It’s launched the careers of some of Britain’s most hyped actors of the noughties.
But before it brought the glittering talents of stars like the latest Superman villain Nicholas Hoult to the screen – Skins was the hot new E4 show that cast bright-eyed, fresh-faced teens in its edgy drama.
Now a large portion of the alum boast a myriad of award-winning projects, Oscar nominations, BAFTA wins and Hollywood-laden film credits – while others have ventured to pastures anew, including one fan-favourite who became a neuroscientist, while another moved to teaching.
Considered revolutionary television today, the programme captured the imaginations of an entire generation of millennials when it debuted, as audiences watched its characters indulge in outrageous sexual escapades, go on drug binges and skip school.
Although it was a satire at heart, viewers responded to the ‘realistic’ characters and how they represented teenage life in Britain.
Created by Bryan Elsley and his son Jamie Brittain, the programme was the launchpad for a handful of the cast, including Nicholas Hoult and Kaya Scodelario, who have wowed with hits like Nosferatu and Guy Ritchie‘s The Gentlemen respectively.
Elsewhere, Dev Patel, who played Anwar Kharral and Daniel Kaluuya, who starred as Posh Kenneth, have each earned Oscar noms – with the latter snagging Best Supporting actor for his part in Judas and the Black Messiah in 2021.
Nicholas Hoult – Tony Stonem
Tony Stonem was as cool as he was manipulative. Always the stud with a group of fans at his heels, the teen stole the hearts of viewers with his devilishly handsome looks and outrageous scheming (Nicholas Hoult pictured at 17)
Nicholas Hoult, now 35, originally from Wokingham in Berkshire, went in to star in a string of blockbuster movies including several X-Men movies and The Garfield Movie
In his most recent project, he is playing Lex Luthor in the new Superman film. Pictured in the movie
Nicholas’ character Tony Stonem was as cool as he was manipulative – a stud with a harem of doe-eyed admires at his heels. And while morally ambiguous in the series, the actor, then just 17, stole the hearts of viewers with his devilishly handsome looks and outrageous scheming.
Having previously starred in About a Boy when he was 11-years-old, Skins was Nicholas’ second big role before reaching adulthood.
The star, now 35 – who is originally from Wokingham in Berkshire – has now more than settled into his leading man charm.
Through the noughties, he went on to star in a string of blockbuster flicks, including the X-Men series, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Favourite and The Menu. In his most recent project, he is playing Lex Luthor in the new Superman film.
He has been in a relationship with model, Bryana Holly, 31, for seven years, having recently made their relationship official red carpet official.
In November, he seemingly confirmed that the couple were secretly married. The pair previously sparked speculation that they’d tied the knot in 2023, when they were spotted wearing wedding bands at Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae‘s wedding, though nothing was confirmed.
Speaking to E! News on the red carpet, Nicholas made a rare comment about Bryana, remarking: ‘Afterwards, I remember I had my wife’s nails imprinted on my hand. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this was tense.”
The pair also share Joaquin, six, and another child born in 2022, though they have mostly kept details of their relationship private.
Before finding love with Bryana, Nicholas also dated Hollywood actress, Jennifer Lawrence, who he was in an on and off relationship between 2010 and 2014.
Effy Stonem – Kaya Scodelario
The younger sister of Tony, Effy was often the one partying more than her older brother, sneaking off at night to spend the night boozing and dropping chilling one liners (Kaya Scodelario pictured)
Later in 2014, she began dating Benjamin Walker and the two later went on to have a son in 2016. Having grown up in the same area as her Skins costar, Daniel Kaluuya, Kaya made him the godfather of her first child
Since then, Kaya, now 33, has gone on to star in a number of career defining roles such as Wuthering Heights, the Maze Runner series and more recently, Netflix’s The Gentlemen
Effy, Tony’s little sister, often partied more than her brother in the coming-of-age show – and was often seen sneaking off at night to indulge in revelry.
She quickly became a fan-favourite, hence launching Kaya Scodelario’s successful on screen career; despite her being cast in the role at just 14, having never acted a day in her life.
But despite her lack of experience, she became one of the only characters to star in every season from one to four – becoming the lead in the latter series.
Since then, Kaya, now 33, has gone on to star in a number of career defining roles such as Wuthering Heights, the Maze Runner series and more recently, Netflix’s The Gentlemen.
After the show ended, Kaya dated her Skins costar, Jack O’Connell for around a year before the two split – though they remain strong friends.
Later in 2014, she began dating Benjamin Walker and the two later went on to have a son in 2016. Having grown up in the same area as her Skins costar, Daniel Kaluuya, Kaya made him the godfather of her first child.
Kaya and Benjamin went on to have a second child in 2021, though their relationship wasn’t to last, as they ended up splitting in February of this year.
Sid Jenkins – Mike Bailey
The loyal sidekick to main character, Tony, Sid was known for his love of beany hats, sweet nature, and mostly importantly – hankering after his best friend’s girlfriend, Michelle
Putting his acting history to good use, Mike now works as a drama and music teacher in a secondary school in his native Bristol, where he lives with his wife
The loyal sidekick to protagonist Tony, Sid was known for his love of beanie hats, his sweet nature, and most importantly, pining after his best friend’s girlfriend, Michelle.
However actor Mike Bailey, who was 18 at the time of filming, decided acting wasn’t for him after his second season on the show, despite its incredible success.
His final appearance in a film was in 2013 in a coming of age film called, We Are The Freaks – though he left the industry shortly after.
Now 36, Mike dedicates his time to coaching new young talent; working as a drama teacher in his native city of Bristol, where he lives with his wife.
Speaking about moving on from acting, Mike told Radio Times back in 2017: ‘I kind of thought ‘what the f**k am I doing with my life?’ and ended up getting in a conversation with the wife a couple of years ago and decided that those who can’t act, teach.
‘Ten years ago I never thought I’d still be talking about it, but [Sid] still does pop up every now and again.
‘I mean, it’s always kind of been there. It’s kind of fizzled out over the years, but I mean, it was always a good thing.’
Michelle Richardson – April Pearson
Bristol born and bred April Pearson is best known for her performance in Skins, where she played the doting girlfriend of the high school heartthrob
April now often shares wholesome pictures from her life, enjoying motherhood, travelling and indulging in meals out and time with friends
Bristol native April Pearson is best known for her performance as Michelle in Skins, where she played the doting girlfriend of the high school heartthrob.
April, 36, previously told The Sun that she managed to bag the part after turning up early to the audition and ‘chatting teenage b****ks’ to someone whom she later discovered was a director.
After the first series ended, April continued to pursue a career in acting, taking on parts in God’s Petty You, The Kindred, Doctors, Disconnected, and BBC comedy feeds, as well as a stint on Casualty.
In 2014, she met film director Jamie Patterson while working on the set of a movie called Home for Christmas – and the pair got married three years later.
However, she has since opened up about struggling to progress in her career beyond the small screen, finding that ‘no one was really interested’ in her following her Skins heyday.
She told the publication she had had to taken on other jobs here and there to make ends meet and struggled to rely solely on her acting work.
In 2022, the actress began recording her own podcast, Are You Michelle From Skins, where she discussed the highs and lows of being associated with a show with such a cultural imprint.
The show ran for a number of episodes but came to a close in 2022.
April is now a mother to an adorable little boy, who she regularly shares sweet snaps of on Instagram.
There, she also documents the highs and lows of being a mother. In a 2023 post, she detailed struggling to sleep when her 13-months-old was ‘waking every two hours and being fed back to sleep’ and how a sleep support group helped her.
‘I however, have taken months and months to let go. The anxiety I had around sleep had such a tight grip on every single aspect of my life,’ she expressed.
‘I woke every two hours for months, I had panic attacks at bedtime for months. I couldn’t trust for months. But now, I can say I have moved forward.’
Posh Kenneth – Daniel Kaluuya
Breakout British acting star – and Oscar winner – Daniel Kaluuya was only 18 when he was already charming Skins viewers in his charismatic portrayal as ‘Posh Kenneth’
In 2017, he was the lead in Jordan Peele’s horror flick Get Out, which earned him international acclaim
Next came a flurry of performances, all of which continued to build up the actor’s clout, including roles in Black Mirror and Black Panther. Pictured in2021
Breakout British acting star – and Oscar winner – Daniel Kaluuya was only 18 when he was already charming Skins viewers in his charismatic portrayal as ‘Posh Kenneth’.
Next came a flurry of performances, all of which continued to build up the actor’s clout, including roles in Black Mirror and Black Panther.
In 2017, he was the lead in Jordan Peele’s horror flick Get Out, which earned him international acclaim.
He then starred in the directors 2022 flick, Nope, before lending his voice to fan-favourite Hobart ‘Hobie’ Brown in the animated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse movies.
Jal Fazer – Larissa Wilson
Violin playing Jal battled tricky family dynamics for the duration of Skins, all while being the primary caretaker for her warring friends (Larissa Wilson pictured in Skins)
Since the show ended, Larissa had some success with her acting career and went on to have stints in a number of shows including, Holby City, Kingdom, The Sparticle Mystery, The Town, and Suspects
Violin-playing Jal battled tricky family dynamics for the duration of Skins, all while being the primary caretaker for her warring friends.
Since the show ended, Larissa Wilson, now 35, had some success with her acting career and went on to have stints in a number of shows including, Holby City, Kingdom, The Sparticle Mystery, The Town, and Suspects.
She was also involved in a short drama, We Move. Discussing the project on her social media, she said: ‘In the last few years I’ve developed a multifaceted approach to my career, which has seen me gain accolades across the arts and science.
‘However, my journey began with acting and it’s always heartwarming to return here […] Now that I’ve dipped my toes back in, I’m ready to explore further opportunities as they come. I like it here.’
Though her successes haven’t just been onscreen. The multitalented actress recently earned a Master of Science in neuroscience.
While gaining the qualification, Larissa was selected to present her final project to a conference at the trauma Research Foundation annual conference, in Boston in the US.
In an Instagram post from last year, she penned: ‘As a trauma thriver, this felt like a full circle moment to be in a room whereby the recovery of trauma, is a central focus.
‘As a student of neuroscience, this extra curricular opportunity highlights my unwavering commitment to my studies.
‘This presentation happened prior to the completion of my academic endeavors, (which has led to a revision in my latest poster) however the findings and results are still valid.’
She also routinely posts sweet pictures of her young daughter, and her experiences raising her as a single mother.
Chris Miles – Joe Dempsie
Before he was given the role of party boy Chris, Joe Dempsie (pictured) was on the verge of giving up on his career
But since then, Joe’s career has gone from strength to strength, having now taken on a number of starring roles including Doctor Who, England ’89 and more recently, Game of Thrones and The Fades
Before he was given the role of party boy Chris aged around 20, Joe Dempsie was on the verge of giving up on his career.
But since then, Joe’s career has gone from strength to strength, having now taken on a number of starring roles including Doctor Who, England ’89 and more recently, Game of Thrones and The Fades.
While he has taken on a steady stream of roles, Joe has previously admitted he had felt ‘envy’ towards some of his costars who had enjoyed more lustrous careers.
‘I’ve realised that every role or job is memorable in different ways and for different reasons,’ he told Tatler Asia in 2022.
‘Chris, my character in Skins, is the role that turned acting from a hobby and a pastime into a career. He’s also a character that I think has been the most enduring out of any I’ve played. He’s one that people still want to talk to me about.
‘Then there’s Game of Thrones, which has been enjoyable for different reasons. There’s the spectacle and the scale of it, but it never really felt like a real character study. I never found out enough about Gendry.’
He added: ‘Going forward, I just want to keep taking myself out of my comfort zone. The thing about acting is that you never feel complete… I’m going to keep trying to switch it up and keep trying to take roles that you haven’t seen me play before.’
His most recent role was in 2025, playing alongside Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood and Robert Carlyle in the mini-series Toxic Town – about the Corby toxic waste case.
Cassie Ainsworth – Hannah Murray
The apple of Sid Jenkins eyes, Cassie’s time of Skins was fraught with sadness, longing and incomprehensible struggle. However for Hannah, now 35, filming the show had been the ‘happiest time’ in her life as it led to her falling in love with acting (Hannah Murray in Skins)
Hannah then went on to follow in the footsteps of her costar Joe Dempsie in scoring a role in the acclaimed HBO series, Game of Thrones
The apple of Sid Jenkin’s eye, Cassie was a character fraught with sadness, longing and incomprehensible struggle. However Hannah, now 35, reflects on her stint in Skins as the ‘happiest time’ in real life, as it helped her fall in love with acting.
After her role in Skins, Hannah took a short break from acting to focus on her education, going on to complete an English Literature degree at Queen’s College, Cambridge University.
Speaking about the decision on Loose Women in 2019, she said: ‘I just wanted to do it. I really loved literature and I wanted to take a bit of time out from the industry. I’ve got friends who are doctors and lawyers. I think an English degree really helps with acting.’
Hannah then went on to follow in the footsteps of her co-star Joe Dempsie in scoring a role in the acclaimed HBO series, Game of Thrones.
She also had roles in a number of other productions including Agatha Christie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, Womb, The Number’s Station and God Help the Girl.
In amongst her acting successes, Hannah has also endured her own struggles, much like her in her debut role as Cassie.
Ahead of the release of her autobiography, Hannah revealed that she had been sectioned in 2017 as a result of her having been involved in a ‘wellness cult’.
Speaking about her upcoming memoir, Hannah admitted that she had realised now was the time to come clean about the ordeal. She said it was a ‘deeply personal story that has lived inside me for many years and which it now feels vital to share’.
The Bookseller reports that Hutchinson Heinemann is set to release the book in 2026.
The publisher told the website: ‘This is the story of the blurred line between what is real, and what is an illusion; what we must accept and what we wish to be true; between solid earth beneath your feet and a world where anything is possible if you only commit.’
Maxxie Oliver – Mitch Hewer
The only gay character in the first generation, Maxxie’s sweet nature, striking blonde hair and impeccable dance moves
Mitchell is now in a relationship with his partner, Tash, (pictured) with whom he welcomed a daughter, Aria Isabella, at the end of 2021
The only gay character in the first generation, Maxxie’s sweet nature, striking blonde hair and impeccable dance moves.
Shortly after finishing filming the show, Mitchell appeared on the cover of the March and October 2007 issues LGBT magazine Attitude – as part of a ‘Gays on TV’ feature that included stars from Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Shameless.
Now 35, the Bristol native went on to enjoy a fairly successful acting career, having starred in the music drama, Britannia High, and had stints on TV shows Extra Factor, This Morning, Richard and Judy’s New Position and BBC comedy show, Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
In 2009, he also appeared in the music video for Take That’s Never Forget. Not his only appearance in a music video, Mitchell was also in the music video ‘The Club’ by Lisa Morgan.
Mitchell is now in a relationship with his partner, Tash, with whom he welcomed a daughter, Aria Isabella, at the end of 2021.
Ever the doting father, Mitchell now often shares posts of his daughter on his Instagram account, posting pictures of the pair enjoying cuddles and quality time together.
Anwar Kharral – Dev Patel
Dev Patel (pictured) has never done a day of acting when he arrived on set to film Skins in 2006 – having first applied for the role of Anwar after being encourage by his mother who had seen the listing in a newspaper
Dev Patel hit the ground running after closing his role in Skins. After the show finished, he was immediately offered a role in the critically acclaimed film, Slumdog Millionaire
He made his directing debut this year when he co-wrote, produced and directed the action thriller, Monkey Money, a production so successful that it landed him in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people
Then 16, Dev Patel had never done a day of acting when he arrived on set to film Skins in 2006 – having first applied for the role of Anwar after being encouraged to by his mother, who saw the listing in a newspaper.
The actor had hit the ground running after closing his role on the E4 programme. After the show finished, he was immediately offered a role in Danny Boyle’s critically acclaimed film, Slumdog Millionaire, arguably making him one of the most successful actors to come out of the hit series.
The director’s daughter had watched Skins and was such a fan that she encouraged her father to give him the career defining role.
The film won Dev more than just a BAFTA. During filming, he met Frieda Pinto who he went on to date for nearly six years before calling it quits in 2014.
He also added several Hollywood notches to his belt performing in hits including the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, HBO series The Newsroom, Lion, and The Personal History Of David Copperfield.
He made his directing debut this year when he co-wrote, produced and directed the action thriller, Monkey Money, a production so successful that it landed him in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people.
Dev has now been with the Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey since 2017.
Abigail Stock – Georgina Moffat
Georgina Moffat initially auditioned for Michelle was instead given the role of Abigail, (pictured right) who she claimed she based off of the ‘posh psychos’ she met while at boarding school
Speaking to The Sun in 2022, the singer insisted she didn’t regret changing her focus to music and that working in Skins had helped her to realise her true dreams
Georgina Moffat initially auditioned for Michelle was instead given the role of Abigail, who she claimed she based off of the ‘posh psychos’ she met while at boarding school.
Georgina went on to study art history at UCL bur switched to a focus on magic production and composition after the show ended.
Snagging herself a recording contract, Georgina then went on to pursue a career in music where she became a successful singer-songwriter, topping the dance charts with Sail With Me in 2018.
She even went on to assist in producing songs for Dido, Keane and Japanese Pop stars.
Speaking to The Sun in 2022, the singer insisted she didn’t regret changing her focus to music and that working in Skins had helped her to realise her true dreams.
As well as a lustrous career, Georgina has spent her life jet setting to all parts of the world. She has previously lived in LA, London, Australia and Tokyo.
Speaking to The Sun in 2022, the now 35-year-old claimed she never date people who were her age because she was concerned that people were only after her because she was famous.
‘Playing the only villain in the show was difficult,’ Georgina, added. ‘A lot of fans didn’t like what Abigail was doing and thought she was really a b***h.’
She told the publication that she felt as though her identity was been ‘erased’ and that people saw her differently because of the love-rival role she played in the show.
Katie Fitch – Megan Prescott
The actress found fame alongside her twin sister as Katie and Emily Fitch on series three of hit show Skins back in 2009
Skins star Megan Prescott has revealed how she first began using OnlyFans – which she also uses to fund her Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The actress explained how she has been using the X-rated platform since 2020, after her boss initially refused to furlough her from her bar job
Katie was the chaotic half the Fitch twins – known for her aggressive nature and at times frustrating decisions.
Playing alongside her real-life sister Kathryn, Megan Prescott, now 34, was already in the industry after getting her first role on BBC soap opera Doctors – but burst onto the spotlight after the E4 show aired.
While she has continued to pursue acting work, Megan – who is originally from London – has also recently revealed how she first began using OnlyFans – which she used to fund her Edinburgh Fringe Festival show last year.
The actress explained how she has been using the X-rated platform since 2020, after her boss initially refused to furlough her from her bar job.
Speaking to The Sun, Megan spoke about how she is stripping off in her one-woman show, Really Good Exposure, where she will be full-frontal during one scene.
Megan said that funding the show is ‘very expensive’ so she has been ‘selling nude photos to a few subscribers because you shouldn’t be ashamed of being naked.’
When the pandemic hit, Megan was working in a distillery in London on a zero-hour contract and her manager ‘refused to furlough her for a while’.
She explained that with only around £300 in the bank she needed to find a way to pay her rent, when her friend Haven – who co-hosts the podcast Strippers In The Attic – suggested OnlyFans as a way of earning an income.
She continued: ‘She said to me, ‘Trust me, there are already men that are looking at your Instagram and thinking those kinds of thoughts. You’re leaving money on the table,’ and she was right.’
Megan claimed that joining the site changed her life and she branded it the best thing she has ever done, earning her much more than her acting roles.
Megan previously revealed she will sell her ‘full frontal, head-to-toe naked’ photos on the X-rated subscription site as the play challenges stigma faced by sex workers.
Megan, who pursued a bodybuilding career in 2016, is a vocal advocate for sex worker rights and first signed up to OnlyFans during the pandemic to enable her acting, writing, and directing career to continue.
Only 10 of this limited-edition nude snap will be sold on the platform to raise money.
Megan’s one-woman show is partially inspired by her own personal experience of child stardom.
The play follows the story of Molly Thomas, a former child star whose fame peaked in her teens; audiences will first meet her later down the line as she realises her career has never matched the dizzying heights of her initial fame.
In 2023, Megan also revealed that she had been diagnosed with autism four years ago.
Emily Fitch – Kathryn Prescott
Kathryn played the more demure, shy twin Emily in Skins – after also getting her start on BBC’s Doctors, alongside her sister
She has continued to star across a myriad of TV shows, including Finding Carter and, most recently, New Amsterdam
Kathryn played the more demure, shy twin Emily in Skins – after also getting her start on BBC’s Doctors, alongside her sister.
She has continued to star across a myriad of TV shows, including Finding Carter and, most recently, New Amsterdam.
In 2021, the actress was left in a critical condition after being hit by a cement truck while crossing a road in New York.
She was rushed to hospital following a crash, which had been revealed by her twin sister Megan on Instagram, and endured a broken pelvis, legs, foot and hand.
Kathryn, who had to go to ICU at a New York Hospital was ‘incredibly lucky to be alive’.
Megan pointed out that, although her sister would be taken care of by medical professionals, her mobility could have been severely affected long-term.
She wrote Kathryn ‘narrowly avoided paralysis. The doctors are hopeful that she will make a full recovery but this will only be possible with the correct care right now.’
She also pointed out her sister is currently ‘alone in New York with no family members’.
