Skins: Series 3 new characters announced

Skins returns to E4 for a third series of ten new episodes in January 2009 with just two returning characters, introducing a host of new talent.

The Skins Class of 2009 is headed up by the beautiful and mysterious Effy (Kaya Scodelario); enigmatic and elusive as ever. She's joined by best friend Pandora (Lisa Backwell): sweet and kooky, she keeps the gang together.

Twins Katie and Emily are pulling in different directions: one wanting to shed her twin and gain status, the other hanging on, crippled by shyness.

Naomi, a beautiful idealist – passionate, political and principled – completes the line-up of girls.

The guys are led by the irrepressible and irresponsible Cook (Jack O'Connell – This Is England, Eden Lake), a daring and charismatic leader. His best mates struggle to keep up with him – but are always there.

Freddie skateboards, smokes weed, loves his mates and is very cool.

JJ, aka Jonah Jeremiah Jones, is a master illusionist and also the gang's 'strategist'.

Finally there's Thomas, who travelled from the Congo to set up home with his family, and has to find his feet in a new and strange country.

Together the gang bond as they fall in and out of love and lust; fight one another; and also unite as one.

Series 3 features return guest appearances from Harry Enfield, Morwenna Banks and Geoffrey Hughes, plus new guest artists including Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, Mackenzie Crook and Sally Phillips.