Misfits creator and writer Howard Overman to script a short film ahead of the new series, which will pave the way for a brand new character and see Nathan (Robert Sheehan) leave the show.

In typical Misfits fashion, a trip to Vegas ends in total disaster for motor-mouth Nathan. The exact nature of the super-teen’s departure is being kept firmly under wraps, but it may or may not involve some pic ‘n’ mix, a Fisherman’s Friend, and a Tripling incident. Classic.

The online short will also introduce Rudy, a new super-charged character, who gets the keys to the infamous locker room in Series 3. Casting is underway, and once in place he will be fitted for his very own ankle tag and will join Kelly (Bafta -nominee Lauren Socha), Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), Alisha (Antonia Thomas) and Simon (Iwan Rheon) in the award-winning line up.

Howard Overman says ‘It’s great to be launching the third series of Misfits with an online film which introduces our new character Rudy, as well as saying goodbye to Nathan.’

Channel 4 Drama Commissioning Editor Robert Wulff-Cochrane says ‘We’re all very excited about the return for a third series, as well as kicking off with a ground breaking online film. Howard Overman has created some more brilliantly surprising and original storylines and fans can rest assured that Series Three will begin in a way no-one else could possibly imagine.’

Hilary Perkins, Multiplatform Commissioning Editor, says ‘This exclusive piece of online content is set to confound expectations. It will be essential viewing for any fan and a real event for E4.com.’

So, the gang are back with their all-new powers. But just how did that trade off with Seth the superpower dealer go down? Can any of them fly faster than a speeding bullet? Is Simon any closer to fulfilling his destiny as Superhoodie? And just where does he learn to do all that nifty parkour? With Seth (Matthew McNulty) on the estate and still trading, zombies on the loose, havoc being wreaked with events from the past, even more havoc being wreaked in the present and a rogue super with the power of suspended animation to contend with, you would hope that at least one of them has a power approaching something half way useful. You would hope…..

The 8 x 60 min series will be produced by Clerkenwell Films (Afterlife, Persuasion) for transmission on E4 later in 2011. And it’s not just a new look cast – the production team get their very own make-over. Matt Strevens (Skins) produces while Alex Garcia and Wayne Yip (Coming Up, Secret Diary of a Call Girl) take on co-directorial duties.

Writer Howard Overman (Misfits, Merlin) will be writing five of the eight episodes and executive producers for Clerkenwell Films Murray Ferguson and Petra Fried both return. The new series has been greenlit by Drama Commissioning Editor Robert Wulff-Cochrane.