A chat with JJ from 'Skins'

>This week on Skins, we're treated to a glimpse into JJ's home life. He's not like the other kids at school, but he wants to be. And he's going to start becoming a bit more normal - with a little help from his friends. Actor Ollie Barbieri talks us through the next episode.

What has the reaction been like since you've appeared on screen?
"It's been manic - it's incredible! People are really starting to like the show and that's the best thing that could've happened. I've had people approach me and it's quite weird. But my philosophy is that you have to enjoy it - if you don't, it gets harder. But to have people appreciate something you've put so much work into feels amazing."

Have the public taken well to JJ?
"He's an interesting character, so he definitely appeals to people. Cook is a mad man and for the best part of the series that's what he'll stay. But with JJ, you know there's more to him and you want to know what that is."

How would you describe JJ?
"JJ is the underdog. He's a loser, a geek and a goon - but above that he's actually a very conscientious character. He doesn't understand how people work in the same way that other people do. The relationships between other character are like equations to him."

The other guys don't treat him very well...
"JJ is often described as the child. He's Cook's sidekick and he's Freddie's little pet. But they will start treating him a bit better - they have to! Towards the end of the series we see him become his own person."

His episode, airing this week, is quite different from the others, isn't it?
"It's very different - there's none of that hedonism! This episode is about not knowing what to do and who to turn to. It's very deep and it looks into psychological issues to do with becoming who one is, which is what I liked about it."

What do we learn about JJ in the episode?
"He's got a lot of love for his mum. JJ's not a normal kid, so she's always done things for him - she's spent the best part of the past 17 years sorting out issues around him. His parents have a lot to do with why he is the way he is. They're very influential figures. The only other people he really talks to are Freddie and Cook, and they're not the best role models!"

What else can you tell us?
"I had to do a bit of research for some of it. I've played JJ as quite a weird character, and he's obviously got issues. When I first went for the part, I played him quite mad and I jumped around a lot. But he didn't actually turn out like that - he got watered down a bit. It's important that he comes across as believable, and I hope this episode makes things a bit clearer."

JJ forms a close friendship with Emily, doesn't he?
"Yes he does and it's quite sweet. They strike up a frienship because they're both outsiders. They're not particularly popular at school and only really know the other people within the group. JJ and Emily understand each other - they're just two people who get on."

There's quite a lot of nakedness in the series. Does it bother you to film those scenes?
"Not really, no. There are obviously limits on what the producers can do legally. I knew they couldn't do certain stuff until I was 18. Skins is a job, and it's a laugh. I remember when I had the contract in front of me and I thought 'if I sign this, they're gonna make me get naked in front of a large proportion of the British public'. But if I'm not gonna do it, someone else is."

Did you know what to expect after the first two series?
"Well, I didn't actually watch Skins before I was in it! i knew the premise and I knew it was about teenagers getting lairy, doing lots of drugs, and having loads of sex. It's deliciously ironic that I'm the one member of my group of friends who didn't watch the show, and I've ended up acting in it."

Have you heard anything about a fourth series?
"Not yet, but I hope we do one. I enjoyed filming the third series so much. It would be amazing to do another one and it would give us a chance to explore the characters so much more. I'm excited to see what else they could do with JJ."

Skins continues Thursday at 10pm on E4.

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