In My Skin

This is a very important character study into the mind of a teen that is struggling beyond the limits any teen thinks they can comprehend. And she does so, exquisitely.

This is one of the best depictions of a teenagers troubled life I've ever seen. The ending of the last episode of the first season was a real cliffhanger, so I am very excited to see the next season. The actors are all very good. It is labelled as a comedy, not without reason, because there is a lot of dialogues and situations that makes me smile, but the excitement and dark side of life is always there. Bethan may seem like a dandelion child, but as always there are many layers in the human life, and this drama does not simplify things. That is what impresses me most here.

The first series was revealing and honest about a deprived childhood and the devastating consequences on the aspirations and achievements of that misfortune. It realistically portrays the shame and guilt that can accrue. But all this is done with humour - both ribald and acerbic - that still remains both humane and ultimately hopeful, despite the pent-up frustrations of teenage angst and a quiet rage against the circumstances of life inflicted on protagonist Bethan.

The portrait of Bethan's mam going through an episode of bipolar breakdown is eviscerating - but then again, there is healing and resolution, if only for a while. The mainly female leads in the first and second series are outstanding - Creevey playing Bethan is, as they say, a revelation and the actress playing her mam delivers a tour de force. Rhodri Meilyr, Steffan Rhodri and Mr Wilbraham playing Travis also provide terrific support, as do the young actresses playing Ffion and Bethan's girlfriend (apologies to all actors unnamed - I can't see the crew listing to check your names as I write).

The second series is a wonderful sequence - the actors, their characters and the storyline have all matured. This is a story that needed to be told and it is told engagingly. It could be argued that such stories never end happily or hopefully. But I know from experience (and I think the author has also lived this) that it is possible, especially with the kindness and support of teachers, to escape the seemingly inevitable failure meted out to the 'undeserving' poor. This film may be frank and challenging and even uncomfortable to view at times - but it is both rewarding and entertaining.

I see some anti-Welsh racists in comments have bemoaned the mere existence of Welsh culture and voices - all the more reason to resist such xenophobia and do the opposite. More productions of quality like this from Wales (and other cultures outside the English metropolitan elites) and more presence of the Welsh language are now due. It's time that UK television reflected that English has not 'extirped' Welsh and that it is a modern, European indigenous language with its finger on the pulse of what really matters today and a significant presence in the UK.

I don't really know where to begin, here. The actors are brilliantly cast. All of them. And they all stand out with a credible personality, the students, parents, teachers, the Chippy guy...

Bethan has a harder time than most in her extremely dysfunctional home, but still manages to find the inner strength to survive. Going through all the relatable conflicts and good times in and outside of school, she balances ever so narrowly without plunging into the abyss. It's dark, but it is beautiful, it is ever so relatable, and I recommend it as one of the must-sees. If you are young, or you have young ones living at home, or you need a reminder what being young is like - watch it.

I haven't seen a lot of Welsh series, so I did need the occasional subtitle support, but the accent really has a beautiful melody to it. Now I want to visit the country!

What a program! Why have they waited so long to make another. Incredibly believable acting and wonderful story. I'm from Wales so having a Welsh cast really made it even more special for me. The switch between Bethan's two lives were done portrayed so well and the ending had me itching for the second series. You won't be disappointed! My favourite character was the grandma... HANDS DOWN! Haha.