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Which entire cast is going to get dumped?

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One producer has vowed to replace his entire cast when production resumes on the next series.

So here’s a few hints on the show in question:

– international series.
– drama.
– only one season has aired in Oz.

Try and guess before reading on for the answer.


Yep, it’s those reckless but spirited kids of Skins, the UK drama which recently screened on SBS.

Executive producer Bryan Elsley as confirmed its entire cast will change for the third series.

“There are risks associated with dumping a cast, but we just did it,” he said. “There was some disquiet at the channel (E4), but then they told us just to go with it.

“It’s exciting – we never stand still and we can tell our stories in a new way.”

Speaking at a television drama conference in the UK this week, Elsley also confirmed the show would stick to its pattern of introducing college-age characters, moving them on in the next series, then letting them go.

“The first year is about getting to know the kids, and the second gives us the advantage of being able to explore their psyches a little more,” said Elsley.

The show will also continue to use a team of up to 20 writers, including newcomers.

The second series is currently airing in the UK.

Source: Digital Spy

10 Responses

  1. But if the cast itself is getting bored (and if what Cooke said about Hannah Murray and Mike Bailey leaving the show is true) then it would be better to let them go rather than see the show languish.

  2. While we’re at it, why don’t we get rid of the whole Simpson family from the Simpsons? Because it’s an idea that goes against everything we’ve learnt about viewer loyalty.

    We watched friends for Phoebes random songs or Joey’s one liners. And likewise we watch skins for Cassie’s awkwardness or Jal’s abruptness. We don’t watch Skins because it’s set in Bristol.

    So no, to fire the entire cast of Skins would be like removing the Seinfeld from Seinfeld – its just wrong.

  5. Personally, I think it’s a wonderful idea. Skins is a fantastic show, but it’s the kind of show that wouldn’t work at all with an older cast (and it was already confirmed that Mike Bailey and Hannah Murray were leaving the series anyway).

    It’s cutting-edge, it’s youth-focused and, like any show that tackles big issues, it relies almost entirely on the suspension of disbelief. How many viewers would believe that three seasons’ worth of ‘extreme’ events could happen to the same group of characters?

    The events would either get more and more sensational (like a soap opera), or they’d start treading over old ground. Basically, it’d either get stupid or stale.

    So instead of risking a winning formula, they’re searching for a new formula entirely.

    Brilliant move.

  6. This might actually be a good thing for the actors. Instead of six to eight actors getting the experience of a television series (and getting stuck, or losing interest and leaving), 12 or more young actors will have that experience. (It it works). That has to be a good thing. (and I loved Skins).

  7. That’s an interesting move, thanks for the news David. I have really enjoyed the Skins fresh, in your face approach to teen drama. I’ve really liked what they have to offer so far. I guess this is the answer to: What do you do when the network wants more episodes but you’re out of story ideas… Answer replace the whole cast!

  8. That redefines RISKY.

    In the second season we’re still getting to properly know many of the characters, and to have them summarily dismissed is almost an insult to the viewers (let alone to the actors playing the roles – come on Brian, don’t put Hannah Murray out of work! 🙂

    As for the “team” of writers, Elsley should stick to writing the show himself. His scripts are easily the strongest.

    Brilliant show, anyway. Hope they don’t screw it up.

  10. Ok, so i love watching Skins, but is that really necessary?

    I get they’re doing the whole “let’s be totally different”, and that works well with the different characters for each episode, but isn’t half the reason people watch drama series on television is so they can get invested in the characters? I know i certainly do.

    It’ll be interesting to see if they can pull it off.

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