Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) is making a cameo as Jack Maddox, a classicist making waves on Instagram and setting Charlie’s heart aflutter.

The series two finale saw Charlie (Joe Locke) open up to boyfriend Nick (Kit Connor) about his history of self-harm. Nick tries to say “I love you”, but can’t quite get the words out. Later, Charlie writes it out in a text, and has his finger over the ‘send’ button, before the episode – and series – comes to an end.

Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) will appear in the third series as Geoff, Charlie’s therapist. Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter) will assume the role of Diane, Nick’s aunt who takes his nephew on holiday to Menorca. There, she imparts some tough love about his and Charlie’s relationship.

Heartstopper is an adaptation of the webcomic and graphic novel series of the same name by Alice Oseman, who also pens the TV show.

“Season two ended with Nick beginning to understand the extent of Charlie’s mental health issues, and it’s this that will drive the story through season three,” Oseman said.

“While Heartstopper will always celebrate the joyful and point towards hope, I’m really excited that we are allowing the tone of the show to mature alongside our beloved characters growing up.”

The first series was released in 2022, and the second series in 2023. The third series will be released in October 2024.