Heartstopper star Joe Locke has confirmed that the Netflix's show's upcoming season will explore sex.
The actor will soon return to screens as Charlie Spring for season three of the hit coming-of-age drama, which is set to premiere on the streaming service this October.
Discussing the upcoming episodes during a new interview with Variety, Locke said that "the show is growing up" and "the second half of the season is about sex."
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The Marvel star compared the exploration of this new, physical aspect of Charlie and Nick's (Kit Connor) relationship to the couple's "first-ever kissing scene" in season one, saying it was "almost" like being back in that point of time again.
"Me and Kit are so comfortable with each other, but it’s still a vulnerable thing to do," he added.
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Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman also previously explained that season three will have a more adult tone, telling Netflix: "Mental health, sex, university ambitions, and more: Nick, Charlie, and the Heartstopper teens are getting older, learning more about themselves and each other, and experiencing new desires, new fears, and new joys as they approach adulthood."
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Elsewhere in season three, Charlie, Nick and Co. will be joined by some new faces, including Tori's (Jenny Walser) new love interest Michael Holden, played by Darragh Hand.
Other new characters include Charlie and Tori's cousin Oliver (who is their younger brother in Oseman's original graphic novels), played by Jensen Clayden, as well as Nick's Aunt Diane (Hayley Atwell).
Back to Black's Eddie Marsan has been cast as Charlie's therapist Geoff, while Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey is making a cameo appearance as Jack Maddox, an Instagram-famous classicist who Charlie has a big crush on.
Heartstopper seasons 1-2 are streaming on Netflix. Season 3 premieres on Thursday, October 3.
Read more Heartstopper news on our dedicated homepage
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Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
