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Kit Connor, Joe Locke share favorite ‘full-circle moments’ from ‘Heartstopper Forever’

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

Heartstopper Forever bid farewell to Nick, Charlie and friends, but not before revisiting memories of seasons past.

The film is peppered with nostalgic references and callbacks to iconic scenes from the teen romance series — from Nick and Charlie’s (Kit Connor and Joe Locke) first kiss to their first date on the beach. 

“When we shot at Herne Bay on the beach [in Kent, England], it was four years to the day that we had had our final day on season 1 at the beach,” Connor tells ABC Audio. “So it was a strange coincidence that we were shooting at the same beach four years apart, but it was really a beautiful day and quite a full-circle moment.”

Aside from Nick and Charlie, some of the other characters get their full-circle moments, as well. Locke, who served as a producer on the film along with Connor, says he suggested the “really lovely moment” between Charlie and art teacher Mr. Ajayi (Fisayo Akinade) in the film.

There’s also a moment between Nick and Tao (Will Gao) — a culmination of poignant scenes between the two unlikely friends that’s been building since season 1. Connor says they only had 40 to 45 minutes to shoot it and they tapped into their real emotions as close friends off-screen. “That final scene is quite meta in a way, because it was sort of me and Will talking about saying goodbye to this experience,” he says.

When it comes to parting gifts from set, Connor and Locke say they’ve both taken some items over the years, including clothes, a Truham tie and a rugby ball. Connor laments not taking anything more sentimental, before quickly changing his mind.

“We didn’t need to,” he says. “We’ve taken each other.” 

Heartstopper Forever is out now Netflix, with the behind-the-scenes special Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi out July 24.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Dolly Parton dead at 80: Celebrities react to country music superstar’s death

Dolly Parton performs live onstage at the U.K. Country Music Festival, April 1, 1976. (Andrew Putler/Redferns/Getty Images)Celebrities are offering their condolences following the death of country music superstar Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80.Lily Tomlin, Parton's longtime friend and one of her co-stars in the 1980 hit comedy 9 to 5, wrote on Instagram, "No words…" alongside a broken heart emoji.The movie was Parton's big-screen debut, and she wrote and performed the film's chart-topping, Grammy-winning theme song.Tomlin said at the 16th annual Governors Awards in 2025 that the song "9 to 5" was "so much bigger than any singular theme song on a movie soundtrack," saying it "became an anthem for our culture of the time."She added at the time that Parton's "humanitarian achievements are as staggering as her formidable singing career" and called her "one of the few people who remains in this world that everyone loves and respects."Country singer Kacey Musgraves wrote on social media on Tuesday, "This really really hurts.""The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden," Musgraves said. "So glad she's with her Carl Dean."Dean, who was Parton's husband of nearly 60 years, died last year at the age of 82.Parton’s fellow country singer and actress Reba McEntire wrote on Instagram, "Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart.""There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang," she continued. "I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart."The Jacksons called Parton a "true trailblazer" in a statement on Instagram."Through her extraordinary talent, kindness and generosity, she opened doors and inspired generations around the world. We share this special memory from 1977, when we had the honor of meeting Dolly in England on the same day we also met Queen Elizabeth II," the Jacksons wrote alongside a carousel of images. "Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the joy and the light you shared with us all.""Our prayers are with Dolly’s family, friends and everyone whose life she touched. ... Your beautiful spirit and remarkable legacy will live on forever," the Jacksons said.Khloe Kardashian, a Parton superfan, wrote in an Instagram Story, "Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people.""A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever," Kardashian wrote. "To have admired her was a gift. To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name... I will never have words big enough for what that means to me.""What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss," she added. "There will never be another Dolly.Singer Kelly Clarkson also honored the legendary singer, writing on social media that Parton "had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends.""I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will," Clarkson said. "What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us."Jack White of The White Stripes, who covered Parton's hit song "Jolene" in 2000, posted a photo of Parton on Instagram with the caption, "Instant Sainthood."Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth wrote on Instagram that she was "heartbroken," calling Parton her "ultimate inspiration.""I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records," Chenoweth said. "The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you."The Muppets also honored the iconic performer, saying in a statement on Facebook, "There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton. She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist. She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off."Actress Octavia Spencer called Parton "a gift to the world," writing on social media, "[Y]our voice, your philanthropic heart, and warmth made us ... feel seen and that the world was a pretty decent place."Actor Colman Domingo wrote on social media, "Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness. What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her."This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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