[Arneldo]

Channel 4 has confirmed it has commissioned another series of the E4 drama Skins.

Writer and executive producer, Bryan Elsley will again work collaboratively with a team of young writers to pen ten new episodes. Series two will begin filming in the summer, on location in Bristol.

Danny Cohen, head of E4 and factual entertainment, said: "I'm delighted with the creative and ratings success of Skins. It's an important milestone in our shift towards more high-quality homegrown content for E4."

The programme has certainly been a ratings hit for the channel. Its first episode peaked at over 2 million viewers, making it the second highest rating programme in E4’s history, and the highest rating entertainment show broadcast on any digital channel in the whole of January. The series, currently airing every Thursday at 10pm on E4, is averaging 1.2 million viewers, with nearly half of its audience aged 16-34.

Francis Hopkinson, senior commissioning editor for drama, said: "Skins has shown there is an appreciative audience for smart, young drama. It has become an important launch pad for new talent, both on and off the screen and the next series will continue this."

Made by Company Pictures for E4, the show has been created by Elsley and Jamie Brittain, produced by Chris Clough, and executive produced by Elsley, Charlie Pattinson and George Faber.

DS