Content warning: this article discusses alcohol, substances, eating disorders, and mental health.
The hit Channel 4 series Skins became a worldwide sensation when it premiered in 2007. The series is divided into three generations of characters, each of whom gets at least one dedicated episode. This allows viewers to get to know each character more intimately and understand what's going on in their lives when they're apart from their friends.
The character-centric nature of the series provides a natural structure to assign each member of Gen 1 from Skins a zodiac sign. Each character represents their own set of values, which are reflected in their choices and the actions that follow.
Updated on August 20th, 2021 by Svetlana Sterlin: Skins (U.K.) remains one of the seminal entries of its genre. Even years after its conclusion, many other teen shows have been influenced by this British comedy. An American remake was ordered but didn't capture the essence of its predecessor. This is largely thanks to the characters, who define the mood for each generation. The diversity of the original group is reflected in the characters' unique personalities — which perfectly match up with the signs of the zodiac.
Aries - Tony Stonem
Tony Stonem excels at pretty much anything he attempts to do. From academics to impressing his friends, Tony seems to have it all figured out. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries are often seen as leaders of their group. Like Tony, they tend to dive into the unknown headfirst, all while maintaining an optimistic demeanor.
Tony fits the archetypical Aries with his short temper. It sometimes gets the better of him and sabotages the best and worst of his relationships on Skins. Aries' dark side lies in their manipulative invincibility complex, demonstrated through Tony's rampant cheating and reckless abandonment, which ultimately leads to his being cast out by his friends.
Taurus - Posh Kenneth
An ancillary character to the main cast, Posh Kenneth appears in several episodes throughout the first three seasons of Skins, mainly as Anwar's friend. Posh is a street rapper who's very articulate and well-read and acts as the fun-loving party pal. In addition to being a source of comic relief, Kenneth demonstrates the strong will and determination of the Taurus.
Taurus, ruled by the planet Venus, is one of the Zodiac's best tastemakers — these bulls love to indulge and have a great time. Posh sure enjoys a good party and is often the one to organize a rowdy get-together. He may not be the main character, but his personality shines through in moments like the chili-eating contest, which cements him as a Taurus.
Gemini - Sketch
Sketch is another side character who plays a very important part in the lives of the first generation leads. Sketch lives with her mom in the same apartment block as Maxxie. She develops an unhealthy obsession with him which continues even after he firmly rejects her.
Sketch then reveals her Gemini nature when she dates Anwar to make Maxxie jealous. This zodiac is represented by the twins and their duplicity and unpredictability. Geminis are also cunning, creative, and quick on their feet, all positive Gemini qualities that Sketch also possesses — but chooses to use in a negative way.
Cancer - Anwar Kharral
Cancer is known as the worrier type, and they tend to struggle with confidence issues. This is certainly true for Anwar, who doesn't quite know where he fits, either in his social circle or his religious family.
Anwar corresponds to the traits of Cancer through his nervousness and his pushover attitude in his relationship with Sketch, who uses him. Cancers have a hard time standing up for themselves, which is why they prefer to have a tight-knit group of friends around them, as Anwar does.
Leo - Angie
Angie is the guidance counselor who ends up having an affair with Chris. Proud, regal, and in control, Leos love to be the center of attention and cannot help but be flattered whenever they're complimented or have an admirer. Angie's conflict with her feelings for Chris stems from her desire to be loved, much like the zodiac's Lion.
Leos are also known for their warmth. Though their affair is very inappropriate, Chris likes Angie partly because she's a steady, reliable presence who offers him care and comfort. Luckily, Chris is able to see that she isn't right for him before his premature and untimely ending on Skins.
Virgo - Cassie Ainsworth
Like the other characters, Cassie has her own struggles. Her overarching battle throughout the series is with her eating disorder and self-worth. Virgos are known to be hypochondriacs, constantly worrying about their health, and tend to be among those who rely on alcohol and other substances.
Cassie is delicate and poised, but this image is carefully crafted because she's her own worst critic. While Virgos are strong, intellectual, and capable, they're sometimes their own worst enemy, afraid they lack the potential everyone else witnesses. On the other hand, Virgos are practical, systematic, and consistent. Like Cassie, they're perfectionists, but they're also kind and gentle, as seen in her friendship with Chris.
Libra - Maxxie Oliver
Libras are known to be flirtatious, and in turn, they're usually liked by others, as Maxxie is. Their fair-minded, pleasant dispositions are what make Libras the peacemakers of their social circles. Maxxie is the glue that holds Gen 1 together and is often the one to patch up Anwar's mistakes.
Ruled by Venus, Libras have an affinity for the arts and visual aesthetics. Maxxie reflects this through his passion for dancing and eclectic taste in fashion. His easy charm makes him attractive to people like Sketch and even Tony, but also well-liked in his platonic relationships with friends and family.
Scorpio - Effy Stonem
Effy's character changes once she's a main cast member in Gen 2, but in the first two seasons, she's dark, silent, and mysterious — all typical traits of a Scorpio. Throughout the first two seasons, she barely speaks. Scorpios are known to have a penchant for mystery, and Effy tends to her enigma very purposefully.
Her presence is powerful and demanding, and she's a natural leader even at a young age. Underneath her tough exterior, though, she's kind and loyal. However, she can be resentful, especially in her relationship with her parents. Effy's cunning nature also makes her a typical Scorpio.
Sagittarius - Chris Miles
Chris is a standard wandering Sagittarius, never staying in one place for too long. After his mom unexpectedly abandons him in season 1, Chris is left to fend for himself, unable to responsibly handle things. His party animal lifestyle and open-minded philosophies reflect those of the Sagittarius.
During his controversial season 2 episode, Jal convinces Chris to give up his "f*** it" attitude and take some responsibility by finding himself a job, which goes against the grain of the nomadic Sagittarius. This zodiac is known to be rebellious, restless, and always craving freedom. Nobody can truly contain Chris, and this is true right up until his tragic death.
Capricorn - Jal Fazer
Jal is known for her strong will and unforgiving, unstoppable work ethic. She centers her entire life around the competition for Musician of the Year. Capricorns are workaholics who value power and control, as Jal does.
In season 2, Jal agrees to stop saying "no" to everything after Chris dares her to be more open-minded. It's typical for a Capricorn to come across as close-minded, judgemental, and regimented. These qualities stem from their strong ambition, persistence, and practicality — all of which Jal demonstrates on a daily basis.
Aquarius - Michelle Richardson
Michelle, elusive and unable to get what she wants, can only be an Aquarius. This zodiac sign is hard to categorize, partly because they're constantly changing. Michelle seems to be changing her mind every day. Sometimes, she seems to care very much about her academics, like when it comes to her Spanish and French classes, but at other times, she neglects her education and is a rebel.
As the philanthropists of the zodiac, Aquarians tend to value intelligence over physical attraction, which Michelle proves when she breaks up with Tony. Before she starts dating Sid, she seems cold, condescending, and unpredictable to him, but soon enough she reveals a more compassionate side to herself. Her ever-changing nature makes Michelle an Aquarius.
Pisces - Sid Jenkins
There's a love square at play in season 1 of Skins when Sid's unrequited love for Michelle, his best friend Tony's girlfriend, blinds him from Cassie's obvious advances. However, as a Pisces, he holds onto the emotional pain of this romantic mishap for a long time. Like this water sign, Sid isn't willing to take action in his relationships, which usually leads to everyone around him suffering.
Pisces are good at empathizing with their peers, which is why Sid is so quick to connect with Cassie. However, he's also deeply loyal and is hesitant to leave Michelle and Tony to spend more time with Cassie. All of these qualities cement Sid's reputation as a Pisces.