joan_psmith | Skins: The novel and Series 4

First published at eurOut.

The novel accompanying popular British TV series Skins has been released Jan. 7 2010. And even more good news for Skins fans: Series 4 is scheduled to air Jan. 28.

Skins is an award winning drama about a group of teenagers in Bristol. Of course what we are most excited about is the relationship between Emily and Naomi, the young lesbian couple fans already know from series 3 and which we meet again in the novel as well as series 4.

Skins: the novel takes place during college summer break and promises new storylines not included on TV.

Naomi and Emily are struggling with spending time apart when Em goes to France with her parents and battles with her stubborn twin sister, Katie. Back in Bristol, Naomi pines for Emily while wondering about her future education.
description on Amazon.co.uk

Judging from the extract available on the official website it promises to be an entertaining read. The extract follows Emily, who is spending the summer with her family in France. Her mother is constantly on the outlook for suitable boys "like a hetero-seeking satellite", while Katie is hitting on every male crossing her path. The reader gets treated to some hot lesbian phone sex when Emily tries to banish the lonely boredom by calling Naomi.

This month's issue of DIVA magazine features an interview with actresses Kathryn Prescott (Emily) and Lily Loveless (Naomi). They talk about the representation of lesbian relationships on TV and the positive responses they've got from their gay fans. Kathryn pointed out that what she liked about the Emily/Naomi storyline was that it wasn't primarily about them being lesbians but that it focuses on their relationship, "which has the same issues as any other".

Kathryn goes on to comment on DIVA's Hot 100 List:

"I know this sounds sexist but I would be far more complimented if a woman put me in a thing like that... I've always secretly preferred women to men."
Kathryn on their appearance in the DIVA Hot 100 List

I don't think this sounds sexist at all, but maybe I'm biased, and I'm sure this line will make many a lesbian fan squee with delight.

As for series four there are of course already spoilery outlooks spreading on the net. It seems that according to a Q&A writer Jamie Brittain held on Twitter the viewers can look forward to a Naomi/Emily sex scene. Is it January 28 yet?