Tom Earnshaw
Kaya Scodelario has revealed what she really thinks of her Skins co-stars almost two decades after first starring in the hit British TV series.
Rising to fame after starring as Effy Stonem in E4's critically acclaimed Skins, the show gave Scodelario the foundation to break in to the acting world during her adult years.
It has seen her star opposite Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and become one of the faces of Netflix's action comedy series The Gentlemen. Away from TV and film she's also starred in a number of music videos, including Robbie Williams' 'Candy' and for British rapper Plan B on four separate occasions.
But it was back in 2007 that Scodelario started to make a name for herself in the teen comedy drama, following the lives of sixth formers as they navigate their college years after school.
Now 32, Scodelario was cast as Effy back when she was just 14, playing the younger sister of leading man Tony Stonem, played by Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy, X-Men: First Class, Mad Max: Fury Road).
Advert
After starring in what was a minor role for the first two seasons of the show, she became the leading lady for seasons three and four, before returning for the very final season in 2013. Now, speaking to The Guardian, Scodelario has looked back on those formative years in the world of acting.
Recalling the filming of the first season in which she only has a handful of scenes outside of an episode dedicated to her character, she said: "Even the crew were saying they didn’t think it would get picked up.
"I remember one of the electricians on set going: 'I’ve worked on really expensive period dramas that didn’t get a second season – there’s no f**king way this will'.
"And then, kind of overnight, it happened."
Advert
The show uncovered amazing British acting talent that have since gone on to star in some of the best TV shows and films of the last 15 years.
Outside of Hoult, Hannah Murray starred as Cassie. Since Skins, she has appeared in Game of Thrones and Tim Burton's Dark Shadows.
Joe Dempsie, who starred as Chris Miles, joined Murray in being added to the Game of Thrones universe as well as having a large role in This is England '90. And then there's Dev Patel, who played Anwar Kharral, with the Brit having huge roles in Slumdog Millionaire, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and The Newsroom.
Jack O'Connell starred in This is England before heading to Skins, with roles after the sow including Unbroken, United, and Godless.
Advert
The biggest star is arguable Daniel Kaluuya, who was in the show as minor character Posh Kenneth. Since then, Kaluuya has gone on to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah.
With two BAFTAs and a Gold Globe to his name, as well as other huge roles in Get Out, Black Panther, and Nope, he has become Hollywood royalty.
Speaking about working with these people, Scodelario revealed that she has in fact made some of her best friends from the show, while also dating O'Connell during the height of its popularity. Kaluuya is also the godfather of her son.
She said: "It’s a really loving group. And sometimes you don’t get that with actors. You get competition.
Advert
"It’s like, how was that shoot? Are you feeling all right? Are you taking enough time off? And how’s your back?”