Heartstopper

Heartstopper first look images introduce fan-favourite graphic novel characters

Alice Oseman’s cult series of graphic novels returns to the screen for a third series, starring Joe Locke and Kit Connor as Charlie and Nick. The two high schoolers began as friends and soon moved into something more, dating through series two and building towards the big L word - although Charlie struggled to actually say it. The series two finale saw Nick come out the closet, understand the gravity of some of Charlie’s mental health issues, and Charlie type out ‘I love you’ and hover his fingers over the send button.

Jonathan Bailey and Eddie Marsan announced for Heartstopper series three

Joe Locke and Kit Connor as Charlie and Nick are looking intently into each other's eyes, Charlie's hand on Nick's neck

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.

BBC reveals first-look pictures for new drama Dope Girls

Michael Duke as Eddie Cobb and Umi Myers as Billie Cassidy sit together, looking serious, in front of cracked mirrors indoors. Billie has her arm propped on Eddie's shoulder

The show centres around the clubs and nightlife of 1918 Soho. Men are returning from World War I, and finding women back home far more independent than when they left them.

Each of the six episodes follows all types of people caught in the tangle of clubland. There’s single mum Kate Galloway, played by Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown), who sets up a nightclub to provide for her daughter, Evie (Eilidh Fisher). Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers) is a dancer, whose life is turned upside down by Kate.

Heartstopper to return for a “bit more steamy” third series in October

Nick and Charlie look into each other's eyes, staring intently, faces a couple of inches away from each other

Series two ended with Charlie (Joe Locke) holding back tears as he opened up to boyfriend Nick (Kit Connor) about his experiences of self-harm.

This time round, the Summer holiday is coming to an end, and university beckons. The future is calling, but right now, all Charlie wants is to hear Nick say “I love you”. Meanwhile, Tao (William Gao) gets to grips with his hobbies, while Charlie’s big sister Tori (Jenny Walser) meets someone new.

In a video confirming the release window, Kit Connor promises: “It’s started to get a bit more steamy” between Charlie and Nick.

Production begins for Heartstopper series three

Alice Oseman’s hugely successful LGBTQ+ graphic novels gained instant popularity as a television series when released by Netflix back in 2020, with its portrayal of gay, lesbian and transgender teenagers resonating around the globe.

Main characters Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) have gone from on-again-off-again flirtations and Nick’s coming out the closet, to going public with their relationship and almost saying those all-important three words in series two’s finale.