O'Connell returns back to Skins (From Hampshire Chronicle)

O'Connell returns back to Skins

3:05pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Jack O'Connell is to reprise his role as bad boy James Cook in a grown-up series of Skins, it has been confirmed.

The Tower Block star, who portrayed Cook in the third and fourth series, will be joined by Kaya Scodelario, who plays his on-screen love interest Effy Stonem, for individual stories in the seventh season of the E4 teen show.

The 22-year-old actor previously hinted about the role, tweeting in May: "Buzzin to get my cook out again on e4. Jamie Brittain's writing him up as we speak so should make for a bangin skins. [sic]"

Hannah Murray, who played Cassie Ainsworth in the first and second seasons, will also be back, along with guest appearances by Lily Loveless (Naomi) and Kat Prescott (Emily).

The show's co-creator Bryan Elsley said: "I am delighted that three emblematic actors, currently embarking on successful movie careers, are returning to E4 and Skins. They will play their iconic characters as they emerge into adulthood, and bring new challenging stories of young adults, grappling with life in Cameron's Britain, to vivid and entertaining focus."

Now a drug dealer, Cook will feature in Skins Rise, which will see him setting off "a train of events leading him into a world of savage revenge and a confrontation with his own violent past."

Kaya's alter-ego Effy will star in Skins Fire, where she now has a dead-end job as a receptionist for a London Hedge Fund. Her flatmate Naomi tries to stop her from ruining her life after she embarks on an affair with her wealthy boss.

The new series, which will be filmed in Manchester and London, is scheduled to air in spring 2013 on E4.