Heartstopper Forever is now available to stream, with fans of the drama sure to flock to Netflix this weekend to find out how this trailblazing love story ends.
Joe Locke and Kit Connor reprise their roles as boyfriends Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, who face an uncertain future as post-school plans could leave them hundreds of miles apart.
Creator Alice Oseman has managed to incorporate most other Heartstopper cast members into her script, but there are a few absences of note – and one major substitution as Anna Maxwell Martin fills in for Olivia Colman.
Although we might be saying goodbye to these characters, it certainly won’t be the last we see of the Heartstopper stars, with Locke, Connor, Rhea Norwood and Jenny Walser among those with exciting projects in the pipeline.
Read on for your reintroduction to the full Heartstopper Forever cast, complete with character profiles drawing upon the past three seasons of the show.
Heartstopper Forever cast: Full list of actors in finale film
Here’s an overview of the key players in Heartstopper Forever – read on for more detailed profiles on each character and the actor playing them, including where you might have seen them before.
- 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 Olsson
- Tobie Donovan as Isaac Henderson
- Rhea Norwood as Imogen Heaney
- Anna Maxwell Martin as Sarah Nelson
- Jenny Walser as Tori Spring
- Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry Greene
- Fisayo Akinade as Mr Ajayi
- Darragh Hand as Michael Holden
- Eddie Marsan as Geoff
Kit Connor plays Nick Nelson
Who is Nick Nelson? Nick Nelson is a student at the same grammar school as Charlie Spring. They meet for the first time at the start of season 1, having not spoken previously due to their age gap and different social circles.
However, Nick’s reputation precedes him as the standout star of the school’s rugby team, with a promising future ahead of him. He quickly becomes fond of Charlie after getting to know him in form tutor, but the strength of his feeling forces him to address some tough personal questions – ultimately coming out as bisexual.
Since they became official, Nick has been a vital support for Charlie through various struggles, but in the process has often quashed his own feelings and doubts. Those appear to be rising to the surface in Forever, as Nick finally tries to understand who he is beyond his love for Charlie.
What else has Kit Connor been in? Since finding stardom in Heartstopper, Connor has lent his voice to acclaimed animated film The Wild Robot, and formed a creative partnership with Alex Garland (spanning Warfare and the upcoming Elden Ring).
Previously, Connor portrayed a young Elton John in the singer-songwriter’s hit biopic Rocketman, which released in cinemas back in 2019. He also provided the voice of Pan, daemon to Lyra Belacqua, in BBC drama His Dark Materials.
Joe Locke plays Charlie Spring
Who is Charlie Spring? Charlie is a student at an all-boys grammar school, who is outed as gay earlier than he would have preferred people to know – and is relentlessly bullied as a result. The harassment eventually simmers down (although doesn’t stop entirely), with close friends Tao, Elle and Isaac helping him through the toughest times.
Later, Charlie begins a secret and toxic relationship with closeted student Ben Hope, which comes to an end shortly before his introduction to Nick Nelson in form tutor. There is an instant spark between them, with their friendship soon evolving into romance over the course of a school year.
By season 3, there love is public knowledge, but things aren’t all rosey. Charlie develops an eating disorder that leads to his hospitalisation, but with help from therapist Geoff, he is able to get on the road to recovery. The next hurdle to be addressed for Charlie and Nick will be their post-school plans, which could take them in different directions entirely.
What else has Joe Locke been in? Heartstopper marked Locke’s screen debut, having been cast in an open audition. He has since landed the role of Billy Kaplan/Maximoff aka Wiccan in Marvel’s Agatha All Along; a popular character fans hope to see reappear in the sprawling franchise. Locke has also made his Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, where he played Tobias Ragg.
Read more:
- Joe Locke on Heartstopper season 3, filming sex scenes and famous fans
- Heartstopper’s Alice Oseman opens up on tackling sex and mental health in season 3
William Gao plays Tao Xu
Who is Tao Xu? Tao is one of Charlie’s best friends and is fiercely protective of him. Initially, he is sceptical when Nick starts spending time with Charlie, fearing he could be taking advantage of his good nature. Generally, Tao is easily alarmed by anything that threatens to endanger the friendship group he loves so dearly.
From season 2 onwards, his relationship with longtime friend Elle began to evolve into romance, but they haven’t had an easy time together. Their imminent plans to move abroad post-school throw yet another spanner in the works.
What else has William Gao been in? Heartstopper was William Gao’s screen acting debut. However, he is also known for his music career, performing in a band called Wasia Project with his sister, Olivia Hardy.
Yasmin Finney plays Elle Argent
Who is Elle Argent? Elle is another close friend to Charlie and Tao. She is transgender and moved to an all-girls school after suffering cruel treatment from students and teachers alike at Truham Grammar.
Things have improved vastly since then, as she made friends with fellow LGBTQ+ students Tara and Darcy. From there, she has joined an art college and started planning an ambitious career for herself, with sights set on moving to Berlin.
What else has Yasmin Finney been in? Heartstopper was Finney’s acting debut, but she had previously found success on social media. She joined the cast of Doctor Who during Russell T Davies’s second stint on the show, playing Donna Noble’s daughter, Rose.
Kizzy Edgell plays Darcy Olsson
Who is Darcy? Darcy is Tara’s romantic partner, known for their quirky and outspoken personality. However, their tendency to use humour as a crutch stems from trouble elsewhere, including a very difficult relationship with their mother.
Darcy initially identified as a women when introduced in season 1, but has since come out as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
What else has Kizzy Edgell been in? Edgell made his screen debut in Heartstopper. He has since come out as transmasculine.
Corinna Brown plays Tara Jones
Who is Tara Jones? Tara is a student at the all-girls school that Elle joins. She and her romantic partner, Darcy, strike up an instant rapport with Elle after meeting one morning and form a close-knit friendship group.
Tara and Darcy have been public about their relationship for some time now, but their communication as a couple required some fine-tuning. Fortunately, they were able to overcome awkwardness over saying ‘I love you’ and a stressful period spent sharing a room, after Darcy’s mother kicked them out.
What else has Corinna Brown been in? Brown starred opposite Katherine Kelly in Channel 4 thriller In Flight, and joined the cast of Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty for season 3. She has also worked as a stunt performer, including on Netflix’s Supacell.
Anna Maxwell Martin as Sarah Nelson (Forever only)
Who is Sarah Nelson? Sarah is Nick’s kind and supportive mother (previously played by actor Olivia Colman in the series).
What else has Anna Maxwell Martin been in? Martin played a rather less calm and collected parent in BBC sitcom Motherland. She’s also known for roles in Line of Duty, Star City and Ludwig, among many other credits.
Tobie Donovan plays Isaac
Who is Isaac? Isaac is one of Charlie’s close friends. He is more introverted than the other members of the group, preferring to have his head in a book than attend a wild party. A key journey for him has been understanding his asexuality, which at times made him feel isolated as the people around him romantically coupled up.
What else has Tobie Donovan been in? Heartstopper is also Donovan’s on-screen debut.
Rhea Norwood plays Imogen
Who is Imogen? Imogen was a student at the girls grammar school nearby to Truham, who grew up with Nick and developed a crush on him around the same time he started dating Charlie. It was a tricky thing for both of them to navigate, but they managed to get through it with their friendship intact.
Since then, Imogen spent a brief period dating Ben Hope, which ended predictably badly. Now, she’s questioning her identity and seeking a deeper understanding of herself.
What else has Rhea Norwood been in? Norwood has starred in Channel 4’s Consent, Prime Video’s Your Christmas or Mine 2, and took up a celebrated stint playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret on the West End. Looking ahead, she has roles lined up in Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building season 6.
Leila Khan plays Sahar Khan
Who is Sahar? Sahar is a student at Higgs Girls School, who first got to know Tara, Darcy and Elle as they planned an ambitious prom night. Now, she’s performing in a rock band and pursuing her dream of a music career.
What else has Leila Khan been in? Heartstopper was Khan’s on-screen debut, but she has since bagged a role in the BBC’s buzzy children’s fantasy series Crookhaven.
Jenny Walser plays Tori Spring
Who is Tori Spring? Tori is Charlie’s older sister, who is generally introverted but cares greatly about what’s going on in her brother’s life. She is the main character in Alice Oseman’s novel Solitaire, which is set before the events of Heartstopper.
What else has Jenny Walser been in? In 2021, Walser played Louise Wrigley in the 10th season of BBC drama Call the Midwife. More recently, she’s joined the cast of Apple TV’s Star City and Sky’s Sweetpea season 2.
Fisayo Akinade plays Mr Ajayi
Who is Mr Ajayi? Mr Ajayi is the art teacher at Charlie’s school, who has mentored and looked out for him as a fellow member of the LGBTQ+ community. In recent months, Mr Ajayi has himself found romance with colleague Mr Farouk.
What else has Fisayo Akinade been in? Akinade’s previous credits include The Personal History of David Copperfield, Silent Witness and zombie drama The Girl with All the Gifts. He is also known for playing Dean Monroe in Russell T Davies dramas Cucumber and Banana.
Other gigs include Atlanta season 3, Dangerous Liaisons, Showtrial season 2 and Apple TV epic Foundation.
Nima Taleghani plays Mr Farouk
Who is Mr Farouk? Mr Farouk joined the faculty of Truham Boys School in season 2, bringing with him a stern tone that never fails to silence a room full of rowdy kids. He becomes close to Mr Ajayi when they’re faced with the challenge of taking a group of students to Paris.
What else has Nima Taleghani been in? Taleghani has also starred in acclaimed prison drama Waiting for the Out, tense indie thriller Femme and ITV’s true crime adaptation Hatton Garden.
Jack Barton plays David Nelson
Who is David Nelson? David is Nick’s older brother and a university student. He holds homophobic views and seeks to cause trouble when he discovers that his sibling is dating a boy. It’s unclear whether David and Nick’s relationship can be recovered.
What else has Jack Barton been in? Barton has previously appeared in The Letter for the King, The Pursuit of Love, War of the Worlds and SAS Rogue Heroes.
Bel Priestley plays Naomi
Who is Naomi? Naomi is another trans student, who Elle meets at art college. She and Felix instantly bond with Elle over their shared experience as trans people, forming a supportive friendship group.
What else has Bel Priestley been in? Priestley is also known for her social media presence, amassing a huge audience on TikTok while chronicling her transition.
Ash Self plays Felix
Who is Felix? Felix is a trans student at an art college that Elle joins.
What else has Ash Self been in? Self is best known for their social media presence, where they share their experience as a trans disabled person. They are also pursuing a career in stand-up comedy.
Cormac Hyde-Corrin plays Harry Greene
Who is Harry? Harry is a bully who attends Truham Grammar School for Boys. In season 1, he frequently targets Charlie and Tao with hurtful comments, some of which are overtly homophobic.
Initially, Nick was reluctantly friends with him as they both played on the rugby team, but he has since distanced himself in a show of loyalty to Charlie. By the events of Forever, Harry has, to some extent, come around to Nick and Charlie’s point of view, but is still shown to be arrogant and obnoxious.
What else has Cormac Hyde-Corrin been in? Heartstopper was Hyde-Corrin’s on-screen debut.
Bradley Riches plays James McEwan
Who is James McEwan? James is a Truham student, who initially had a crush on Isaac. However, Isaac could not reciprocate his feelings as he was grappling with his asexuality. They have managed to remain friends, despite the emotional nature of this introduction.
What else has Bradley Riches been in? Riches made his on-screen debut in Heartstopper, but has since found further success in ITV soap Emmerdale, where he plays Lewis Barton.
Darragh Hand plays Michael Holden
Who is Michael Holden? Michael has been described as a “quirky, eccentric optimist with a sunshine disposition”. He is close with Charlie’s sister, Tori, although the exact nature of their relationship isn’t clear at first glance.
What else has Darragh Hand been in? Hand took on a very different role to Michael in Netflix’s mystery-comedy How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (created by Derry Girls genius Lisa McGee). Previously, he’d played Kai Locke in Silent Witness, Leo in ITV’s Grace, and portrayed Marcus Rashford in the stage version of Dear England.
Eddie Marsan plays Geoff
Who is Geoff? Geoff is Charlie’s therapist, who helped him to recover from the most extreme stages of his eating disorder. He still plays an active role keeping Charlie on a healthy path.
What else has Eddie Marsan been in? Marsan is never far from the screen, with a long list of credits to his name, including Ray Donovan, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, Deadpool 2, Back to Black and Supacell.
Former Heartstopper cast: All the stars missing from Forever
Olivia Colman as Sarah Nelson (seasons 1-2)
Who is Sarah Nelson? Nick’s kind mother, first portrayed by Colman, and later by Anna Maxwell Martin (as outlined above).
What else has Olivia Colman been in? Colman first became known for roles in British comedy, including That Mitchell & Webb Look and Peep Show. However, she has since become a global star, owing to acclaimed performances in The Night Manager, The Favourite, The Crown, Fleabag and many other esteemed projects.
Hayley Atwell plays Aunt Diane (season 3)
Who is Aunt Diane? Diane is Nick’s maternal aunt, who takes him on a holiday in season 3.
What else has Hayley Atwell been in? Many fans will recognise Atwell for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has starred as Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger, Avengers: Endgame, TV spin-off Agent Carter and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Adding to her blockbuster experience, Atwell also joined the cast of the Mission: Impossible franchise for its climactic two-part finale. The actor recently voiced the title character in animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, and joined the cast of Disney+ hit Rivals for season 2.
Jonathan Bailey plays Jack Maddox (season 3)
Who is Jack Maddox? Described as an Instagram classicist, Jack is someone who Charlie (Joe Locke) has a crush on – and gets to meet at a book signing.
What else has Jonathan Bailey been in? Bailey is known for his roles in Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers, Broadchurch and W1A. Recently, he has starred in Wicked and its sequel For Good as well as dinosaur blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Stephen Fry as Headmaster Barnes (seasons 1-3, voice only)
Who is Headmaster Barnes? Heard only via the school announcement system, Barnes is the former headteacher of Truham Grammar. By the time of Forever, he has apparently stepped down from his post, as we see a different person in the job.
What else has Stephen Fry been in? Fry is one of the UK’s best known comedy talents, having risen to fame in a double act with Hugh Laurie, encompassing both Blackadder and their own sketch show. He went on to host thoughtful panel show QI for many years, before handing the reins to Sandi Toksvig.
Most recently, he gripped the nation with an appearance on Celebrity Traitors season 1.
Sebastian Croft plays Ben Hope (seasons 1-2)
Who is Ben Hope? Ben is a former Truham student, who had been in a secret relationship with Charlie for some time. However, he did not treat Charlie well, refusing to even acknowledge him in public and, in one distressing scene, forcing a non-consensual kiss on him.
What else has Sebastian Croft been in? One of Croft’s earliest roles was that of a young Ned Stark in the original Game of Thrones series. Since then, he has appeared in Penny Dreadful, Doom Patrol, How to Date Billy Walsh and Dope Girls.
Croft is following in co-star Fry’s footsteps to compete in Celebrity Traitors season 2.
Thibault de Montalembert plays Stephane Nelson (season 2)
Who is Stephane Nelson? Stephane is Nick’s father, who has been absent for much of his formative years, living in France and not regularly making contact.
What else has Thibault de Montalembert been in? de Montalembert is probably best known to UK viewers for his role in acclaimed comedy series Call My Agent!. He also had a supporting role in last year’s Oscar contender All Quiet on the Western Front and Timothée Chalamet’s The King.
Heartstopper Forever is available to stream on Netflix, along with seasons 1-3. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
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