Kit Connor and Joe Locke reflect on the emotional end of Heartstopper

‘The end of an era’

The film picks up directly after the events of series three and follows the couple as they face one of the biggest changes in their relationship so far. 

Nick, now 18, is preparing to leave for university, while 17-year-old Charlie is trying to become more independent and build a life of his own at school.

As the distance between them begins to grow, both struggle in different ways. 

Nick finds himself leaning more heavily on alcohol as he worries about leaving Charlie behind, while Charlie wrestles with jealousy and insecurity as he adjusts to life without Nick constantly by his side.

For Kit Connor, who plays Charlie, saying goodbye to the show was emotional but also felt like the right ending.

"It feels quite strange, but also a really lovely way to finish it," he said. "I think everyone involved, both the cast and the crew, feels really happy with how we've been able to say goodbye."

Connor also reflected on the impact Heartstopper has had, saying its popularity proves just how much audiences want stories that celebrate LGBTQ+ happiness and positivity.

Meanwhile, Joe Locke admitted that letting go of Charlie felt surprisingly similar to "sending your child off to university", explaining that after years of helping bring the character to life, it now feels like the right time to let audiences take ownership of the story.

Despite the emotional farewell, Locke said fans could always count on one thing with Heartstopper.

He said: "One of the nicest things about Heartstopper is that from the very beginning, you always know it's going to have a happy ending."