What the original Skins cast are doing now almost two decades after show began
If you can believe it, or maybe you’re just about over it, it’s now been 13 years since the final episode of Skins aired.
Running for seven seasons, the E4 show followed the group of teens in Bristol as they went through sixth form and let’s face it, a whole load of pretty dark issues.
And with it being the first big break for many of them, Skins produced some major British talent as some of the stars have gone on to win Oscars and global acclaim.
Others have also swapped out acting to pursue different careers.
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But regardless of where the OG cast is now, one thing is for sure, Skins made a permanent mark on British culture for an entire generation of us with its six years on air until 5 August 2013.
Hannah Murray as Cassie
Murray is one of the Skins icons who has since left behind acting.
She had her big break on the show, auditioning for the teen series at 16 and landing the self-destructive Cassie Ainsworth.
The now 37-year-old was one of the first to be cast on the show and appeared in the first two series.
After her departure, she made her stage debut and appeared in a few other series and films before landing Gilly in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Murray had a successful acting career but with her last role in 2020, it’s said she effectively stepped away around 2018. Her memoir, The Make-Believe: a memoir of magic and madness, was released in June and spoke about her involvement in a ‘wellness cult’ and her psychotic episode that led to her being sectioned in 2017.
Mitch Hewer, Maxxie
Playing the role of Maxxie Oliver, his storylines often centred on his relationships and life as an openly gay teen.
After two seasons, he also departed Skins and joined the cast of Britannia High, making the most of his dance and theatre skills.
Hewer landed a few other acting gigs but largely stepped away from the spotlight, opening up about struggles with his mental health.
In recent years, he started making gaming videos on YouTube and streaming on Twitch.
He rarely posts on social media but used to shares updates as life as a parent.
Daniel Kaluuya, Posh Kenneth
Perhaps one of the biggest stars from the show now, Kaluuya joined the cast not only as an actor but a contributing writer, going on to be head writer of some episodes.
Since Skins and other TV appearances, the 37-year-old has of course gone on to star in the likes of Get Out, Black Panther, Nope and also co-directed The Kitchen.
In 2021, Kaluuya won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Judas and the Black Messiah. He has also picked up BAFTAs, Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe.
Next year, he will return to voice Spider-Punk in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Nicholas Hoult, Tony
Another major name of the Skins alumni, Hoult had already made his breakthrough as a child actor before being cast as antihero Tony Stonem.
After two seasons he also departed the show and has enjoyed a stacked acting career since.
Hoult appeared in the likes of Clash of the Titans, X-Men: First Class, The Favourite and The Menu.
Most recently, he starred in 2024’s Nosferatu and 2025’s Superman and next year he will reprise his role as Lex Luthor in Man of Tomorrow.
Joe Dempsie, Chris
Another OG, Dempsie played Chris Miles in the E4 drama for the first two seasons.
He then went on to play Gendry in Game of Thrones as well as appearing in the likes of This is England’86, This is England’90 and Netflix’s Pieces of Her.
Most recently, he appeared in British conspiracy thriller, The Capture.
Kaya Scodelario, Effy
Playing the iconic role of Tony’s sister Effy, she appeared in the first four seasons of Skins.
Scodelario was cast on the show at the age of 14 and ended up nominated for awards for her performance.
The now 34-year-old went on to appear in the likes of the Maze Runner series,
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and The Woman in Cabin 10.
And of course, Scodelario plays Susie Glass in The Gentlemen which is about to return for a second season.
Mike Bailey, Sid
Sid was obviously an iconic character in Skins and Bailey is easily best known for playing him.
Now 37, he did go on to appear in the likes of 1066: The Battle for Middle Earth, We Are the Freaks and Hers and History.
However, he left his acting career in 2017 and instead completed a drama degree and teacher training to go on to work as a high school drama teacher.
Dev Patel, Anwar
Another of the biggest stars to break through with Skins, he of course quickly followed up with Slumdog Millionaire and the award nominations that came with it.
Since, Patel has appeared in the likes of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Newsroom and The Green Knight.
In 2024, he made his directorial debut with Monkey Man.
April Pearson, Michelle
Now 37, she made her breakthrough as Michelle Richardson as a teen for the first two seasons. She then went on to be cast in 2009’s Tormented before returning to theatre for Suspension at the Bristol Old Vic.
Pearson has made a number of appearances in Casualty as well as having roles in theatre.
She’s had a few minor film and TV roles to her name and her last acting role was in 2022.
Topics: Nostalgia, TV and Film
Jess Battison