THE time of year has come again, it’s the end of January and next week sees the much anticipated new series of E4’s award-winning teen drama Skins. The Bristol based show enters into its fifth series, and although everyone should expect some of the usual stereotypes about Skins, such as hedonistic teenage lifestyle choices, sex, drugs and drink – there is a lot of change elsewhere around Roundview College.
Yes, it is time to welcome the third generation of Skins, as once again, the producers and writers have decided to start with a clean slate. Unlike the last cast cull, which did have two characters in the form of Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario) and Pandora Moon (Lisa Backwell) who provided continuity through Series 1+2 into 3+4, there are no exceptions this time around. Effy, JJ, Naomi, Cook, Pandora, Thomas, Katie and Emily are no more and have moved onto pastures new. It’s time for the new cast to fill their boots, and there is no doubt, that the pressure is on.
 |
| CHANGE: The new cast of hit teen drama Skins, can they deliver? |
This year, there are eight new characters, all with very different backgrounds. Some of the new actors were chosen from the open auditions held last spring, others with very minor TV credited roles, with only Dakota Blue Richards having a natural acting background. Dakota starred in The Golden Compass alongside Nicole Kidman and the 16-year old has also been involved in two other high-profile movies. Now, the London-born actress takes on the role of Franky Fitzgerald and it’s her character that takes the lead as the first episode next Thursday night. We find out that Franky has moved to Bristol as a last-minute switch from Oxford. She comes with a lot of emotional baggage, having been bullied at her previous school, and immediately struggles to fit in, especially with the other girls at the college; best friends Mini (Freya Mayor), Grace (Jessica Sula) and Liv (Laya Lewis). Although Mini takes Franky under her wing reluctantly, she is determined to dig up some home truths that might leave Franky in an even more perilous situation than before.
The producers have promised that the darker, consequential Series four has been replaced, admitting it didn’t work for the fans. Skins will return to its hard-hitting approach, with comic appeal and hopefully, some more pleasant endings for the new generation. To complete the cast, are music mad Rich (Alexander Arnold), rugby captain Nick (Sean Teale), Matty (Sebastian de Souza) and Aloysius (Will Merrick). After the success of the ‘Naomily’ story in the last two series, there has been speculation of a gay character plot, but the producers and E4 are remaining very tight-lipped about the entire series to date. Mystery is the best word to describe the goings on.
The lovable and brilliant Doug (Gilles Thomas) returns for a fifth series as head of Roundview and comedian Chris Addison will return in a cameo role as the controversial and cocky college director David Blood. Model Kelly Brook will also have a guest appearance as a fitness instructor. Skins has been well renowned for its guest appearances from the likes of Harry Enfield, Ronni Ancona, Pauline Quirke, Paul Kaye, John Bishop, Harry Hill, Morwenna Banks and Simon Day in the past four years, so expect more of the same this time around.
There is undoubtedly going to be more pressure on the third generation, as change has been greeted with a very mixed response from the hardcore Skins fans. The show continues to remain afresh because of this change in cast every two years, meaning it will still have a place in the TV viewing schedules for a while to come. With the likes of Dev Patel, Nicholas Hoult and Kaya Scodelario all going onto huge movie roles, Skins has been seen as a brilliant starting point for young actors and actresses to really inspire to. The jury will be out, but it is only fair to give the new breed some time to settle into the new roles. Judging them on one episode would be very harsh and unnecessary.
So it’s out with the old, in the new, what impact Generation three will have on us? Find out when Series 5 of Skins begins next Thursday at 10pm on E4.
No comments:
Post a Comment