before Christmas, E4 has announced the line up for the third series of hit series Skins which hits screens later this month.
Overshadowed by big brother Tony in the first two series, Effy (Kaya Scodelario) is now queen bee and is joined by best friend and fellow returnee Pandora (Lisa Backwell).
Scodelario says her new cast mates are “lot closer to my age”, remarking: “The new cast are in the position I was two years ago, so I relate to them. We all help each other out and although we’re here to do a job, we’ve all bonded really easily and love what we’re doing.”
On her character’s development she says: “In the first series Effy didn’t speak and was a background character. In series 3 Effy is the powerful person who watches over everyone sussing them out. She has a sense of control about her and she sees her best friend Pandora as someone she can befriend, but also use and mentor in a way. She’s very intelligent, and although her intensions don’t always seem good, she always means well.”
Twins Katie (Megan Prescott) and Emily (Kathryn Prescott) find themselves pulling in different directions, one wanting to shed her twin and gain status, the other hanging on, crippled by shyness. Completing the girls is passionate, political and principled Naomi (Lily Loveless).
Played by Jack O’Connell, Cook is the leader of the the guy group which includes his best mates Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) who fancies himself as the weed-smoking ‘cool’ one, and master illusionist JJ (Ollie Barbieri).
O’Connell says his character is a “Jack the lad”, adding: “the fact that there are no limits will be exciting as you can literally go any where with him – there’s no holding back – everything excusable. He’s very extravagant; it’s going to be interesting to see where he goes.”
Completing the class of 2009 is Thamas, newly arrived from the Congo to set up home for his family and finding his feet in a new and strange country.
Executive Producer Bryan Elsley says the production team are “very excited about series three” and says the cast “are shining in roles, stories and characters which have been created by young people to a greater extent than ever before.”
Skins is produced by Company Pictures for E4. Managing Director and Skins Executive Producer Charlie Pattinson describes the decision to re-cast the whole show as “bold” but says he’s “delighted with the new cast and with the new, young writing team. They bring a fresh vigour and attitude to the show and will, I hope, bring with them a new generation of Skins fans.”
Camilla Campbell, Channel 4 Commissioning Editor, Drama adds: “I am delighted that Skins is returning to E4 for a third series with an all new cast. The last two series of Skins have launched a raft of new on and off screen talent and we are looking forward to introducing a fresh set of faces again. This series promises to be as bold, funny, and original as ever.”
The new series will see guest stars Harry Enfield and Morwenna Banks return as Effy’s parents, alongside new guest appearances from Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, plus actors Mackenzie Crook, Sally Phillips and Geoffrey Hughes.
Skins, E4 January 2009
