Heartstopper's Joe Locke and Kit Connor on Charlie, Nick and gay representation

Attitude meets Joe Locke and Kit Connor who play the leads in Netflix's 'Heartstopper'.
In the show, they portray the high schoolers Charlie and Nick from Alice Oseman's 'Heartstopper' series of comics.
Read their full interview in the May/June 2022 issue of Attitude magazine.
Interview contents:
00:00 Intro
00:12 What advice did Alice Oseman give them?
00:48 Adapting the show from the comics
01:36 Discussing the importance of diversity
02:42 Discussing bullying in school
04:20 What did you learn about yourselves while making the show?
Interview by: Alastair James
Video Producer: Markus Bidaux
Editor-in-Chief: Cliff Joannou
Digital Director: Charlotte Cijffers ⁠⁠
Art Director: Alex Hambis
Fashion & Beauty Director: Joseph Kocharian
Fashion Assistant: Sacha Dance
Attitude is the UK and Europe's biggest-selling LGBTQ magazine.
Subscribe to the official Attitude KZbin ►► bit.ly/3eVH6Xv
Subscribe to Attitude Magazine here: bit.ly/3xS0rRZ
Visit the official Attitude website here: bit.ly/3xRh28D
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @attitudemag

[@ipsharoy7398]

It's great that Netflix is getting actual actors who are still in school or recently graduated school for school student characters.

[@supercalime]

No more 25 year olds playing high schoolers pleaee

[@beatriceevita8591]

FR

[@roe7020]

It wasn’t Netflix it was Alice.

[@august5447]

Lmao it was clearly because of the creator, Alice Oseman, not Netflix.

[@icarooliveira5720]

They also had Everything Sucks have teenager actors, and it's a really good show!

[@zhisu2665]

I love heartstopper because its quite realistic, wholesome not fetishised.

[@Infinite-if7uq]

*Elite cries in the background*

[@baoquynguyen39]

brooo fr fr

[@inzanity490]

Exactly I love how cute and innocent they portrayed their love. Not a single scene sexualized them at all.

[@bella8993]

this is false because it’s acc impossible to get a bf/gf if ur gay 😍😍 /hj

[@adeola_63]

@@bella8993 ???

[@adannayoutube4243]

i’m so glad that netflix finally casted people who are closer in age to their characters. joe and kit are perfect for this show and i can’t wait to see them on screen!!

[@maja2197]

Already happened. Also a gay show, swedish. Watch Young Royals!

[@unnamed8983]

@@maja2197 edvin ryding is only 19 years old so he fits well but umm omar rudeberg is already 23 and don't get me wrong I like his personality based on interviews but he is kinda old tho

[@inzanity490]

@@unnamed8983 Omar still looks young at least so I think it's fine. At least not like Riverdale where you got 16 year olds that look 27. Although it's funny how August is supposed to be older than Simon, yet Omar is 2 years older than Malte.

[@unnamed8983]

@@inzanity490 and i think Omar also can pretty much relate to the characters

[@maja2197]

@@unnamed8983 agree

[@key_987]

can we just appreciate the casting of actual teenagers for teenage roles like its so refreshing not to be watching a show about secondary school aged kids and looking at a cast of like 22 year olds

[@juanfranciscoroquecolin9153]

Yeah, that's the best part of this Heartstopper version. I can't wait to watch it.

[@wufflesmcnotadoggo]

Yeah, I understand casting adults for the sake of reliability but it's always nicer to see actual teens playing teens

[@idax358]

*cough cough* riverdale, but seriously, i agree with that

[@liennamei8680]

They are mostly all 18 or 19

[@envyinc8020]

Or like 15year olds doing drugs and thinking that’s cool

[@meraxestargaryen7217]

I feel like this will have equal or more success than "Young Royals" I love how they're introducing more shows with more representation where the's not a typical couple, and the gay couple is not just a side story but the center in front couple

[@iszpsz2260]

I LOVE young royals like how do you say I love you too? Have nice Christmas?!!! Can’t wait for Heartstopper

[@plumadeprimavera]

I agree with everything you just said✨ I‘m guessing that it’s gonna be more successful than „Young Royals“ because there is already an existing fan base because of the Comic but I‘m sure they are gonna be equally awesome✨

[@louisaweseloh3574]

I really love how the shows turn more into these really realistic high school stories and are way more diverse. I mean I love watching gay couples love stories and how they find someone and being kind of secret but not really and how they come to terms with who they are, like all that. But somehow I don’t really see such cute storylines with lesbians and I really wish for that in the future. Still, there are really good gay shows that I love to watch and I’m so excited for heartsopper :)

[@pleb2290]

it'll be more successful than young royals but it's gonna be equally good

[@unnamed8983]

@@louisaweseloh3574 of you like to read wattpad has hela good stories of all kind of couples i like to read gay and lesbian stories in it especially the ones that include strong feminism

[@rinji9892]

PLEASE THEY WAY THEY BOTH SAID "SORRY" TO EACHOTHER AT 6:07 MY HEARTT

[@Jamietabz]

I NOTICED THAT TOO OMGOMG

[@redbonyfish]

YESS I JUST NOTICED THAT TOO

[@nizlinde]

ITS SO CUTEEEE

[@hisgirlfridayx]

“You can’t say the s word!” - nick

[@amitysspanishbook8987]

AHH IT WAS SO CUTE

[@sophiegraves3529]

joe learned how to be himself through this role and that’s a really special thing

[@etadori9652]

I love the way Kit mentioned Yaz, the way they're supporting each other, shows the good relationship as well as companionship they've been having. I hope the best-est for the show!

[@AthenaGoddess]

As a bisexual person I was so happy that Nick discovered he was bi. It does so often get overlooked or not classed as 'real'. I loved the representation in this show. I found myself liking it more than I thought and I really can't wait till s2.

[@CxsmicRxse]

I agree

[@josephinesomers1150]

same

[@Miguel4MG]

It's so cool to know more about the actors that are behind Nick and Charlie, I can't wait to see the final job! I'm sure they all did great. I hope we will get more interviews with the rest of the cast.

[@minnie1871]

They're both very decent and have amazing personalities. Their answers are really sincere. You can see how they understand their characters perfectly

[@lautaroroldanpizzorno7494]

They're very 'decent'? What do you mean by that?

[@minnie1871]

@@lautaroroldanpizzorno7494 I meant kind. In my country we use decent to describe people who are thoughtful and kind

[@lautaroroldanpizzorno7494]

@@minnie1871 Oh thank you! I realise now it may have come off as mean but I was genuinely curious. Have a nice day!

[@antonizajkowski9698]

@@minnie1871 Can I ask where are you from? Just curiosity

[@solardoesstuff]

@@antonizajkowski9698 uk, i presume. its pretty common to use decent here

[@mukhom]

Really adore the graphic novel and can’t wait for the show!

[@swiftieforeverandalways2436]

Is the one on webtoon th full story?

[@ParkadeParade]

@@swiftieforeverandalways2436 yes! its still coming out with new chapters but its wrapping up in the next year

[@swiftieforeverandalways2436]

@@ParkadeParade thank you! I have been planning to read it but was hesitant that the WEBTOON version is incomplete

[@ParkadeParade]

@@swiftieforeverandalways2436 nope! the webtoon is actually more up to date then the books!

[@swiftieforeverandalways2436]

@@ParkadeParade UPDATE… Just finished reading the comic and I CANT WAIT FOR IT TO BE RELEASED ON NETFLIX

[@confusingdaisyxo7601]

why do I love how Joe literally just stares at Kit when he's talking. You can see how comfortable they are with each other and it's adorable!!

[@AnhDuong-tc5gk]

And Kit does that too, all the time. Kit's body language when he was in other interviews with Joe showed that they are indeed good friends.

[@Saif-jj6cj]

i like how they are introducing to more real life gay teen romance and all the highs and lows through the journey and how its totally different to heterosexual couples

[@Saif-jj6cj]

I want more if these series and films and i want them to be somewhat in a way or normality in ways where there a lot of hetero Christmas films i want lgbtq+ films for holidays such and such

[@ferideylmaz6114]

it's different but not totally though

[@Amal8752]

The highs and lows of highschool football

[@lisaistryingtolive]

I don't think it's TOTALLY different, the show is literally proving that queer and straight love stories have pretty much in common

[@sofi3535]

kit and joe are both so down to earth and good speakers, i’m so excited to see them in their roles!

[@maddiebarlow]

I love them so much!!! they are both so well spoken and both so intelligent. the casting was perfect.

[@alicecheesbrough-heath8344]

Kit has such golden golden retriever energy and I'm living for it

[@NellasxElensar]

Yep, that's why he's the perfect Nick! ☺️

[@jacquelinelewis2110]

So impressed with how articulate and mature they are for 18 year olds…super impressive actors too.

[@ingridfcps]

im so in love with kit oh my god HE'S GENUINELY SO SWEET AND WELL SPOKEN and te same goes to joe, this cast is just amazing

[@johnking5174]

The more of these interviews I watch of Kit and Joe, I fall more and more in love with Joe. He seems such a sweet, lovely, decent, kind, warm young man. His voice is so sweet.

[@kir-rara]

Not only PERFECTLY casted they both have such great chemitry! CANT WAIT

[@valentinatoscano8]

It is amazing how heartstopper has translated to screen not only as a really diverse story about love and friendship but also as a show that celebrates our differences and encourages us queer young people to be ourselves. Can't wait!! 💗

[@asdfghjkl-ec3gf]

they come off as such sweet kids, i hope they have great careers ahead of them

[@effster5997]

As a British queer person in a very northam high school, this show and harry and just everything surrounding it was very fitting to my situation, I went to a Christian school that made me believe I was the devil spawn for thinking girls were attractive and the whole scene of Nick realising and googling hit very close to home. The way that Harry speaks and acts is very close to how boys in my year and other years to act. I'm the same age as Charlie I'm a 15-year-old pansexual girl in yr 10 who everyone thinks is just doing it for attention and this whole series was very comforting to me and was just overall a very accurate represent station of being gay in England where I dare say is slightly more difficult that day America due to the views specifically teenage boys have about being gay

[@ananya1376]

they look so much like the characters they're portraying, it's honestly amazing. i love the books/comic so much, and I'm so incredibly excited to see what netflix makes of this!!!!

[@HeyImG.y]

Joe looked so tired and upset and I think Kit noticed bc Kit's actions changed a bit. X ❤ love them sm

[@livimerle2274]

Where did kit noticed it

[@HeyImG.y]

@@livimerle2274 when he was answering a question while smiling and looked at joe and knew he was sad and stopped smiling

[@learenna]

3:01 joe is right!!! it’s not just about sexuality. it’s about difference. anything someone will do that doesn’t fit to the norms of society is seen as a weakness! but it’s a strength. it’s the power of being who your are and being able to express your true self to the world without caring about what society is gonna think. people will pick up on you for being who you are cause they’re just too scared to do that for themselves.

[@livheartsmatt]

something about the cast just clicks. all of them were casted perfectly, and they have such great off screen chemistry (as well as on screen) and it makes it feel realistic, believable and authentic. i'm SO happy this was adapted into a tv show, and it was handled and executed flawlessly. cant wait for s2 !!!!!!!! :D

[@stygian4330]

I'm incredibly excited to see Yaz's performance, it means a lot to me to see trans actors in more media :]

[@moonao]

it's so nice to see gay stories where the characters are young and not sexualized

[@UncleSheoTV]

I used to go to school with Kit, crazy to see how far he's come!

[@nizlinde]

really?? wow!!

[@maehutton5192]

This is amazing, they both explain things so well. And Kit hyping up Yaz is everything

[@_SincerelyEden]

Its almost scary that the actors they casted look like the comic characters soooo much

[@thatsyourfookinjobyoufooki3565]

i'm so excited for the show to finally come out, these two will be great as nick and charlie

[@beans27_]

@that one person in the corner of the room we love the sass mastah from doncastah

[@carrots2885]

@@beans27_ yaaaaa ofcccc

[@realnepetaleijon]

I will never shut up about how much I LOVE THIS CASTING!! They are so wonderful and perfect for the roles of Nick and Charlie. I can’t wait for this to be released

[@armysofbts191]

To be honest, Alice portray the actual feelings of gay couple in real world, facing the public homophobia, feeling confuse especially on Nick character and Ben's too...they put two person with different attitude. The way Charlie brought himself as gay in public also shows how the director plays with emotions, sad, happy, scared to be rejected.. i really hope NETFLIX will consider to produce HEARTSTOPPER with same casts for new season...

[@valegaribay3803]

They make such a beautiful and iconic duo!!! We can already tell how talented they are and I can't wait to see their performances as Nick and Charlie

[@RamssesPharaoh]

Growing up, dealing with old school prejudice, I always dreamed one day younger people would get to see themselves faithfully represented, understood, in media. It is crucial for the ones watching a show like this; those who feel different, as it is for the ones who get to finally understand them. Great job guys. 👏

[@sunshinepunch6156]

I just finished binging the show and I’m so sad there’s only 8 episodes- I am hoping and praying for a season 2 because of how incredible it was. The fact the show was so raw and real had me sobbing at some points, it was just an amazing representation of the books.

[@sei444]

, this is literally the perfect casting for nick and charlie (and for every character)

[@courtyard1972]

Perfect casting - brilliant show - superb acting - Joe and Kit are perfect - going to be huge stars and what fantastic people they are. Season 2 PLEASE

[@caynary]

i love joe as charlie!! the casting in general is just so perfect!! gahhhhh i’m so excited

[@lavenderfruit9310]

They’re so well spoken and i love them!!!!

[@baoquynguyen39]

Can we appreciate that Alice cast Yas to play a trans character? it’s just absolutely amazing to see that representation for trans actors to be on screen. yes I agree that if you can play the role, play the role, im just saying it’s nice to see representation once in a while ❤️ also the actors actually look like teenagers and some of them are actually still in school? Omg that is so lovely. Thank u Alice >///

[@bre4827]

they rlly pulled them from the comics

[@NeginManhwa]

I love them! They seem like such sweet, smart and wonderful guys. Can't wait for the show to start, omg! ❤️

[@notkaitlyn_]

I literally binge read heartstopper at 1am yesterday until 4am it was amazing I cried alot I'm in love with the actors already they really give off vibes that Nick and Charlie really exist I'm already in love wiTh their chemistry alrdy 😭😭😭😭😭

[@lvr-xo1yo]

They’re both so well spoken they’re so easy to admire

[@lilybrogden5057]

The casting is absolutely perfect. So well thought out. I absolutely adore the series and the characters and I feel that translated so well when it came to the casting. I'm so excited for the show 😊. I wish I could meet Alice Oseman and the cast. Goodluck with everything 😊

[@aesaphyr]

It's a different story meeting the cast but Alice does do book events (although not many) when there is a book out so I'd say keep an eye out for that! I met her when she came to Scotland for Heartstopper Volume 3 a few years ago.

[@lilybrogden5057]

@@aesaphyr omg that's so cool. Maybe one day I can meet her, I'd honestly love too. I'm from South Africa so I don't know when I'll go to Europe 😂 but I'd like to go oneday.

[@markusbidaux1862]

Can't wait for the series to start.

[@jaredangelugloria736]

I'm so head over heels over Kit Connor like how can you not?

[@igorpatzlaff]

the way i’m more hyped about the tv show after seeing that the actors are truly into the story…

[@emidal05]

The fact that the author was on set gives me so much happiness

[@xotarren4608]

Nick was literally the golden retriever throughout the whole thing and I loved it

[@fia7671]

I’ve honestly never been addicted to a Netflix show, until Heartstopper came out & started watching it. Not only it’s about teenage romance, but such amazing lessons you can learn and A LOT of different emotions you can feel while watching it. This is DEFINITELY my favorite series !! 🍂🍂

[@underpressure.]

they're so well spoken and cute i'm soo exciteddddd aaah

[@douglasscott7614]

Kit went to my skl... Didn't know him but always remembered him as a great actor. Glad to see he's been recognised!

[@txmmae_7491]

4:48 Kit Connor doing the sheesh face 😭

[@keithkogane1836]

I've been reading Heartstopper since 2019/2020 and I'm so excited to see these two play Nick and Charlie!! Perfect casting, they both are wonderful people and I know they'll really bring these characters to life

[@jennydunn340]

kit connor reminds me a lot of taron egerton - the way he talks and answers questions

[@scottsummers4234]

He played a young Taron in Rocketman

[@ximenacruz8182]

kit is absolutely nick! it’s amazing✨

[@jomarkmagbanua143]

I love how realistic Kit's portrayal of a bi person is, or someone discovering his sexuality. His facial expressions, eye contact, the tone of his voice, especially when he came out to his mom and when he expressed his love to Charlie when he left the rugby match, dámn, everything is on point.

[@sofialeallealleon645]

as an actor and a heartstopper fan...I love these two so much. they're so well spoken and I can already tell they're going to be amazing on the show🥺 so inspiring to see people my age doing this

[@attitudemag]

Check out our second Heartstopper interview with Yasmin Finney (Elle) and Will Gao (Tao) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZLVYp-BjLmFjKs The Heartstopper cast are on the cover of the May/June issue of Attitude. Get your copy here: attitude.imbmsubscriptions.com/

[@poppymist]

cannot wait for mine to arrive :D

[@enigmanightmare262]

I really relate to this literally on how me and my seatmate back in college turned bisexual with each other. Sadly it didn't worked out. He has a girlfriend now and im still stuck with the feeling of longing for him. And it is like fucking 2yrs now. I hope Nick and Charlie's story won't end up like ours.

[@scotties.3414]

I have binge watched all 8 episodes seven times now, and cried equally hard at those pivotal scenes which bear so much truth. This show is not just a heart-stopper, but a life changer for so many. ❤

[@ianlovesmickey9658]

Its refreshing to see that the two actors playing the leads is close in age to their characters in the show. I cant believe that the blond actor is the young kid who played the young Reg in the excellent Rocketman.

[@bre4827]

they’re both so perfect omggg

[@LeahStensholt]

It's so nice to see how much they enjoyed filming and being on set, and the fact that all of them can sort of relate to their characters makes me extremely excited to watch the show. They're all wonderful people and I can't wait to watch the series

[@mediocreclownery6333]

they seem so articulate and invested in their characters

[@ajmv_lice]

Finally a i can hear joe's and kit's voice 6mins straight

[@tatwd0]

i need an interview with yasmin and will !!

[@joshuaradebe5903]

This show it actually made my life as a gay teenage boy so easy so thanks so much 💞 for the message of the show ❤️❤️❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@maketheeugreatagain1326]

Do they realise how much people are obcessing over this show? I'm a 26 year old gay man and I can't stop obcessing about this. Is this weird? This show is sooo relatable. The nostalgia took control of my brain for a whole week now and I can't stop. It's like a drug. Good job guys.

[@meganishere]

nah not weird.. I'm 21 and I don't know what my sexuality is.. always questioning it. I've watched this show a total of 14 times just started watching it again, I don't know what it is about heartstopper but it makes me feel safe..

[@ghostiilove7280]

it’s not strange for you to obsess over it, i’m a gay trans man and this show and the books is a really big comfort to me since it’s the first bit of great representation in a show i’ve seen in FOREVER, so it really isn’t strange, just comfort!

[@h4rgr0ve48]

I am getting more attached to the cast then the actual characters💀

[@skzknslr2459]

They really deserve their roles and I'm glad it's them because they are both perfect for the show.

[@ur_s0ckm0nkey66]

Yaz looks fuckin divine in the photoshoots 😫 Kit is so well spoken and has such an eloquent way of putting things

[@charlottelawrence6933]

the way they answer every question with such sincerity >>>

[@reyfun7869]

I love that Heartstopper is so realistic and relatable. It feels like a real high school setting and all the situations could totally happen. It's an amazing show

[@tanishayadav4417]

5:13 was so Nick and Charlie of them

[@FlusteredBushStudios]

FR! cant wait to see their chemistry in the show cause i already love them

[@tanishayadav4417]

@@FlusteredBushStudios me too! There's this innocence in their faces which I think no actor, however older or famous, can capture and that's what makes them the perfect Nick and Charlie!

[@mansikkakissa]

I haven't read any heartstopper novels or anything like that but i sure will now! The series made me have 3 mantal breakdowns and i cried many times and i loved it

[@maiadrohan755]

I’m actually so excited. Like they couldn’t be more perfect casting wise. They genuinely feel like nick and Charlie 💕

[@Jules-lr9cn]

Joe looked so sad in this I just wanna give him a big hug :((

[@johnking5174]

I know that both Kit and Joe had been exhausted from interviews and photo shoots by the time of this interview. Both tired and exhausted, probably Joe more than Kit.

[@kaloolily4404]

I love how both of them fully embody the characters. These ARE irl Nick and Charlie

[@jcv3061]

I love the genuine way that this series/comic shows this generation of young people and their experience at school; as a teacher of this age-level, it feels like we are finally seeing that honestly reflected in media. I believe the show is so wholesome and smart because this generation is pretty wholesome and smart. I'm so very glad Heartstopper exists.

[@soulofocean4709]

Every year The UK gives us some of the most handsome actors.....and the school uniform though. It's common in Asia but to see others wearing it is really nice.👍👍 ( The way they look at each other before answering and while answering is so cute )

[@lunacxx1330]

the wholesomeness of this show 😭😭

[@0nlyhearts157]

bro it’s so cute how joe randomly looks at kit

[@chloepatrick12]

I’m so excited for this series!

[@nishnasarkar5820]

The way Joe looks at Kit when he is talking😍

[@afreentabassum7852]

Joe listens to Kit so concentratedly 😭

[@xallycortes1570]

they are made for this characters, its amazing! a lovely interview! im in love

[@sreejanagupta7220]

While going through Twitter edits I just thought why does no edit have those moments, uk, those specific shots where a character's good looks are focused on and then I realized: the entire thing was shot it such a way that you cannot sexualize them in any way, and I've never been prouder ! Even the kissing scenes just amazingly portrayed a pure innocent kind of first love and that's what makes it so brilliant ❤

[@faiyrien]

cant wait for the series! we’re so close to the date omg

[@maren2382]

beyond excited for the show!!

[@witcheressofrivia0450]

they're amazing !! so excited for heartstopper

[@micahlynx]

ahhh cant wait to watch the show !! love the graphic novel :)

[@onyx1860]

Im trans and gay and everyone in my school knows that and when im walking down the corridor alot of people run off yelling "dont touch them youll get the gay disease"

[@an-kz7ek]

I'm sorry that this happens to you

[@onyx1860]

@@an-kz7ek its alr, dw

[@mattcadec5919]

Coming out in secondary school stings, it really does. Personal experience with this, just know that when you get out of SS and go into higher education its get unbelievably better - stay strong!

[@onyx1860]

@@mattcadec5919 i didnt come out, my cousin and abusive mow ex bestfriend told everyone about me being gay people knew i was trans anyway as i started yr7 and 8 as she/her and bye the end of yr8 i was they/them/he/him and now in yr9 im he/him

[@jacksd8004]

CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS SERIES

[@Millajam]

Cant Wait till the serie comes out!