Don´t miss this coach trip with Laya and Sean at C4 Mash Up.

It’s hard to believe that Skins has been on our screens for four years, and the show that invented their own type of party is back once again for its fifth series with a new bunch of characters for us to meet.  And it seems that even America has picked up on the show, with MTV commissioning their own version of Skins to get in on the action. Although with the UK versions having several awards under its belt, that has come has no surprise. So far the show has picked up several awards including Best Drama prize at the 2008 Rose d’Or ceremony, A Philips Audience Award at the BAFTAs, as well as nominations for Best Drama Series at the British Academy Television Awards.
It’s safe to say we’ve gone through a lot with the characters of Skins, as well as the partying and the break-ups and make-ups of their relationships, in the past we’ve seen storylines around important issues such as anorexia, mental illness, drug abuse, family problems and even the death of major characters.   But with eight new members filming on set in Bristol, it’s time to start again with Skins and party with a new gang.   With a new young cast to meet, Idol sat down with Laya Lewis who plays wannabe wild child Olivia Malone (Liv) and Sean Teale who plays uber-competitive rugby captain Nick Levan and talked about what we can expect from the new series.
Can you tell us a little bit about your characters?
Laya – Liv is quite cool, she’s quite laid back, does what she wants and doesn’t really care how it affects others; but in the end there are consequences to her actions. She wants to be that kind of cool person who doesn’t give a crap about anything
Sean – Nick’s a bit goofier than that, he’s not that cool.  He’s  a rugby captain, so he’s ambitious and competitive. He’s got this winning mentality that’s been imposed on him by someone else or by his surroundings.  He puts on this front that he’s this arrogant cocky guy, and that’s what the initial appearances tell you, but throughout the series those preconceptions start to crack and break away. He’s actually genuine, kind-hearted, a bit of an idiot, a bit goofy, and you see a lot of cringe moments from him.
Laya- There’s so many scenes when I was watching him, where I just wanted to give him a hug
Sean- I didn’t get any hugs though



Can you both relate to your characters in any way?
Laya- Definitely, in a lot of ways. It’s weird because it kind of messes with your mind because I read some of the storylines that have been written for Liv and I’d be like, ‘wow that’s really similar to this thing that happened to me once’. I guess you start doing that when you’ve been playing the same character for so long and you get really attached to your characters.
Did you find that makes it easier to act?
Laya – Yeah, it definitely does. I use a lot of methods like that, like sense memory, it really makes a scene more real.
Sean- It depends on the person. We all got the part in a way because through the casting process where  you personally relate to your character,  the person auditioning you would see that, they’d notice. Shaun has certain aspects of me, whether it’s the rugby, the competitive ambition, there are elements there. Laya is so laid back, just like Liv is, we all have our similarities.
I found it to be quite tricky because with Nick there are certain points halfway through the series where I still didn’t know much about him. I think everyone else was introduced to an extent, and were told in the first episode, ‘this is who she is’ ‘this is who he is’  and the story builds from there. But Nick half-way through actually ends up completely flipping over into a different character, and because he’s episode five it wasn’t written till half-way through, so  I didn’t know until three months into filming who my character was. That meant I had to fill it in with bits of me, which was the relating side of it.
Did you enjoy putting your own personality onto him?
Sean- In a way I didn’t because I wanted to play someone different, I wanted to play Nick. I used to be such a whiner and complain to myself about wanting to know who Nick really is so I could work on it. It was just me guessing, projecting what I had to say, giving off the idea that I had to give, and think ‘this is what Nick would do’ with the little information I had about him.
Laya- That was so impressive because none of us really had to do that. I had the same kind of thing, you’re given a kind of basis of your character but Liv didn’t have much substance till we started doing her episode. So you’re kind of going out on a whim for the first couple of weeks of filming, but she stayed the same, she was still Liv. But I think for Sean, to have that massive arc in your character, it was so impressive to see him pull it off.

Do you think the show is relatable to teen culture today?
Sean- Despite what the Americans say, yeah.
Laya- It’s a heighted sense of youth culture I think. Obviously because its TV, it has to be dramatic, otherwise it would just be a documentary, but I think I can relate to it. I can relate to past characters and I can definitely relate to characters in this series as well.
Sean- It isn’t real, so we have to establish that it is heighted for dramatic purpose, it has to be a little more extreme. The house party that you see on Skins isn’t quite like the house party that you’d have in real life, it’s a little bit crazier. But the issues that it tackles, and what it says and gets you to think about, and what these kids go through as characters is all relatable. That’s why it has such a fan base I think, because teenagers have something gritty that they can look at and say, ‘you know I’ve been through some of that stuff’.

How do you feel about acting out the more extreme scenes in the show?
Laya- To me, they were some of my favourite scenes, scenes where I was being really mean were some of my favourites.  There’s a scene in the trailer where I’m shouting at Freya (who plays Mini) and I remember doing that, and the scene is at this big party, and I was so pumped for the scene. I remember seeing her and she was acting upset because her character had to be, and I had to keep being really horrible. But at the same time I was thinking ‘”Yes! Yes!” because those are the scenes where you really get to show your work, those are the scenes you are the most proud of, where you pull it off, and it actually looked real.
Sean- Those are the more challenging and rewarding scenes. Any stories with raunchy scenes were just quite funny; everyone seems to think they must be so awkward.
Laya- But it’s not once you get over the initial embarrassment
Sean- And the crew, as well as the cast, are quite young as well so it’s always easy and funny.



So we can expect a lot of mischief from you guys in the new series?
Laya- Yeah there’s definitely a lot of mischief.

Can you give us any spoilers?
Sean- There’s clearly sex involved , sex in crazy places. There are some amazing shots actually in really nice surroundings.
Laya- There’s some backstabbing, there’s some actual really lovely romance, and friends with benefits as well.
Sean- There’s some really bad highs, being unfaithful, there’s cheating involved, there’s all sorts of things.
Laya- It’s mad how they fit so much into a 45 minute episode. The characters are all complex in their own way, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

Who are your IDOLs?
Laya- I’ve got a lot of idols. I’ve got a lot of style icons like MIA and people like that, women who are empowered and are stylish and cool
Sean- There’s people I look up to massively and it depends on different things, like whether it’s sport, so people like David Beckham who has won over absolutely everyone in a really intelligent way.
But acting-wise, actors are probably the people I look up to the most; Steve Buscemi is incredible,  I also look up to Quentin Tarantino who is one the best directors in the world. Also James Franco because I have to say he rips up the rule book and does what he wants to do, he’s flying around the country all the time, filming here, filming there,  he’s got his fingers in so many pies.
Words by Vicki Carr

Well, that was quite a ride! Four episodes in to the new batch of Skins, it was Liv's turn to take centre stage and she certainly didn't disappoint! Danger, drugs, drinking and doing it... this episode recalled some of the dizzier moments from previous series of the teen drama. Hoping that Liv had survived after downing those two bottles of vodka, we got on the phone with actress Laya Lewis to talk about her episode.

That was pretty full-on! What was it like filming so many intense scenes so close together?
"It was just mental! With Skins you don't really know anything about your character or how you're going to play them until your episode. It was really enjoyable reading it. The first draft they wrote was just fun all around, really light-hearted. Then they re-wrote it and it was really dark and I was pretty worried about if I'd be able to pull it off. It was so much fun to do at the same time - it was such a mix. It never got too heavy, which was good."

How would you describe the feelings Liv has for Nick?
"She's definitely quite a stubborn girl in terms of her opinions and she's always thought of Nick as a 'jock'. To her he's an idiot - he's not even worth her time! The only reason she sleeps with him is because she's trying to get through to Mini. Instead of going about it in the right way, she's like, 'I'll just have you over instead'. I think Nick doesn't even take up 10% of her brainspace."

And Matty?
"He's the complete opposite of Nick in every way. At that point Liv's not interested in anything anymore and Matty really amuses her and is everything that her life is missing. She just falls for him. I'm not sure if it's love but it's definitely intense and that's what she really likes about it."

Did you know that Matty and Nick were brothers before you got the script for this episode?
"Yeah, we knew that from the beginning. When they were casting Matty it took ages because they cast Sean [Teale] and the rest of us way before they found a guy for Matty. Not only did he have to actually pull off this weird, mysterious character, he also had to look like Sean! I was especially apprehensive about meeting Seb [De Souza] because I knew what was going to go on in my episode!"

How can Liv win back Mini as a friend after what's happened?
"I think when you've been friends for that long - this is what a lot of girls do - instead of actually facing it head-on and trying to sort it out, they go the other way. That whole 'I'm not saying sorry until she says sorry' kind of thing! They don't really actually sort it out - not for a while. They don't do anything about it, they just leave it. I guess they want it to simmer down and cool down a bit and it doesn't. They just end up completely ignoring their situation."

What was it like working with Jaye Griffiths, who plays your mum?
"It was brilliant. Jaye Griffiths was so amazing. I was wondering how that whole relationship with Liv and her mum was going to work. She was so good. There was one point where we were doing a scene at the end of my episode and I had to be like, 'Oh no, LINE!' because I completely zoned out watching her - I forgot I even had to speak!"

And Eloise Joseph, who plays your older sister Bella?
"She was awesome as well. She was so believable. At that point when she pulls out that ponytail I was like, 'Oh my god, this is so funny'. If you can do that and not make it look really stupid then you know that she's obviously amazing. She was really good."

Is Liv scared that her relationship with little sister Maude might reflect her own with Bella?
"Definitely. Her going to the cinema at the end, that's her making amends. Liv thinks she has an amazing relationship with her older sister where they're best friends. But when she goes back she's like, 'Actually, we're nothing alike, and hopefully never will be'. I think she really doesn't want her or Maude to turn into Bella because she's just ignoring all of these problems that are going on, and Liv can't understand why."

Will we get to see the family again?
"They're not really in the rest of the series, but I have no idea what they're going to do with Liv next year. It's really exciting but at the same time worrying and a bit scary! I'd love to see my family back in it. I'm really excited about what they might do with Liv's dad maybe."

As ever there was a lot of sex, drugs and drinking in your episode - do you worry about fans imitating what happens on the show?
"I do - how does she not die in that episode! It's mental! Hopefully people don't take it... well, do take it seriously to an extent and don't do it because obviously you see how it turns out for Liv. She doesn't drink for fun at the end of the episode. It's an apology in a weird kind of way, and hopefully people see it as the kind of thing you shouldn't be doing. It's so bad and all it does is pretty much mess her up."

It seems that the actors of Skins were intimidated by the presence of Dakota. I remind you that Dakota,before Skins, starred in The Golden Compass, a movie from Hollywood.

Read the complete article bellow:

Skins stars Laya Lewis and Jessica Sula have admitted they were intimidated by Dakota Blue Richards when they met her at the audition for the show.

The third generation of the hit E4 series about teen life is mostly made up of unknown actors found at open auditions, but Dakota starred with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig in Hollywood adventure film The Golden Compass.

Laya, who plays laid back character Liv revealed: "I was kind of intimidated because she was going for the same character as me at first so I was like f*** I've lost, I've lost!

"But then they changed her to Franky which I was really happy about!"

Jessica, who plays naive Grace in the show, admitted she couldn't help being impressed by Dakota's fame when she saw her at the audition.

She said: "I did something really bad. I went to the toilet I was like in there checking myself before the auditions and she was washing her hands and I went 'You were in The Golden Compass!' and she was just like 'Yeah I was'."

But the cast have all bonded while filming and become friends.

Two girls of the Skins cast (Laya and Jessica) have already answered to the questions of the fans. As you know, we have the oportunity to ask 3 questions to each one of the cast of Skins season 5, so if you want to see your question here just go to this page and in the comments part ask what you want. Next is Will and Alex...


What were you favorites storylines and characters from the past two generations and if you could play another character from the past series who would it be?   from Naty Clavería; Luis; whatsinnaname and Sandie

 - Chris. His story lines with his teacher were raunchy and hot. I want those story lines!

If you could pick a song to represent your character (Liv) , what would it be and why?  from CL3blue

- Some dirty dance track. Fake Blood- Beeper

From the cast, who is the person you get along better and from the series,
which character do you most identify with? from alvaro , dentanfy and skinsfansite

- Obviously Liv. Jess and Freya!







Are there any similarities between you and your character Grace Violet, like do you have any prior dance background? Or would you say you are more similar to another character out of this cast? by Rachel and Steve

- Grace is an extreme version of myself. I've done tap, no ballet.

How does it feel to be part of one of the best teenage series drama as one of thew youngest castmate? who did you get along with best? by Franky and Emiliano

- It feels totally unreal. I get along with all of them. But the girls are my sisters!

In your daily life do you end up thinking what would your character think or do or how she would act at some situations? There´s something you would love to see your character doing but it didn't happen? by antonio oroboro and Perla

- I think grace has accomplished a lot! Yeah I act like Grace all the time and makes me laugh. Grace is too happy and I find myself being too happy.

 Found this interview to Laya in Ok!Magazine. It´s about the sex scenes so be careful with spoilers.


 

Source

Well, here are two more pics of our skins this morning, just before the Skins tour... Hope to get more soon!

Yap...SOON SOON::... E4 published more pics of Skins just now so click in the images to go to our gallery!

Time to meet Laya Lewis. Here is an article about Laya where she tell us something more about her and her process to be part of Skins. There´s nothing about her charater yet but it´s a good article to know more about her.

Remember that this is Laya and not her character. She will look different in Skins.

Well, if you have twitter you know that you can follow half of the world and read what they have to say. Some guys of the new cast of Skins have their own twitter so start following them. Click in the images bellow.

And speaking about the new cast, the pic above is in the E4 website and it´s Laya in the auditions with another fan.

Do you still think they´re ugly?

Source

I always thought that all of the actors of Skins were always choosen in the open auditions, but it seems it´s not like that.

"And guess what? 5 out of the 8 lovely new actors came straight out of the open auditions back in April this year. Freya, Jess, Laya, Will and Alex were chosen from over 7000 of you that turned up in London and Bristol to try out for the show.

Executive Producer John Griffin was certainly impressed with all you auditionees:

"More people than ever turned up this year for the open auditions in London and Bristol and the standard of young talent was as high as ever. It was a huge process but incredibly rewarding and we hope that the auditionees had as much fun as we did. We are really excited about the talent that has come through and we now have brilliant cast of actors helping to create the exciting new characters for Skins Series 5."

Cheers John - we're excited too!

Thom"

So, how did they choose the others? they were invited?

Do you know anything about this?

So the e4 show us a few minutes ago the new cast of Skins season 5, and now we can know a little bit more of the new characters,you can read a little presentation of each one bellow.



"I'm Sebastian. I'm from a little village called Boxford, just outside of Newbury. It's very far away from anything. Working on Skins the most incredible thing, we have only been filming for a few weeks now but I've never learned so much in my entire life. I can't wait for people to see it."


"I'm Alex, I'm from Ashford, Kent. I think Skins is the opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn't believe I'd got the part, particularly when I haven't really done a lot of acting before so I was really surprised to get through! It's a great feeling to get the part through the open audition process. I auditioned in London, turned up with a few of my friends and was met by masses of other people auditioning. I didn't think there would be much point but I stuck it out and I made it through

"I've been asking for years to get a part on Skins because I've always loved the series and wanted to be in it. Finally this year I'm old enough to play a part! It's crazy to be part of this Skins phenomenon, it's as much a lifestyle choice as anything because of the attention that comes with it. We are eight friends on screen as well off screen so we have the same dynamic that you'll see in the series."


 



"Hi, I'm Freya and I'm from Edinburgh. I got the part through the open auditions in Bristol. I overheard about them in conversation on a bus and thought this was something I needed to be part of! I went along, queued for hours, made friends - it was crazy but all totally worth it! It's insane to think I'm in Skins, I've always been a fan and I'm so lucky that I'm in something which I've always admired."


"Hello! I'm Laya and I'm from Bristol. It's so exciting to be part of Skins, mainly because I'm from Bristol and it's great to represent the place where it's set. The auditions took place in my school. It was incredible, there were so many people. It was mad! I got the part while I was working. I was so excited but had to carry on. It was a great feeling"