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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.

‘Beloved’ mom’s body recovered after boat capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay

An undated photo of Tondra Madruga who died when a boat capsized in San Francisco Bay on July 14, 2026. (Madruga Family)(SAN FRANCISCO) -- The body of a 58-year-old woman has been recovered after a boat capsized and sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, marking the second person confirmed dead from the incident.The San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office identified the second victim as Tondra Madruga. Two people remain missing.Madruga's relatives said in a statement that they're "heartbroken by the loss of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt.""Our hearts remain with every family impacted, and we sincerely appreciate your kindness and understanding," the family said. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard, the San Francisco Fire Department, the San Francisco Police Department, all of the first responders, and the civilian boaters and community members who selflessly assisted in the search and rescue efforts. Your dedication and support mean more to our family than words can express."Authorities said they believe 20 people were aboard the Volare, a 50-foot cabin cruiser based out of Stockton, California, when it was hit by a wave Tuesday evening, causing it to capsize.One man who was aboard was taken to the shore severely injured and, despite CPR being administered, was pronounced dead, officials said. He was identified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as 79-year-old Clifford Joseph Boisa.A dog also died, San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen said.Three people were taken to the hospital and later released, Crispen said.Crispen told reporters that authorities believe there was a memorial service that the 20 passengers, all adults and mostly comprised of family members, were taking part in on the vessel when it capsized. One survivor said it was a memorial for her sister, ABC San Francisco station KGO reported.The Coast Guard announced Wednesday that it suspended search operationsJarod Toczko, commander for U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, said the decision to suspend the search was not easy, but his teams swept through 950 square nautical miles and hadn't found the missing people or the boat.Toczko said there was a "high possibility that individuals could have been trapped in the vessel."Rescuer Justin Marceline told KGO that some passengers were "banging on the windows, trying to get out" of the boat."It was pretty wild, seeing that, honestly," Marceline said, adding that conditions in the water were "really bad.""The people that were bobbing in the water, we pulled them out first," Marceline said. "The people in the water were elderly folks, they were conscious, but people were too tired and worn out."Toczko praised those who jumped to save the passengers."No question, no doubt...those people saved lives," he said.ABC News' Emily Shapiro and Jennifer Watts contributed to this report.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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