There is nothing Shameless about Skins

It was the much-talked about controversial British teenage drama that first aired on E4, and now Channel 4 is opening up Skins to a whole new audience by reshowing the entire first series on Channel 4.

Skins (which we reported on back here) centers on the lives and loves of a group of 16 to 18-year-old teenagers in Bristol. From the producers of popular drama Shameless, this angst-ridden drama may be aimed at teenagers, but the majority of its content is very adult-oriented. Highly charged issues like drugs, eating disorders, religion, race and sexuality take center stage. In short, all the problems of modern day society teenagers (and adults!) face.

Each episode follows the fortunes of a different teenage character. There’s womaniser Tony (Nicholas Hoult), the smug, intelligent good-looking unofficial leader; unlucky in love virgin Sid (Mike Bailey); fragile, anorexic self-harmer Cassie (Hannah Murray); Michelle (April Pearson), Tony’s adoring on-off girlfriend; party animal Chris (Joseph Dempsie); aspiring musician Jal (Larissa Wilson); Muslim boy Anwar (Dev Patel) and the happy-go-lucky gay one in the group, Maxxie (Mitch Hewer).

Maxxie is portrayed as a proud, openly gay but non-stereotypical homosexual teenager who also has status as one of the lads amongst his peers. Funny, endearing and sensitive, Maxxie is well liked and well adjusted – not to mention gorgeous! Oh, and he’s a proficient tap dancer, too! Cute and a great dancer: can he get any more perfect?! Not if this picture is anything to go by!



Although his role in the first series was relatively small, due to the character’s popularity, series two will feature a lot more Maxxie. And that’s no bad thing!

Despite critics complaining that Skins depicts a stereotypical yet unrealistic portrayal of British teenagers, the series proved a ratings hit when it first aired on E4. Its debut episode peaked at over 2 million viewers, which made it the second highest rated show in the history of E4. Like it or loathe it, this smart, young drama is harsh, hard-hitting, well written and very in your face.

Oh, and before you ask: yes, Nicholas Hoult (Tony) is that kid from About a Boy. Five years on and the sweet kid who gave Hugh Grant a run for his money is all grown up!

Skins is currently being rerun on Channel 4 on Tuesday at 10pm. And the complete first series will be available on DVD in the UK from 24 September 2007.

Here’s a video a fan has put together featuring Maxxie and Tony….