The Skins stars 'did not feel protected' while filming sex scenes
The #Skins stars 'did not feel protected' while filming sex scenes https://t.co/3qI9whbUhg
- Metro Entertainment (@Metro_Ents) May 22, 2021
April Pearson, 32, played Michelle in the first two series. Laya Lewis, 29, played Liv in series five and six. They both spoke out over the way they were treated on set.
April claimed she 'didn't feel protected' when she filmed sex scenes. "At the time you're young and you don't know any better. You don't really know what to say, to speak out, is this okay… There's a difference between being officially old enough and mentally old enough."
Laya alleged that show bosses told female cast members to 'skip breakfast' so they'd slim down ahead of filming scenes in their bikinis. The female cast had to line up in bikinis ahead of season six shooting in a room with just them and the creator of the show. Laya was 18 when she first starred in the show, and claimed this meant she had more sex scenes than her other cast members.
The two actresses continued to claim that other cast members have 'felt the same' following the show ending.
Skins was created by father and son Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain. Their representative said: "We’re deeply and unambiguously sorry that any cast member was made to feel uncomfortable or inadequately respected in their work during their time on Skins. We’re committed to continually evolving safe, trustworthy and enjoyable working conditions for everyone who works in the TV industry."
Channel 4's statement: "It is very concerning to hear of the comments made. We now have a confidential 'Speak Up' facility available and widely publicised on our production call sheets for current productions, however, we take all allegations of inappropriate behaviour very seriously and encourage anyone with concerns to come forward."
source