- Date
- Thu 29 Jan 2009 at 22:33
We are! How good is this?! Anything can happen when Cook's involved and we're loving it. Especially his show tunes.
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Cooks episode was...insert your response here please [ ] because we are lost for words. We feel enamoured, nauseaus, preturbed and anxious when we think of Cook and his exploits. Yes, all at once; Cook is overwhelming, and his episode was as well. Got to applaud the writer for feeding Cookie the best lines we've heard in ages. The Cookie monster is a walking, talking sex pest and drug fiend rolled into one. And so utterly selfish yet so charming with it.
We liked the way there was always an element of tension in the episode - cuts to JJ and Freddie showed they had no idea what Cook was going to do next, and by doing that, we were as worried as they were. Cook's hedonistic pursuits of thrills and spills were dizzying, and at the core there's someone deeply troubled indeed. But as Cookie laughs his manic laugh at the end, we know he isn't too concerned with changing his behaviour any time soon. We can see this character going anywhere over the course of Skins 3. And we're genuinely excited, yet terrified of what he's capable of at the same time.
Did you love the episode? What are your thoughts on Cook? Where do you see him going? And did your heart ache a little bit when Freddie found out Cook had shagged Effy - or are we just really, really soft? Then there's the Emily loving Naomi thing - or are we totally imagining that?
So many questions...
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OK, there's something we want to clear the air about with you lovely people. We encourage debate on this site, and lord knows there have been a fair share of both negative positive comments. As we're all about opinions and discussion, we thrive on it, truly.
We would NEVER delete a comment because it's negative. We love a bit of free speech, and we love that y'all are so damn vocal about Skins. The Skins site without comments would be like Effy without a spliff in her hand - just lacking something, you're just not sure what.
Skins has tried to be plain speaking from the offset, and that's what we try to do on the site as well. There isn't some PR team sat pondering whether a negative comment should be removed for fear of bad publicity; we want to know what you think, because then we'll know whether we're losing our way or not. The Skins cast and crew visit the site too, and love to see what you think of them and the show.
We're saying this because we've noticed a couple of you have left comments because your negative comments have been deleted. The site is post-moderated. So if a comment is offensive, it will be reported. As long as you don't swear or leave personal details, you're safe. Sometimes comments are deleted in error, but that's it. Imagine if this site was just all positive feedback? It would be like some bland patronising teen drama or something - the anti Skins. Also, think about it: if we deleted your comment saying something negative, why would we keep another one up saying the other was deleted?!
And to the person that wrote this: "Would just like to second the person who said that their negative comment was deleted by e4. So was mine. Don't really care, but I think that if you ask for feedback you should expect both sides. I doubt that Series 3 is as popular as its seems here". Skins 3 is as popular as you guys make it - and so is this site! You're the only ones doing all the work, and for Skins sake, keep it up!
We love it, and we love you for caring so much; even if the things you say are negative, you're being honest, and that's why you're ace.
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UPDATE: we told you the cast and crew check the site! Bryan Elsley, the Skins co-creator and one of the writers has just been reading your comments as well, and wanted to check we're not deleting any. So we're definitely not, no-one at Skins HQ wants that, ok?
It was supposed to be after episode 2 tonight - but as there are no spoilers (we HATE unnanounced spoilers!) and it's such a joy to read, we're posting it early...
Here it is, in case you didn't spot it
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I’m Jack O’Connell and when I’m not trying to make a career out of acting (something which came about randomly), I spend time with the mates, and there’s a lot to see in the country, the world, a lot of trouble to be avoided, but some funny-ass times to be had.

Episode 2 was the first episode we filmed. The writer, Jamie Brittain is the writer I’ve been most excited about in my career. I felt I understood completely what Jamie’s intention was with Cook in this episode. Cook is top, he has me in stitches. He’s got this massive exterior, which is purely to keep whatever’s interior hidden. We shared similarities, me and Cook, but I’d like to think I’ve grown out of them. A lot of Cook I’ve got from a good mate of mine, Ryan. He’s one of the best lads you’ll ever meet. Big shout to Ryan. Cook’s a character with so much energy (a lot like myself) but it’s all misdirected. He doesn’t really think things through and it makes life difficult for him. His liking for women, however…that we share. That one’s all me.

It’s been such a good laugh shooting episode 2 and I’ve never worked with such a talented group of people. McKenzie Crook’s a comedy genius in my opinion. But the support offered by the dudes, the main cast (all of them cool people) was even more encouraging. As a unit we all muck in but we still have good time. How the characters are with each other is pretty similar to how we are. Me and Pass (Luca - who plays Freddie) play a game with Ollie (JJ) on set where we just berate him. I’m sure there are a few times when the extras have thought we must be really nasty, but he loves it. I’d say the banter we have, however intolerable in most other workplaces, is beneficial for us; we need to maintain a confidence within each other, and the jokes help that. I can honestly say you won’t find better lads. I’ve not once been irritated by either of them. That’s special. That’s love. Obviously there’s a lot of sexual tension on set which makes it difficult but we get by.

That’s it, for now. Unlike Cook, I don’t believe in fate. I believe you make your own luck. It makes more sense. I hope you enjoyed watching episode two as much as I did making it.
Jack
Because today is Cook’s birthday…
Get ready for an explosive episode of Skns tonight when Cook takes centre stage. Actually, when Cook's involved, he's always centre stage.
We can't wait to chat Cook's episode, so straight after let us know what you thought about it. As well as that, we'll be posting up videos during the show, including Jack aka Cook talking to us about his character when we film the making of a fight scene that involves cake. Lots of it. And that’s all we’re saying for now.
As well as that, Jack has written a blog for us – with pictures and everything! And the rather wonderful Alex Hancock’s track listings from the episode and his reasons for choosing his tracks in this episode.
Then Costume Designer Edward will be taking us through the key looks in the episode.
As well as that we’ll have pictures from behind the scenes of a key episode 3 scene, clue: its our red light special. And that’s all we’re telling you.
You'll discover later just how eventful Cook’s birthday really was, and still Naomi managed to film a video diary all hungover and shit the next day. We admire her steely determination! Check it out, after tonight’s Skins.
Until then: get ready for Skins, invite your friends round and put your phone on silent. It's gonna be off the hook.
Episode 1: in memory of Max Preece 1987 - 2008
Max Preece worked in the Skins series 1 production office. He was very much part of the Skins family in series 1 and his personality and exuberance provided great fodder in terms of developing the characters and the dynamics and friendships within the original Skins group.
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Do you believe Luke when he says he hasn't got it on with his co-star? We're not so sure
http://www.e4.com/video/oLFAmqMvIViBlLqV5Uum0K/play.e4
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Cos it's so darn good we nicked it from the telly. To all those series 3 doubters, make sure you watch this episode. We're saying no more...
http://www.e4.com/video/YuTWdOFPy7WYpz42H1KNk/play.e4
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Yesterday (Friday) was the biggest day ever for the home of Skins (e4.com/skins - obviously!!!) Which is only down to you, the Skins massive. To quote Cass: "Wow". We knew something was afoot when the site temporarily went mental and crashed...
Love it, loathe it, or still undecided about Skins 3; we love that you're so vocal and opinionated on this site about what you rated and hated. After all, what better place than here? The Skins cast visit this site too, as do the makers of Skins, so you never know who is reading...
Don't forget, you'll always hear Skins news here first, and we'll always give you a heads up on any exclusives we're getting. Ok, maybe not always - sometimes we just post it up here as it happens - we like to keep you on your toes!
This week ahead of episode 2, we'll be posting up some exclusive pictures from the episode, as well as lots of other stuff that should hopefully tide you over until Thursday. Though we know come five past nine on Thursday, you'll still be over waiting and willing ten o clock to hurry up and arrive.
This week, we're also planning on fine tuning Skins Messenger, so that it actually works this time - sorry, we're the victims of our own success! If you haven't added us yet, do it here.
Until episode 2, why not watch episode 1 again? Its available online for free. But you must have known that, where have you been?
We're very excited about episode 2; it's Cook's birthday and he's determined to make it a night to remember. Makenzie Crook plays Bristol gangster Johnny White, and his scenes with Cook are bloody awesome. Trust.
Don't forget: Thursdays 10pm on E4 is Skins.
Thanks again from Skins, let's aim to crash the site again next week. You in?
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Did you try and use Skins Messenger? We had problems; bit annoying. What can we say? Turns out testing it on our own isn't the same as when everyone is logged in. At the same time. Skins is all about taking risks though, right? And imagine how sweet it will be when we pull it off? Until then, rest assured we're gonna keep trying, and you can get all of the bonus material right here at e4.com/skins
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Rest assured it's pissing us off too. What can we say? We're overwhelmed. We're annoyed as we need to discuss episode 1 and it's killing us!
Please be patient (more patient than us)
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So what did you think? Be honest now, no matter how excited you were for Skins 3, there was a little bit of trepidation involved with a new cast.
We're pretty confident you were happy to dispel these concerns once the episode kicked in. After all, things change, people leave college and there's some younger party starter to take their locker (and porn stash, if you’re Sid Jenkins)
We love the homage to Back to the Future in the opening scene. And the three musketeers (JJ, Cook and Freddie) readying themselves for the first day at college (spliff: check, beers before noon: check).
And what a way for Effy Stonem to return? Departing all non-plussed from her father’s crashed motor – 'sweet' indeed.
Katie takes a different steer altogether – stealing her sister's clothes and getting her footballer boyfriend to drive her to college in 'style'. Then there's quieter twin Emily who Effy already has down as the doormat, guess you get pretty observant when you spend a lot of time observing. We like the dynamic between the twins, sibling rivalry at its most obvious. We can’t wait to see how this pans out over the series. Will Emily grow a backbone? Only time will tell.
We love love love the return of Pandora (remember her in ep 7 of series 2?)– the sweet and slightly loopy one says whatever comes into her head; surely "I’m Pandora. I’m useless" is the best way to introduce your self - ever! She also gives the detached and cool Effy Stonem a heart, on the surface they're such an odd pairing, but deep down Effy loves Panda as much as drugs. Well, almost.
Then there's the intriguing and independent Naomi, who doesn't care what anyone thinks of her and always has a suitable come back. We loved her and Katie stepping up to one another as Emily looked on. There's definitely some unfinished business there.
On the face of it best mates Freddie, JJ and Cook are as tight as well, a really tight thing. But then there's Cook's attraction to trouble, and Freddie's attraction to trouble (Effy). Will this get between them or will JJ manage to keep them together?
We have so many questions and could go on like this all night; the latest tribe are an intriguing bunch. What do you think of the gang? Are they what you expected, and how do you think friendships will form?
Roll on next week
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EPISODE 1 Blog
Here’s an image for you; I’ve just spent the morning watching Luke Pasqualino (Freddy) having a wank. So nothing in the world of Skins has changed. I’m back in the costume department for my third series, where the art of protecting an actors’ modesty whilst appearing to be naked has become my forte! It’s great to be working with Edward (Costume Designer) again. He’s given himself some very high standards to live up to after his awesome costumes over the past two series. It’s pretty tough as we only get the first two scripts to begin with and the characters are obviously going to develop over the next six months. Still, I think he’s doing a great job with the new cast.
Effy’s character has progressed somewhat since the last two series as she is now older and ‘wiser?!’ Her beautiful decadence is created by very simple costumes to give her that ‘don’t give a fuck’ look. Leather jackets, beautiful trashed dresses and statement jewellery. She’s the female version of Cook. Cook, one of our new characters, is very physical, unstable and prone to violence. Style wise, he’s the archetypal James Dean character. Live fast, die young and leave a beautiful corpse. His style of DMs, Harrington jackets and polo shirts are an amalgamation of the violent youth culture over the past 50 years. I also can’t help but think he looks like some old flasher, who’s ready to pull down his trousers at any given point. Hence the lack of belts! On the flip side, JJ, Cook’s side kick, is very colourful in his costumes. His costumes often have colour stories and matching patterns. Look out for his double watches, just another one of JJ’s weird traits.
I think the most disturbing incident for me while filming this episode was Cook’s tattoo. Yet again, I had to put a pouch on him to hide his modesty but this time had to look very closely at the shot of his bum and check we couldn’t see the pouch hanging down between his legs. Basically, not a pleasant job, especially just before lunch!

Being a massive fan of Series 1 and 2, I’ve had my uncertainties of a whole new bunch of kids coming in and being ‘Skins’. Anyway, to put you at rest, I think this series is going to be equally as good. I’m really looking forward to watching the actors grow over the next 6 months and it’s going to be fun seeing where their characters end up by episode 10. I’m guessing nothing ever runs smoothly in Skins so I won’t be holding my breath for any happy endings.

Hope you enjoy Skins 3!
Ros Marshall, Costume Assistant
Hi I’m Kaya Scodelario and I play Effy in Skins.
My first acting job was 2 years ago playing Effy in series 1. My part was very small and I didn't speak but I loved every minute of it. I’ve always wanted to act and after reading the scripts knew that Skins was the kind of show I would be proud to work on. I was asked back to do series 2 and told I’d have more to do. Filming Skins series 1 and 2 was an amazing experience and the rest of the cast were some of the nicest people I’d met.
When I heard about the 3rd series, I couldn't wait to get started but knew it would be very sad seeing the old cast leave. It was a brave move for the show but one that I think has paid off. ‘Skins’ is all about new ideas and bold moves.

Filming the first episode of the new series was amazing; we didn't know each other very well but soon knew that the next 6 months were going to be some of the best we've ever had. We got to work with some cool people too. I’m a big fan of Ardal O'Hanlon having watched every episode of My Hero!
I remember doing the scene at the bottom of Park Street in Bristol and crowds of people watching Harry Enfield swearing at a little old lady. I don't think the people with the small kids were too happy about it, but me and the boys were pissing ourselves so much we had to walk away at one point because the director, Charles Martin, could hear us laughing on the take.
Filming at the college was fun as well; it was a sports college so plenty of footballers and rugby boys in shorts made the long hours go by.
Anyway hope you all enjoyed episode one as much as we did and just know that there's plenty more to come!!
Lots of love
kaya!!
What? We're trying to keep you going until Skins starts IN AN HOUR. So here's some brand spanking new pictures from the Skins photoshoot. Photos taken or photos being taken. Is that post modernism?
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We know you're on the edge of your seats until the new series starts, we are too.
Until then - we've added a load of photos of the gang on set at the series 3 trailer.
Check them out here
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Just in! Interviews with the series 3 cast. They talk about what it's like to join such a huge show and who they got on with on set.
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Oh yes. We're back. Well, lets face it Skins fans, if you're ever on this site or anywhere else in the online Universe, you know Skins never really went away, did it? And that's why we love you the most.
But tonight sees Skins 3 hit your tellybox on E4 tonight at 10pm. And to commemorate we've taken over Channel4.com and will be taking over MySpace video when the unsinkable Effy Stonem picks her top videos.
Enjoy the Skins revolution
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We love this. Each of the Skins cast have given us their playlist of favourite songs and have written down why they like them. You get to work out which member of Skins crew you're most musically compatible with. Amazing!
Were you at the Skins party on Tuesday? Were you at the Apple store meeting the Skins cast? We want your photos and we will put them on the site. Not only that, if you're watching Skins with your mates, send us the evidence.
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Our app means you can get the latest Skins news and videos on your profile pages (wherever they may be).
Get it here> It's free and it's legal, what's not to like?
Are you watching? We are...
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Its almost here - your chance to watch Skins 3: episode 1 in full and finally meet the new gang properly as they meet one another for the first time. Excited much?
We hope you learn to love them in their own way as it would of been kind of naff if a drama about 16 -18 year olds just focused on the old crew, people age after all. Even though we love them still.
This week, ahead of the show tomorrow, we'll be posting interviews with the cast and playlists featuring their favourite music. The cast will also be out and about this week screaming about Skins to all and sundry. If you want to see them, check out their appearances below:
And if you get to meet them, or are throwing any Skins screenings for you and your mates, send us the photos. We'll put them up on the site and you'll be famous, kind of.
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Skins is two days away. Excited much?! We can't wait because we know what's coming up. Until then, have a sneaky peek at episode 2 below, and see if you can work out exactly what's going on in the picture below. Answers in the comments box below please.

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Wow. What a week! We feel like everything is full steam ahead at the moment; last week was all about us trying to serve you faithful Skins followers with loads of new stuff which we're hoping serves as a nice introduction to the series 3 cast.
We've noticed you've been leaving loads of comments and rating the videos too - keep it up as its the only way we can tell what you guys REALLY think about the new cast, but from the looks of things you're at least prepared to give them a chance, most of you anyway…
This week there's much more of where that came from – after all, episode 1 is only 4 days away! We've uploaded a new video featuring Cook, Freddie and JJ today and we're hoping we'll have some twin action before episode 1 as well. Tomorrow sees the Skins Radio party, in conjunction with NME Radio. Loads of great bands will be performing and we'll be screeing episode 1. We'll be there, will you? If you weren't lucky enough to win tickets here or on MySpace, there's still a chance you can get tickets by listening to the show tonight. There's also loads of live performances and interviews with the cast so be sure to check check check it out.
Wednesday we'll have another Unseen Skins. This time, featuring the whole cast during their college interviews that you will love (if we know you at all...) as well as that, if you're in the London area, Skins directors Charles Martin and Simon Massey will be at the Apple Store, Regent street along with Kaya (Effy) and Lily (Naomi) from series 3 to screen clips from episode 1 and answer questions from the audience. Starts at 7:00pm, but you might want to get there earlier...
We'll also have extra pictures from the Skins trailer this week, and other stuff to announce later on. Stick with us; like the trailer its all kicking off…
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UPDATE: Jack (Cook) and Kat (Emily) will also be at the Apple store on Wednesday.
So you've watched the episode 1 preview clips, taken time to watch the first part of episode 1 at least three times; and you've left a comment. You've checked out the Skins interactive trailer, and watched the Skins cast get all bruised and pretend to fight in the behind the scenes video, filmed on set of the series 3 trailer.
So what's next we hear you cry?
Hows about a bit more Skins action? Tomorrow we'll have a brand new Unseen Skins featuring best mates JJ, Cook and Freddie.
Those Skins boys are so naughty, you're gonna love it.
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UPDATE: our lawyers wanted to see it first so we can't put it up just yet! Told you they were naughty...
UPDATE 2: here it is, enjoy.
Until then feast on the episode 1 preview clips and the first part of episode 1!
We'll also have brand new Unseen Skins, coming soon to a website near you (this one!)
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If you want to watch the first part of episode 1 first, you had better keep it Skins as we'll have it right here from 11am this morning.
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UPDATE: here it is!
Our enhanced and totally interactive trailer has arrived! This isn't no ordinary trailer; as the gang walk into the Paradise Inn, you get to choose who you want to get to know better, click on their name and they'll talk directly to you.
And there's even extra footage of them getting rowdy to boot.
Very special indeed.
Skins starts next week, and we can't wait!
Can you?
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We're really pleased to announce that we have the very first part of episode 1 of Skins available from tomorrow - right here on e4.com!
We can assure you right now that the opening scene of Skins is fun and joyous to watch. And no, it isn't a party scene, this is much more original.
We'll have the extended preview clip right here on e4.com/skins from 11am Thursday 15th January until after the first episode is shown on E4 next week.
So come back tomorrow and switch the video to full screen - anything less just wouldn't do it justice.
As always we really want to know what you think so let us know once you've watched it as you're the best placed to judge.
We're really proud and hope you love it as much as we do.
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UPDATE: here it is!
Have you watched the gang attend their first day at college? What do you think? Anyone you want to see more of?
http://www.e4.com/skins/video/series3-episode-clips.html
Are you tearing your hair out in anticpation of Skins 3? Well don't, you've got a lovely head of hair and besides, we've got loads of stuff happening this week that you're gonna love. Don't believe us?
How about some extra clips from episode 1? As its the first day of college, everyone's getting to know one another, its historic! We'll be posting a clip featuring Katie and Emily (otherwise known as 'the twins' which is pretty obvious when you see them) as they arrive at college in style. As well as that, Freddie meets Effy and attempts conversation, but we all know Effy is too cool for that.
UPDATE: here are the episode clips!
We'll also have a very special Unseen Skins featuring the Three Musketeers: JJ, Freddie and Cook. We love Cook, even though we know we shouldn't. That boy is bad news we tells ya!
Then there's a fucking awesome version of the trailer, where you get to control who you get to know better next, whilst the gang talk to you one to one. Its pretty magical and we bloody love it.
It doesn't stop there. We were on set at the Skins trailer and we have the cast all bloodied up and stuff, talking about Skins and jumping off roofs. Fan-bloody-tastic.
UPDATE: check it out yourself here
We'll also be announcing something very special happening on Thursday on e4.com/skins. If you're eager to watch episode 1, you won't want to miss this announcement.
As well as that, we'll have extra pictures from episode 1 and behind the scenes for you to savour. And then we're going to have a lie down, and we think you should too.
Keep
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http://www.e4.com/skins/skins-messenger.html
Yet another way to consume Skins. It's going to be off the hook...
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Tomorrow (13th January) we will have the very first preview clip of episode 1 for your delectation! Don't get too excited as it isn't the whole episode or nuffink, but it is a clip from episode 1 and we'll be showing it first for 24 hours.
If you love Skins as much as you say you do, check it out tomorrow. We've given you prior notice and you know how to get to the site (here!), so there's really no excuse not to.
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UPDATE: here it is! Did you like? Full episode will be on E4 in 9 days...
Are you on the edge of your seats?! In the run up to series 3 we have loads of stuff which we'll be adding daily to the Skins site which should help quell your series 3 craving...
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The newest addition to the Skins fold. Check out his profile here, and please make him feel welcome.
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We've teamed up with NME Radio for our very own show! To celebrate, we're hosting an amazing party with new music and episode 1 in full.
Full details here
Good luck!
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We've posted the first episode guide if you're curious. We've done our best not to reveal too much, so as not to dilute your Skins experience. However if you truly want your Skins experience completely spoiler free, don't read it! For everyone else, have a read here
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So now you know. Thursdays at 10pm on E4 will be where you get your Skins fill. You can also get your Skins fill here 24/7 as we'll have loads of extras on the site including preview clips, mini episodes exclusive to us (not even shown on the tv), video diaries and behind the scenes madness. As well as track listings for every track that appears on the show, because we know you love your music. Are you excited? We are.
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Did you love the trailer? The more we watch, the more accustomed we're getting to the latest Skins crew. They're so naughty! We like.
If the trailer has whetted your appetite even more for series 3, we'll be releasing the extended trailer this week, so keep 'em peeled. As well as that we will also have a video filmed behind the scenes of the trailer that we're dying to share with you.
We'll also be introducing you to Thomas by posting his profile. Blink and you may just miss him in the trailer, but he will be an integral part of the Skins gang so please make him feel welcome.
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