A remarkable love story! Netflix’s HeartstopperThe characters were introduced to viewers by Alice Oseman in her graphic novel series — and it wasn’t long before Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson’s (Kit Connor) adorable romance caught everyone’s eye.
HeartstopperThe story follows Charlie as he adjusts and struggles to be a high school student who has been outed to his peers. He slowly forms a friendship and a close relationship with Nick, a well-known rugby player. He begins to question his chemistry and sexuality with Charlie.
Locke, 18, was able to play Charlie and tell stories he wanted to see more of. “For me, the motivation came from knowing we were telling a story that mattered so much,” he shared with NME during a joint interview with Connor, 18, in April 2022. “But I think in the same way, that was also the challenge: trying to live up to that and create something that matters, not just something that could have mattered if we had done it right.”
Connor, on his part, was praised HeartstopperThank you for providing important representation that was missing in media.
“One of the biggest motivations is the lack of representation for bisexual characters, especially male bisexual characters. There really aren’t that many [on screen]Even though I am aware Sex Educationhas a major male bisexual character. But you know, this show is very much focused around that,” the Rocketmanactor said. “Like, one of the biggest storylines is Nick exploring his sexuality. I suppose one of the challenges of a show like this is it’s never a ‘one size fits all’ kind of thing.”
Connor continued: “We really have tried our best to be as inclusive and representative as possible. but at the same time, everyone’s experience in life is different. We very much tried our best to portray that and create a safe space for the queer community in particular.”
The series was loved by many, but the love interests on screen discussed their hopes for the future.
“I think it’s quite easy to look ahead at a second season because of volume three and four of the novels. Charlie develops an eating disorder and his mental health takes a turn for the worse and I think that would be interesting to look into, especially if the show continues to be very much a teen show,” Locke detailed to Entertainment WeeklyIn May 2022, just one month after the series premiered. “Whenever people tackle mental health on TV, it tends to be really dark and I think what our show has really done well so far is tackling issues, but from an optimistic lens. You can always see the light at the end of the tunnel, you always know it’s going to get better. I think it’d be really great to look at that more.”
Connor said that he was excited to see Nick grow in their relationship. “Between Nick and Charlie, that’s a big thing that they go through in volume 3 is how to deal with that as a couple and learning healthy practices as a couple,” he teased at the time.
Scroll down to learn everything you need to know Heartstopper‘s breakout star:
