Win a copy of Skins series three on DVD

Win a copy of Skins series three on DVD!

Thanks to a lovely guy called Matt we’ve got three copies of Skins series three to give away on DVD.

To win a copy all you have to do is come up with a new character for series four and write a short biography for them (no more than 150 words). The character doesn’t have to be linked to any of the current characters (e.g. they could be like Thomas and enter the story for a different reason).

For full details please take a look at the competition page.

Thank you!

From Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain.

On behalf of all the writers, the cast and the crew of Skins we’d like to thank everyone who watched and commented and rated and entered competitions; for making Series 3 our most successful ever. We’ve had an amazing year making the show. Sometimes we worked so hard we weren’t sure if we were still alive. Hope it was worth it, and anyway, it was so much fun that it probably shouldn’t be allowed.

We want you to know that all your comments and thoughts mean everything to us. We read them all and think carefully about what has been said; try not to sulk when you say bad stuff, and are happy if we’ve managed to surprise you or make you think about things in a different way.

A little respect to the new cast: We hope you’ll agree that they’re totally brave to bring out new characters boldly when so many of us had loved the first cast. So much some amazing stuff. Some of them had never acted before and they had a hard act to follow. They relied on pure talent and gave everything they had to make you believe in them as characters you could love, hate or both at the same time. Expect fireworks next year.

So the script team are hard at work trying to write stories for series 4 that will mean something to you. All we can say, is that things will happen that you’re not expecting. Some of it will be stupid, some of it will be funny, but in there, we’ll be trying to go right to the heart of things that matter.

Stand by for some announcements coming up in the next couple of months. There are big developments in the pipeline that will blow you away. And there will be more opportunities to get involved and show your creativity. In the meantime, once again, thank you to everyone. We’ll see you soon.

Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain.

Creators; Skins

So what did you think of the finale?

So what did everyone think of the finale episode of series 3?

Last episode what did you all think leave a us message in the comments.

okay thanks x

Series Finale Tonight:

Cook (Jack O’Connell) and Effy (Kaya Scodelario) are in self-imposed exile from the gang, having gone to stay with Cook’s father. Effy is running away from everything she’s ever known and Cook enables her escape. Problem is, Cook is slowly falling out of lust, and in love.

Back in Bristol, JJ (Ollie Barbieri) tries to snap Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) out of his depressed stupour, down about the loss of both his best mate, and the girl he loves.

Freddie and JJ force Effy to confront who she is and what she really wants. She has to make amends for the damage she’s caused. She also has to decide whether to follow her heart. Can the four friends find a way forward together?

Written by Ben Schiffer

Directed by Simon Massey

A chat with Cook from ‘Skins’:

So, Skins is drawing to a close (boo, hiss, etc.), with just one episode left this series. We’re promised that the Cook/Effy/Freddie love triangle will finally be resolved, which means the feisty minx must choose between the lads. All this aside, Cook’s got himself a new drama: his dad. Desperate to quench our Skins thirst, we gave Jack O’Connell a ding to find out more.

We get to meet Cook’s dad in the final episode. What’s their relationship like?
“It’s the lack of the relationship that proves to be the problem. Without his dad’s presence Cook’s got to find male influence from somewhere and I think it’s this confusion – or lack of – which is where he goes wrong. He’s very enthusiastic about meeting him, which just makes it a lot harder when he does. The main story is that there’s hidden truths and the truths are too significant to hide, so problems occur.”

Is it fair to say that Cook’s been let down by his dad?
“Yeah, but never too directly for Cook to resent him. They have a weird relationship and I guess the lack of any presence has worked in Cook’s favour ‘cos his dad does turn out to be quite a failure.”

What about Effy – does Cook genuinely have feelings for her?
“Yeah man! He doesn’t allow himself to feel any kind of affection on that level for anyone other than his friends ‘cos they’re the only people that haven’t let him down. So women-wise I guess it’s new grounds to him – it’s quite intimidating and whatnot, and it’s confusing. He has no idea how to handle it so he goes about it the wrong way. I remember messing up my first relationship really badly because I didn’t have a clue, so it’s quite easy to empathise with.”

So what’s the situation with Cook and Freddie at this point?
“What I found, seeing it on a neutral level, was that Cook is unfair towards Freddie and that needs addressing if they’re going to remain friends, because obviously Cook’s really inconsiderate. I reckon lessons are going to be learnt off each other. I’m hoping that it resolves itself because I don’t see anyone in Cook’s life closer to him than Freddie. Eventually we see Freddie’s true intentions and we see a new side to Cook.”

Do you think he feels bad about all the bad stuff he’s done?
“I suppose eventually he will. I reckon he needs a lot of growing up to do before he does fully see it for what it is. At the minute he’s 17 and it’s still all fun and games. I’d say I can empathise with Cook because I had similarities to him before levelling my own head out. It’s a common one – everyone knows a Cook. It’s the story of when someone tries to be something they’re so clearly not but is so convinced by it anyway that it becomes hard for them to break away from it. But it’s cool because we do get to see Cook’s vulnerability and we can completely understand why he is the way he is.”

Is he quite a fun character to play?
“Absolutely – do you not see how many girls I get to make out with and get paid for it? It’s quality! He’s just Jack the lad. If I compare myself to seventeen, I share a lot in relation to Cook so it’s good to be able to play a character and not reap real-life consequences for it. But I had a right laugh playing him – he’s a funny character and he keeps me in stitches as well. I’m enjoying reading him.”

Is there anyone else that you’d like to play from the series?
“JJ – I reckon he’d challenge me the most. Imagine trying to act nervous bearing in mind you’re already nervous especially with it only being your first job. Being able to play nervous on camera and for it to read accurately is challenging. So I’d like to play JJ just for the challenge.”

Did you watch the previous series of Skins?
“Yeah. I used to go to the same workshop as Joe Dempsie who plays Chris so I was attracted to it for that reason. Then I got sucked straight into it – I was a big fan of it. It’s still kind of weird just being involved in it – it’s something that I respected anyway originally as a fan, and now I have the chance to influence it as dramatically as Cook does!”

Do you know what we can expect from Cook in the fourth series?
“I wouldn’t know anything too accurate yet – I don’t want to mislead. But I want him to find himself properly, and I want him to be comfortable with his character as opposed to forcing some fake character on everyone which he seems to do quite a lot. I want to see it resolved properly – there’s a triangle there and there’s people concerned around that as well including Pandora and even Thomas. I’d like a happy ending preferably but Skins likes reality, doesn’t it?”

Series three of Skins concludes Thursday at 10pm on E4.

Source

A chat with Emily from ‘Skins’:

Emily and Katie’s home life is explored this week in Skins. But let’s be honest, what we’re all most interested in is if Emily and Naomi get their happy ever after. With that in mind, we gave actress Kathryn Prescott a call – and she gave us a few teasers on this week’s episode.

Have you been recognised a lot since you’ve appeared on screen?
“Yeah, I have. Mostly, people just whisper – especially when I’m at college! It’s worse when I go out with Lily (Loveless, who plays Naomi) – people go crazy! It’s quite cool if you’ve got someone with you because you can share the excitement and it doesn’t make you nervous.”

Do you think the public have taken well to Emily?
“Well, everyone who has come up to me has been quite nice. I’ve had no bad experiences, so I think Emily has been received really well, which is cool. I really like her!”

How would you describe her?
“She started out – and always has been – overpowered by her sister. She’s really shy and under-confident and she doesn’t have many friends – not because she’s boring, but because of her sister, Katie. Whenever they meet new people, everyone is attracted to Katie because she’s the one in the mini-skirt and she’s talkative.”

As far as twins go, they are very different…
“The way they’ve written it is brilliant. Most twin parts you see on TV have them written as best friends, and me and Meg (Katie) find that strange because we don’t know any twins who get on that well. Living with someone for nearly 18 years would drive you mad, even if you were good friends. Katie and Emily’s relationship is really realistic.”

So why is Katie so mean to Emily?
“I think a part of it is that Katie is jealous of all the attention Emily has been getting since all the Naomi stuff came out. And also, I think she’s probably secretly worried that everyone will think she’s gay just because her sister is! Even though Katie is horrible to Emily, she still needs her. And now that Emily is trying to break away, Katie’s scared.”

How are things at home for them?
“Their mum and dad are far from perfect, but they’re so funny! The dad is a fitness fanatic and runs a business called Fitch Fitness. Their mum is quite protective of them both, but refuses to ever take a side when they argue, which aggravates Emily.”

Let’s talk Naomi. What’s the situation between the girls?
“Emily’s gone through this whole emotional struggle with herself. She’s questioned whether she’s gay and after denying it for a while, she’s finally admitted it. I think she’s felt better since then, and she’s dealt with it. For Naomi, it’s a different story – she’s still very much questioning herself. She likes Emily a lot, but she’s scared because this is a whole new life for her.”

Could Emily and Naomi work as a couple?
“Yeah, I think they could. Emily has suffered some harsh rejection from Naomi, and she’s really put herself out there. If she can forgive Naomi for the humiliation she made her feel, they could be great together!”

There’s quite a lot of nudity – does it bother you to film those scenes?
“Yeah, it does! What’s great, though, is that you never have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with – even if it’s in the script. It was so daunting at the start of the series, but by the end your embarrassment levels get pushed to the absolute max and then further, so you stop feeling embarrassed. it’s cool because you end up much more confident and as an actor it’s a great first role because you can move on and not be nervous.”

A new series has been commissioned – congratulations!
“It’s great news. I don’t know what’s next for Emily but I’m excited to find out. The writers haven’t decided yet, but we all had a meeting with them the other day to talk about our characters and where they should go. I can’t tell you what was said, but it’s really exciting!”

Skins continues Thursday at 10pm on E4.

Source

Episode 9 preview

Sibling rivalry

I can’t wait to see this episode – it’s the episode they were filming when I spent some time on set back in December

Please read: Auditions for series four

Hey guys,

I’ve had almost 50 emails regarding auditions for series four over the past few days.

Hayley and I have yet to hear anything about any new auditioning opportunities, however the moment we hear anything that we’re allowed to tell you about you will find it here first!

Also got some cool stuff coming to the site soon so stay tuned!

Alex

x

Backstage with Skins! Funny for Money – Red Nose Day 2009:

Take a peek behind the scenes when the original cast of Skins popped in for a spot of filming!

Watch here

Skins gets a fourth series!

Did you see all those rumours claiming that this series of Skins would be the last? Rubbish!

I’ve just heard that E4 has given the go-ahead for a full fourth series, to be broadcast early in 2010.

While ratings are admittedly down on the first two years, the programme is still one of E4’s biggest draws, with around a million viewers each week.

What do you think of this news? Do you think Skins can run and run? How has this series compared to the previous two?

Source

‘Skins’ star for ‘Doctor Who’ companion?

Skins star Hannah Murray has been tipped to become Matt Smith’s companion in the fifth series of Doctor Who.

Murray, who played Cassie in the first two series of the Channel 4 teen drama, is supposedly in secret talks with producers about the role, News Of The World reports.

A BBC insider said: “Hannah did some challenging stuff in Skins and they see her as an up-and-comer.”

Other stars reportedly being considered for the role include Georgia Moffett, Lily Allen and Kelly Brook.

Russell T. Davies has confirmed that he does not want to “ruin anyone’s chances” of being cast as the fifth series companion by using them in this year’s specials.

Source

Luke Pasqualino [Freddie] taking a stand against bullies

WITH his chiselled, film star good looks and cool style, actor Luke Pasqualino would be the last person you would expect to be the victim of bullies.

But the 19-year-old former Walton School pupil who is currently earning rave reviews playing Freddie in E4 drama series Skins, suffered teasing as a boy.

And because of his experience and the rise of cyber-bullying – where children are sent nasty messages via text, e-mail and websites – he is throwing his weight behind a new campaign to beat the bullies.

TxtUp StandUp is a new online support initiative that gives teens advice directly or via text message on their personal bullying experiences.

Luke, who still lives at home with his parents in Werrington village, Peterborough, said: "One of the things that happened to me, which I can laugh about now with a more mature head on my shoulders, is that at 12 or 13, I used to get teased about my shiny shoes.

"It sounds pathetic, but it used to get to me. I would even go to school with dirty shoes.

"It only went on for a few months, but people remember that about you for years."

He added: "Bullying is a really traumatic experience, but it’s particularly upsetting for those who feel they have no one to turn to.

"The TxtUp StandUp service means people don’t have to deal with cyber-bullying on their own – there’s now access to tried and tested advice from people who’ve been through the same thing.

"If people see a figure from TV that’s got a bit of a status standing up for something they believe in and backing it, it makes a difference."

One in six young people in the East Midlands has been bullied via their mobile phone or the internet, yet almost four in five feel there is no appropriate support for victims of cyber-bullying.

The study, commissioned by T-Mobile and conducted by YoungPoll among 11-16 year olds, found that of those in the region who had received bullying text messages, emails or instant messages, 23 per cent said it made them feel threatened, and 15 per cent were embarrassed that it was happening to them.

They felt there was little support available and TxtUp StandUp aims to address that.

Teens can give advice via text message or directly at www.txtup.co.uk.

Visitors can then vote on their favourite tips, and the most useful are distributed monthly via a text message service which young people can sign up to receive by texting ‘txtup’ to 82120.

The initiative was developed by a group of young people identified by volunteering charity, TimeBank, and has been produced in conjunction with The Diana Award and T-Mobile.

As well as backing the new campaign, Luke has attracted praise for his portrayal in Skins.

And now, he has another iconic character in his sights.

He said: "I would love to be James Bond one day, that’s every boy’s dream."

Source: http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/features/TV-star-Luke39s-taking-a.5037460.jp

Thanks to Chris

Episode 8 preview – “Collateral Damage”

Collateral Damage

Skin’s Freddie Talks To FemaleFirst:

Skins has become something of a phenomenon over the past three years and with a new cast all settled in, this series has arguably been the best yet.

Sex, drugs and booze. Yes, this has all of that and more- throw in lots of nudity, some saucy S&M and lesbianism and you have all the ingredients for the guilty pleasure that is Skins.

However, it’s with a certain apprehension that I sit down to chat to the lovely Luke Pasqualino, who plays the adorable Freddie on the show, as lets face it, he’s pretty cute for a skateboarding pot head.

The whole of FemaleFirst have admittedly become very enamoured with the new male cast of the show, so interviewing the main man does cause a flurry of excitement around the office.

So, giggling like an adolescent schoolgirl, I caught up with the boy himself to chat about Skins, Hollywood ambitions and why he’s supporting a new bullying campaign…

Hi, how are you?

I’m great thanks, how are you?

Oh, you know great! Well, not actually great but well.. (as I tail off into deafening silence, I manage to regain my composure to ask… So, what have you been up to recently?

Well, we’ve been doing lots of promotion for the show and the series, because obviously it’s out on air now, so we want to keep its profile up and we’re just doing marketing for the series and try and get everybody interested in it. Yeah, a lot of that really…

Are you really close to the Skins cast in real life?

Oh, we’re brilliant friends, we’re all from such tight knit families and a lot of the time you get people from different backgrounds and they’ve all got such different view points on life, and brought up completely differently, and you know you can’t see them getting on, but we all get on like a house on fire.

Your pretty new to the whole fame thing, how are you coping with that?

Pretty good, you know it’s nice when you get people coming up to you saying ‘Can I have a photo or an autograph’, it’s a compliment I think. It’s their way of saying ‘I’m enjoying what you’re doing’ [FF: Do you get called Freddie a lot?] Yeah, I do! I was walking through Oxford Street the other day and a load of girls shouted ‘Freddie!’ at me and I just answer to the name Freddie now too.

Do you get a lot more female attention now you’re famous?

Yea, erm…I think well, around 80% of the people who come up to you on the street who want an autograph are girls, so yeah… a fair bit! [FF: Have you had any unusual fan mail?] Not really no. I’ve had a couple of fan mail letters through the door and stuff, but everything’s been really positive and really good and nice. Keep sending those bad boys through! (I laugh a little too much at this, before it heading to silent town again)

So…how did you get the role on Skins?

Well, my agent sent me to an open audition, so I went there and got there about 12 0′clock and had to wait about 4 and a half hours! It was just a general audition, to see if they could bring you back for a part, so I got called back and then the second audition I was always Freddie then till the end.

Have you done any acting work before this?

This is my first job under my agent, but I’ve done amateur theatre work and stuff as I was growing up, but no nothing to this scale!

Have you signed up to do another series yet?

Yeah, well I’m contracted for another series, hopefully if it all goes ahead and we get comissioned and hopefully it won’t be a problem, can’t see that it will be. [I can't keep my composure much longer and end up bursting out with... We can't either! It's so great the series, we love it!] yeah…well, we’ve had loads of positive feedback, people didn’t quite like if after the first episode, but the proper critics rated it you know episode 3, 4 or 5.

Right, to the juicy stuff, can you give us the scoop on Freddie and Effy?

I can’t do that can I? [FF: Yes, yes you can!] I can’t do that, but there’s a bit of a surprise, which is not a surprise you would expect, so watch JJ’s episode and hopefully you will like it.

What has been your most embarrassing scene to film?

Erm, it was during the sex scene and we filmed the scene in a cold, dark wood. We kind of picked that up in the studio and put loads of leaves and stuff all over the floor and had to lay all over the floor, and the director, Charles Martin kind of put the camera about two inches away from my face and said ‘Right, I need you to look as though you are really enjoying this. We need to see Freddie climaxing’ [FF: I roll my eyes. That must have been so hard to act...] Oh, god yeah, but then he kind of came and said to me ‘I actually just did that for my own enjoyment, and we’re actually not going to use that shot’ so, it was a bit odd! [FF: So, we're assuming you do get a bit friendly with Effy?] Well, you don’t know who, but it’s with someone!

How would you describe the relationship between Cook, Freddie and JJ?

Well, there’s a fine line between friendly bullying and just banter, and you know like friendly bullying, it’s still friendly, even though they making someone feel low and down, but banter is all in jest and everyone knows that.

Does JJ finally stand up to Cook in the upcoming episode?

He does, yeah JJ realises that Cook isn’t the kind of person he wants be be associated either, like Freddie realises too. Good things happen in episode 7!

Has Dev’s success in Slumdog Millionaire inspired you to aim for Hollywood one day?

Majorly, he’s the talk of everywhere at the minute. He’s done himself so proud and done Skins a great load of good, and a lot of people ask us the Dev Patel question and just to think that he came from no acting experience, did two series’ of Skins and now he’s in Hollywood, he’s done an amazing film that has won a stupid amount of awards and you know he’s already got a part in another film, so he’s doing really well.

You’re involved with the TxtUp, StandUp campaign, what exactly are you doing for them?

Well, as soon as I head about TxtUp StandUp I wanted to get involved, because everyone has their experiences of bullying whether they’re a bully, they’re being bullied or know someone who has been bullied, and I think it’s something that we should as a community wherever you are, is try and crack down on it….so I wanted to get involved.

Have you been a victim of bullying in the past?

I have yeah, and it was quite stupid but when I was 12/13 I got bullied for having shiny shoes [FF: trying to stifle a giggle. You didn't?!] Yeah…swear to god! Just goes to show you that a bully will bully you for anything.

What advice would you give to those who are being picked on?

Sign up to TxtUp StandUp, or go on the website. It’s brilliant and I think the beauty of it is that it’s for young people, by young people. A lot of people are being bullied, or are in that bullying circle and are a bti afraid to speak to people like their parents or teachers or anyone, so I think TxtUp StandUp gives you great advice on how to handle bullies and what to do if you’re being bullied too and it’s free and anonymous and that’s the beauty of it.

Ok, well thanks for chatting to us!

No Probs, bye.

Swoon…

FemaleFirst- Laura Terry

Source

What did you think of episode 7?

I though it was good, JJ with Effy and Emily was cute, The thing with Katie and Freddie I just don’t get, first what happened to her bf danny? second would have been nice if they had like some scenes together before hand, I can’t remember from the top of my head them ever saying one word to each other.  I guess that’s it really it from me, Naomi episode still the best of the series for me.

leave us a comment below and tell us wot you think? yay or nay.