Skins' future in doubt

'Skins' co-creator Jamie Brittain has quit the show after ratings the fell by half.

The future of the E4 drama is said to be in doubt now that the screenwriter - who in 2007 helped launched the controversial show which follows the trials and tribulations of different groups of adolescents - has stepped aside to make way for new talent.

Confirming his departure, Jamie said: "I've just said everything I want to say. It's time for new writers to come forward and portray their truth about teenagers."

However, the writer has insisted he still has faith in the show, saying its sixth series - which was commissioned at the same time as the fifth and will be screened next year - will be "amazing".

Jamie also claimed he will still be involved with the programme, which this year ended with just over 600,000 viewers compared to series four's combined E4 and E4+1 figure of 1.1 million.

He wrote on his twitter page: "Thanks for all the lovely messages. It's true, I am leaving Skins. Sad to go, but don't worry, it's in very good hands.

"Not abandoning it. it's just time for me to go. Don't worry, it'll be great. (sic)"

Fans have voiced concerns that the latest series, starring Dakota Blue Richards as Franky, Alexander Arnold as Rich, and Laya Lewis as Liv, did not live up to past storylines.

A source said: "It doesn't look like there's much life in 'Skins' any more."