During the auditions, Kaya Scodelario, who was 14 at that time, claimed to be 16 on the forms to get herself noticed. She later felt that she was too young for the show and was about to leave. But a producer told her to stay and encouraged her to read for the part of Effy.
Luke Pasqualino (Freddie) originally auditioned for the role of Tony Stonem.
The show's pattern to change from a teenage drama with comedy elements to a more serious coming-of-age drama is intentional. In each generation, the first season introduces the characters, while the second season focuses on their psyche.
In one episode, JJ performs a "magic trick" by blowing fire. As soon as the flame bursts out, you can see (and hear) the reactions of Cook, Effy and Freddie. According to Ollie Barbieri, the reactions of Luca Pasqualino and Jack O'Connell, even the scream of Kaya Scodelario, were all genuine. It was told to them that there will be a fire-blowing scene, but it won't be real. What they didn't know was that Ollie Barbieri would actually blow fire.
Tony, Effy, Sketch, Sid and Rich are the only characters who break the fourth wall by looking directly into the camera.