Meet the cast of Heartstopper, Netflix’s LGBTQ+ teen drama

As a dedicated fan of Heartstopper, I must say that the casting for this series is nothing short of remarkable! Each actor brings their unique charm and talent to the table, breathing life into the characters we’ve grown to love from Alice Oseman’s novels.

After quite some time, Heartstopper has dominated online conversations and has finally given us a new season. At last, the wait is concluded as we welcome season 3 on our screens today.

Back in October 2023, it was confirmed that the third season of the Netflix show had begun filming. Our beloved characters are returning to continue exploring the heartwarming relationship between Nick and Charlie in a new chapter of their love story.

In the upcoming series, we’ll witness the flowering of Nick and Charlie’s romance, while also tracking the journeys of our cherished group of characters as they experience the ups and downs of adolescence.

Besides Sebastian Croft (Ben) and Olivia Colman (Sarah), many familiar faces will reappear on screen. Moreover, we have some thrilling newcomers to look forward to, including Jonathan Bailey, Hayley Atwell, and Eddie Marsan, who are set to make guest appearances in the upcoming cast.

Keen to know more? Read on for everything you need to know about the Heartstopper season 3 cast.

Heartstopper season 3 cast

As a die-hard fan of Heartstopper, here’s my take on the upcoming season 3:

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson
Joe Locke as Charlie Spring
William Gao as Tao Xu
Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent
Corinna Brown as Tara Jones
Kizzy Edgell as Darcy Olson
Tobie Donovan as Isaac Henderson
Rhea Norwood as Imogen Heaney
Jenny Walser as Tori Spring
Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry Greene
Fisayo Akinade as Mr Ajayi
Chetna Pandya as Coach Singh
with Stephen Fry as the voice of Headmaster Barnes
Darragh Hand as Michael Holden
Hayley Atwell as Aunt Diane
Jonathan Bailey as Jack Maddox
Eddie Marsan as Geoff

Read more about the other major players below.

Kit Connor plays Nick Nelson

Who is Nick Nelson? Nick Nelson is the fellow pupil attending the same grammar school as Charlie Spring. They first encounter each other at the onset of season 1, having not interacted before due to their disparate ages and distinct social groups.

Nick is well-known for being an outstanding member of the school’s rugby team and has a bright sports career ahead. He develops a liking for Charlie after getting acquainted with him in class, but the intensity of his feelings makes him confront some challenging personal issues – eventually revealing his bisexuality to his mother.

Connor mentioned that the moment he revealed himself to his mother was a truly significant and beautiful event for him. Now, he finds himself facing what appears to be an enormous challenge: gradually disclosing this aspect of his life to the other important individuals in it.

Additionally, the spectators begin to understand more about Nick’s familial background as we meet his father and his elder brother. However, they remain somewhat enigmatic figures in Nick’s eyes.

Apart from his role as a young Elton John in Rocketman, Kit Connor lends his voice to Pan, the daemon of Lyra Belacqua, in the BBC drama His Dark Materials. Prior to these roles, he has made appearances in TV series such as SS-GB, War & Peace and Grantchester.

Yasmin Finney plays Elle Argent

Elle is a friend of Charlie and Tao, who happens to be transgender. She had to switch schools due to harsh treatment from both students and teachers. Fortunately, her situation has significantly improved since she joined an all-girls school where she found companionship with fellow LGBTQ+ friends, Tara and Darcy. In the second season, Elle will grapple with uncertainties about her future, possibly pursuing a relationship with Tao and considering higher education opportunities.

This season, Finney noted, Elle is experiencing a great deal of feelings due to her incredibly nurturing and compassionate nature. She’s overly concerned in many aspects, such as what others think of her, her relationship with Tao, and the outcomes of her endeavors. Essentially, she cares about everything excessively.

Besides “Heartstopper”, what other productions has Yasmin Finney been part of? Previously, she gained recognition through her TikTok posts. Later, she appeared in the cast of the 60th anniversary specials of Doctor Who, portraying the character named Rose.

Joe Locke plays Charlie Spring

Inquiry: Who is Charlie Spring?

In time, Charlie embarks on a hidden and harmful relationship with Ben Hope, a student hiding his sexuality. This relationship concludes when he meets Nick Nelson, a rugby player, in his form tutor group. Immediately, there’s a powerful connection between them, which blossoms into friendship and eventually romance as the school year progresses.

In the second season, it’s made official that they are boyfriends, but not everyone knows about it yet. Charlie is deeply concerned about Nick experiencing similar pain as he did, and he’s willing to sacrifice his own mental wellbeing to shield him from harm.

Locke noted that the most noticeable aspect about Charlie’s tale this year is a newfound, open self-assurance not only in himself but also in his relationship.

In the first season, Charlie carried an understated self-assurance; he even mustered the courage to ask Nick out, among other bold moves, which I believe require great bravery. However, as we move into season two, we witness a different side of Charlie – a more spirited and assertive one.

I find it truly engaging to witness someone who firmly upholds their convictions, and it’s simply captivating! Not only is he evolving significantly, but so are all the other characters in this series. It’s a delight to be part of their journey as they mature, growing alongside them.

Apart from Heartstopper, where Joe Locke made his screen debut, what other productions has he been a part of? He is currently featured in Marvel’s Agatha All Along and had his Broadway debut this year in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, portraying the character Tobias Ragg.

William Gao plays Tao Xu

Who does the name Tao Xu refer to? Tao is one of Charlie’s closest friends and is very protective towards him. He becomes cautious when Nick starts hanging out with Charlie, fearing that he might exploit Charlie’s kindness. Typically, Tao is quick to worry about anything that could potentially harm the friendship circle he deeply values. In season 2, his bond with long-time friend Elle undergoes changes as they ponder over whether a romantic relationship would be suitable given their history.

According to Gao, Tao undergoes significant maturation as he explores and understands his emotions and the reasons behind them. This development is further intertwined with his journey with Elle, creating a heartwarming narrative of their relationship’s evolution.

Throughout the series, we witness their love grow with a few bumps in the road, but these are valuable lessons. I believe that by the end of this season, Tao has grown significantly, learning a lot about himself. As a result, he emerges as a more mature and introspective individual compared to his earlier self.

What else has William Gao been in? This is William Gao’s on-screen debut.

Jack Barton plays David Nelson

David is known as Nick’s elder brother and a college student. He harbors homophobic beliefs, which lead him to create problems when he learns about his brother dating a male companion.

Has Jack Barton made any other appearances? Yes, he has been seen in The Letter for the King, The Pursuit of Love, and War of the Worlds. Furthermore, he is set to appear in the second season of SAS Rogue Heroes as well.

Corinna Brown plays Tara Jones

What can be said about Tara Jones is that she’s a student at the school where Elle attends, an all-girls institution. Upon meeting Elle one morning, Tara and her girlfriend Darcy quickly establish a strong bond with Elle, forming a tight-knit circle of friends. For quite some time now, their relationship as a couple has been out in the open; however, they could work on improving their communication dynamics.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “For the longest time, Tara and Darcy have been in a relationship among our show’s couples without explicitly declaring their love for each other. However, one day, Tara accidentally slips up and utters those three powerful words. But when Darcy doesn’t reciprocate, this unexpected moment sends both of them into a whirlwind, causing them to doubt each other’s feelings.

Absolutely, it’s not like Heartstopper for things to go smoothly all the time. Instead, Tara and Darcy still have significant lessons to understand about one another before their bond can reach new heights.

Has Corinna Brown been in anything else aside from My Murder on BBC Three and Doctors?

Kizzy Edgell plays Darcy Olsson

Who is Darcy? She’s Tara’s partner, recognized for her eccentric and candid demeanor. Yet, her frequent reliance on humor masks deeper struggles, which will be delved into during Season 2, concerning her challenging family background.

Edgell praises Darcy, stating that she’s admirable because she’s not at all confused about herself. He expresses that knowing who you are and seeing someone so confident in their identity, unaffected by others’ opinions, is truly remarkable.

It’s refreshing that she explicitly uses the term “lesbian” instead of phrases like “a girl who likes girls.” In this context, the term “lesbian” holds significant importance for me since it’s often perceived negatively.

What else has Kizzy Edgell been in? This is Edgell’s on-screen debut.

Cormac Hyde-Corrin plays Harry Greene

Who does Harry represent? Harry is a schoolboy at Truham Grammar School for Boys who often torments Charlie and Tao with offensive remarks, some of which are discriminatory towards their sexual orientation. Originally, Nick found himself associating with him due to their shared involvement in the rugby team, but he has since severed all connections as an act of solidarity towards Charlie.

What else has Cormac Hyde-Corrin been in? This is Hyde-Corrin’s on-screen debut.

Tobie Donovan plays Isaac

Who is the person known as Isaac? He is one of Charlie’s close companions, frequently seen with him, Tao, and Elle. Unlike the other group members, he tends to be quieter and prefers reading over attending lively parties. The creator Alice Oseman has revealed that Isaac identifies as asexual, which will play a significant role in the upcoming season 2.

What else has Tobie Donovan been in? Heartstopper is also Donovan’s on-screen debut.

Rhea Norwood plays Imogen

In simpler terms, Imogen is a classmate of Nick’s at the girls grammar school who has had feelings for him in the past. They used to have a romantic interest in each other, but Nick ended things between them in a intense conversation. However, Nick hasn’t openly declared his bisexuality to her yet.

What other productions has Rhea Norwood appeared in? She has acted in Channel 4’s Consent, the sequel of Your Christmas or Mine 2 on Amazon Prime, and also the short film titled Killing Them With Kindness.

Jenny Walser plays Tori Spring

Tori Spring is Charlie’s elder sister, known for being rather reserved yet deeply interested in his life happenings. She serves as the primary character in Alice Oseman’s book “Solitaire,” a story that unfolds prior to the events depicted in “Heartstopper.

Has Jenny Walser appeared in any other shows or productions aside from Call the Midwife (BBC drama, Season 10) in 2021?

Fisayo Akinade plays Mr Ajayi

Is Mr Ajayi known as? Mr Ajayi serves as the art instructor at Charlie’s school, and he is also part of the LGBTQ+ community. He takes care of Charlie and permits him to have lunch in the art classroom on occasions when he encounters bullying in the playground.

Has Fisayo Akinade appeared in any other productions? Yes, his previous roles include The Personal History of David Copperfield, Silent Witness, and the zombie series The Girl with All the Gifts. He also played Dean Monroe in Russell T Davies’ dramas Cucumber and Banana. More recently, he made a guest appearance in Atlanta season 3 and had a recurring role in Dangerous Liaisons.

Nima Taleghani plays Mr Farouk

What is Mr. Farouk known as? He’s the latest addition to Truham Boys School, where his commanding voice always manages to quiet even the most unruly students. He forms a bond with Mr. Ajayi when they both are tasked with chaperoning a group of students on a trip to Paris.

Has Nima Taleghani acted in any other shows besides Casualty (BBC), Danny Boy, and the ITV’s true-crime adaptation Hatton Garden?

Thibault de Montalember plays Stephane Nelson

Stephane Nelson is the father of Nick, who spent most of his growing-up years without him, as Stephane lived in France and didn’t maintain frequent communication.

Has Thibault de Montalember been featured in any other productions, you might wonder? Well, he gained recognition among UK audiences for his role in the hit comedy series “Call My Agent!”. Additionally, he appeared in this year’s Academy Award nominee “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “The King”, starring Timothée Chalamet.

Ash Self plays Felix

Who is Felix? Felix is a trans student at an art college that Elle is considering applying to.

I’m relatively new to the world of acting, but I’ve been making strides and building a following on social media by sharing my journey as a trans and disabled individual. Additionally, I’m dabbling in stand-up comedy as well, exploring another creative outlet.

Bel Priestley plays Naomi

Who is Naomi? She is another transgender student attending the same art college as Elle. Naomi quickly forms a bond with Elle based on their shared experiences as trans individuals, creating a strong bond of friendship and support.

As a passionate film fan here, I’ve been following Bel Priestley’s career quite closely. Apart from her captivating performances on screen, she has also made a significant impact off-screen with her active social media presence, particularly on TikTok where she shares her inspiring journey during her transition process. So, if you’re curious about what else Bel has been involved in, I highly recommend checking out her online platforms for more insights!

Leila Khan plays Sahar Khan

Who is Sahar? She’s the student from Higgs Girls School that joins forces with Tara, Darcy, and Elle to organize a grand school prom.

What else has Leila Khan been in? Heartstopper is Khan’s on-screen debut.

Bradley Riches plays James McEwan

Who is James McEwan? James is a Truham student with a crush on Isaac.

As a movie lover, I’ve got to share that Bradley Riches is also gracing our screens for the first time in Heartstopper. It’s an ideal introduction!

Darragh Hand plays Michael Holden

Who is the person known as Michael Holden? He is often characterized as an unusual and optimistic individual with a cheerful demeanor. In the books authored by Oseman, Michael serves as a romantic interest for Tori, Charlie’s older sister.

In a post on Instagram, Oseman expressed it was tough to discover someone who embodied Michael from the books authentically. However, when Darragh arrived, he won our hearts, had us all laughing heartily, and wonderfully complemented Jenny Walser’s portrayal of Tory Spring.

Have there been any other productions or roles that Darragh Hand has been involved in? In his latest ventures, he played Kai Locke in Silent Witness and Leo in Grace. More recently, he took on the character of Marcus Rashford in the stage play Dear England.

Hayley Atwell plays Aunt Diane

In the books by Oseman, we learn that Diane is Nick’s maternal aunt. As depicted in the comics, she encourages Nick to take his friend Charlie with him to Menorca the following year.

Besides her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hayley Atwell has also been seen in other productions. Most notably, she played Peggy Carter in Agent Carter and the Captain America movies, as well as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. She will also lend her voice to the lead character in the upcoming animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft.

Jonathan Bailey plays Jack Maddox

Who is Jack Maddox? He can be characterized as a classic Instagram user, and it seems that Charlie (Joe Locke) harbors a small affection for him.

What other shows or movies has Jonathan Bailey appeared in?” (In this sentence, I have used a more conversational tone and rephrased the original question to make it sound less formal.)

Eddie Marsan plays Geoff

Who is Geoff, you ask? Well, he happens to be Charlie’s therapist, and given that Season 3 delves deeper into Charlie’s eating disorder, it’s likely we’ll see good old Geoff again, lending a helping hand as Charlie navigates his recovery journey.

Apart from Ray Donovan, Eddie Marsan has also appeared in projects such as The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, The Power, Back to Black, and Supacell. He has a diverse acting portfolio that spans numerous films.

Heartstopper season 3 is now available to stream on Netflix along with seasons 1 and 2.

2024-10-03 14:08