[Arneldo]

Ex-Eastenders star Shane Richie has signed up to appear in controversial teen drama Skins.

The actor, who played Alfie Moon in the soap, will play a trendy teacher who gets too close to his college students.

A source told The Sun: "Shane is a big fan of Skins and jumped at the chance of a part — even though it’s quite a risque role. Scriptwriters are toying with the idea of him taking one of the pupils to bed. It promises to be pretty shocking stuff, but in the context of the show it’s no surprise.

“Skins is all about causing controversy by showing exactly what really goes on in the lives of today’s teens.”

A Channel 4 spokesperson confirmed Richie's involvement in the show, which returns next January to E4, but denied that his character would sleep with a pupil. "It is safe to say it will be in true Skins style," said the spokesperson. "So funny, frank and a bit naughty in equal measure."

Neil Morrissey, Harry Enfield and ex-Coronation Street star Sarah Lancashire were among the celebrities to appear in the first series.

DS