Academy Award winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, The Social Network) returns with The Newsroom; a new drama based on the inner workings of a television news channel (yes – journalism is exciting).

The show has it’s UK premier tonight on Sky Atlantic HD and amongst the cast is British actor, Dev Patel, who plays Neal Sampat – a researcher for the news team. ELLE meets the Skins alumnus to ask him about his involvement in the show.

What can you tell us about your character?

He is a kid from the UK [who] experienced the London tube bombings which he films and sends to the news stations. He’s the new age of news-casting; he uses Facebook and Twitter, he’s youthful and idealistic.

Does the show present the news world as exciting?

There is a lot of kinetic speed in the newsroom. The opinion of these newscasters can influence the public so you can imagine the tension between the characters behind the scenes. This show really takes the media on as an establishment and it deals with what really is newsworthy.

The show has been met with a mixed reaction. How do you feel about criticism?

It is a show with a very strong opinion and obviously that is going to ruffle feathers and we knew that from day one. So it’s nothing new, really.

Author of American Psycho and The Rules of Attraction, Brett Easton Ellis has been a bit critical of the show but has a burning question, tweeting – “Whilst enduring The Newsroom and Jeff Daniels empire anguish, I just kept wondering – do we ever get to see Dev Patel naked?”

[laughs] Oh god! That’s hilarious! That’s bizarre. Should I find that creepy or a compliment?

Compliment, definitely. Will he get his question fulfilled?

Weirdly, I don’t think I am the sexy one in the show, but I do get my kit off in a way, which is strange. I didn’t expect it. Romance blossoms – let’s just say that!

On the romance front, Frieda is your girlfriend – does she ever let you borrow her L’Oreal products.

They do very good shaving foam, actually. But she does let me knick a few things. She will catch me walking out her room with the most crazy stuff on my face.

The Newsroom starts on Sky Atlantic HD tonight at 10pm.