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‘Heartstopper Forever’ stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke talk series’ lasting impact

Joe Locke as Charlie Spring and Kit Connor as Nick Nelson in ‘Heartstopper Forever.’ (Netflix)

Heartstopper Forever, the movie conclusion to the popular Netflix teen romance series, is ready to make core memories.

The film, based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, follows Kit Connor’s Nick Nelson and Joe Locke’s Charlie Spring as they grapple with what happens to their relationship after Nick leaves for university.

As their characters look toward the future, Connor and Locke are reflecting on what the series has meant to fans of all ages. Locke tells ABC Audio he’s feeling “very grateful” looking back on a “whirlwind of five years,” while Connor acknowledges being part of something so beloved doesn’t happen often as an actor.

“In fact, quite rarely … you get to be part of something that really seems to have a genuine impact on people beyond just sort of liking a show or being entertained by a show,” Connor tells ABC Audio. “There’s … a genuine impact on people’s lives that seems to have occurred, and I think no matter who you are, to be involved in that is a privilege and an honor.”

Heartstopper has grown up with its actors, with the film striking a more mature tone in its portrayal of sex, mental health issues, teenage relationship growing pains, and LGBTQIA+ identity and trans rights.

But in true Heartstopper fashion, there is, of course, a happily ever after. And since the title includes the word “Forever,” how do the stars hope it lives on?

“I hope it continues to make people happy when they watch it,” Locke says.

Connor adds, “I think that if it makes people feel comfortable, feel safe, feel inspired, feel brave — if it continues to do that, then I think we’ll be in good stead.” 

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye just yet, Netflix is airing the behind-the-scenes special Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi on July 24.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Tropical Storm Lala drenches Hawaii as flash floods sweep away Big Island homes

▶ Watch Video: Hurricane Lala hits Hawaii, weakens to tropical storm Tropical Storm Lala continued to bring damaging winds and heavy rains on Sunday after skirting past Hawaii's Big Island as a hurricane overnight.Powerful waves pounded the Big Island's coast as Lala slowly passed by. Howling winds whipped palm trees and waterways swelled with fast-moving runoff from relentless rain that blew nearly sideways. More than 28 inches of rain fell in parts of the island, and 32 inches of rain was recorded in La Poya, authorities said.The weather system weakened back to a tropical storm as it continued moving west, while remaining south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands on Sunday. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said the storm is expected to weaken throughout the day into Monday but will still pack a punch."I'm most worried about the ocean coming into my house," local resident Cynthia Totty-Hefley said Sunday. "I had a little anxiety last night. I was thinking about the ocean coming through, breaking my house down and washing us out to the ocean, washing us out to sea."On Saturday, Lala's eyewall — an area of powerful winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain which encircles the eye of a hurricane —brushed the southern portion of the Big Island, forecasters said. A hurricane has not made direct landfall in the state since Hurricane Iniki in 1992. At least one person was killed in a car accident in the southernmost point of the Big Island, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Sunday, but officials said there have been no confirmed storm-related deaths."Everyone is safe and healthy," said Green, a medical doctor who previously worked in emergency departments of remote hospitals on the Big Island. "But boy, a lot of work ahead."A vehicle approaches a downed utility pole dangling above Mamalahoa Highway during Hurricane Lala near Ocean View, on Hawaii's Big Island, on Aug. 15, 2026.  Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
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