[Arneldo]

The executive producer of Skins has confirmed its entire cast will change for the next series.

Bryan Elsey said: "There are risks associated with dumping a cast, but we just did it. There was some disquiet at the channel, but then they told us just to go with it.

"It's exciting - we never stand still and we can tell our stories in a new way."

Speaking at Broadcast's television drama conference this week, he also confirmed the show would stick to its pattern of introducing college-age characters, moving them on in the next series, then letting them go.

"The first year is about getting to know the kids, and the second gives us the advantage of being able to explore their psyches a little more," said Elsey.

The show will also continue to use a team of up to 20 writers, including newcomers.

This is bullshit. I can't believe this. I didn't believe it before because the producer had said the rumours were "bullshit". I don't see the point behind this at all. If they are going to have collage student in series 3, then why not use the same cast. I'd much prefer seeing how Tony, Mich, Jal, Maxxie, Anwar, Chris, Cassie, Effy and others develop and change - then being introduced to a bunch of new characters. I think the producers/creators/writers are doing what suits them, and backing out because they would prefer to write about the "teen life" then having to have the characters grow up.