New Cast Announced for Season Three of "Skins"

While we here in the States are still in the midst of Skins' second season, the UK is gearing up for the January launch of Season Three, which will--as promised--feature a virtually whole new cast. So say good-bye to Tony, Michelle, Sid, Cassie, Chris, and the rest while you still can, because there are some new kids on the block, as it were.

E4 has announced the cast for Season Three of Skins. Not unsurprisingly, it will feature supporting character Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario), best known as Tony's wily if often mute younger sister. Also on tap for the third season: Effy's wayward best friend Pandora (Lisa Backwell), whose own spacey gregariousness contrasts sharply with Effy's quiet ways.

New characters for Season Three will include twins Katie and Emily struggling in different directions, idealistic and politically-minded Naomi, as well as charismatic nutcase leader Cook (Jack O'Connell), clearly filling the void left behind by Season One's manipulative Tony, stoner/skater Freddie, illusionist/strategist J.J., and immigrant Thomas, who tries to adapt to life in the UK after emigrating from the Congo.

Ten episodes are planned for Skins' new season and Harry Enfield, Morwenna Banks, and Geoffrey Hughes are slated to return for guest appearances in Season Three. E4 has also locked Mackenzie Crook (The Office), Radio One DJ Scott Mills, Sally Phillips (Green Wing), and James Fleet (The Vicar of Dibley) to pop up next season.

What do you think of the notion of Skins' writers following through on their promise to keep the original set of kids around for just two seasons? Is it a wise move to keep the cast rotating and be age-specific? Or are you going to miss the gang we've come to know and love? Discuss.

UPDATE: You can now read my advance review of the Season Three premiere of Skins here.