“I see a lot of myself in Charlie”

“I see a lot of myself in Charlie”

As a supporter, I wholeheartedly urge you to add “Heartstopper” to your watchlist. The journey of its talented lead actor, Joe Locke, is nothing short of extraordinary. Born on the Isle of Man, he shares a relatable struggle many aspiring actors face – finding opportunities to showcase their talent. Yet, his resilience and passion for acting led him to land the coveted role of Charlie in this groundbreaking series.


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When did you realise you wanted to become an actor?

During my early years, finding suitable companions proves challenging for folks hailing from the Isle of Man. I’ve always found participating in school plays enjoyable, yet never considered it a means to meeting the right individuals.

You applied for an open casting call and landed the lead role in Heartstopper. How did it feel?

It was incredibly unreal, almost as if I were dreaming. Pondering on how different my life might be today, still leaves me amazed…

What do you think it would have looked like?

I’d probably be at university with the rest of my friends and living a very normal life.

What drew you to the role of Charlie?

Heartstopper offers a refreshing, upbeat representation of adolescence and LGBTQ+ experiences. Previously, queer characters often served as sources of humor or tragic figures. It’s heartening to see a joyful narrative centered around queer individuals.

Were there experiences from your teenage years that you channelled into the part?

I see a lot of myself in Charlie — especially in the first couple of series.

The show made you famous overnight — how have you found handling that?

Even saying the word famous, makes me [he shudders]. It makes me sound like a… I won’t say that word!

You and Kit Connor have a great friendship. Did that help when it came to filming intimate scenes?

Performing an intimate scene in front of a crowd of 50 strangers can be quite exposing. However, having someone you trust by your side certainly alleviates the anxiety. We were fortunate to work with an excellent intimacy coordinator who helped us feel relaxed. We rehearsed it like a dance routine, but with sexual positions. With our clear understanding of the choreography, we entered the scene feeling confident and comfortable.

Who have you been most excited about discovering was a Heartstopper fan?

When Kit shared that Elton John had caught our show, it was quite thrilling! Not only that, but I had the privilege of collaborating with Olivia Colman during the first season, an experience that was simply amazing. And as for Johnny, he’s been part of this series – a genuinely wonderful and supportive person since day one.

Your next role is in a Marvel Studios spin-off. What doors have opened since playing Charlie?

If it weren’t for ‘Heartstopper’, I wouldn’t have my career, and I’ll always be thankful for that.

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2024-09-27 16:06