Heartstopper's Joe Locke: "It's a big thing coming out. Take your time. Don't Rush."

[@reignwithjoshsmith]

Hope you love this interview as much as I do! The full podcast episode will be live tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6AM UK time - can't wait for you to hear it! Just follow this link: hyperurl.co/i4yxt0 or search 'Reign with Josh Smith' wherever you get your podcasts from. Can't wait to hear what you think! Josh x

[@johnking5174]

Yes!! I have been waiting for this! Thank You! I adore Joe, such a sweet guy and a great actor. He is only 18 years old, and he was just astounding and brilliant in Heartstopper. I am so glad we have discovered Joe's acting talent.

[@balladofahomeschooledboy0514]

why is the kit connor interview longer than joe's? :)

[@johnking5174]

@@balladofahomeschooledboy0514 These are just edited bits from the interviews. The full podcast of both Kit and Joe are available, just not on KZbin.

[@balladofahomeschooledboy0514]

@@johnking5174 but they don't have their cute faces on that lol.

[@johnking5174]

@@balladofahomeschooledboy0514 Well if you ask Josh, he might upload both interviews in their entirety. Never harms to ask, but always be polite. It is up to Josh. If Josh sees this, he might give you an answer.

[@dougf9900]

When people online say that the cast isn’t conventionally attractive, I think they are noticing that the cast are actual teenagers playing teens, not 25 year olds who’ve been in the gym 10 years already

[@AILUJ]

yesss exactly! i'm way past my teenage years but it's so refreshing to see actual teenagers portraying teenagers. as i was growing up, we only ever had like 30-year olds (or almost at that age) playing teenagers in shows/films and it's such an unrealistic model to have.

[@susanegley4149]

This. And it's about damn time.

[@mistyblueeyes4024]

I don't get what they mean by conventially attractive. They are normal looking people and I think they're attractive. I think people have come so used to plastic surgery/botox faces that they don't realise what people actually look like. And this doesn't mean they're ugly, some of them could probably do modeling, just that some tv shows and movies have so unrealistic looking people that it's hard to relate to them.

[@caitlinfurgal2146]

@@mistyblueeyes4024 I think that's exactly what they mean by unconventionally attractive: they ARE attractive, just not in the extreme six pack/plastic surgery/wildly expensive skincare routines that are the convention of western beauty standards, and that's why it's so refreshing to see this cast. Calling them unconventionally attractive has a very different meaning from "conventionally unattractive" or "not conventionally attractive", I'm sure their intention is to call them attractive, not unattractive.

[@aaronjones3284]

And all the people who say the cast are not attractive, they themselves need to take a look in the mirror. Half the time people who speak negative of others are themselves are lacking..

[@MsDiMera2]

Hearing these gorgeous kids like Joe and Kit talk about doing A levels while also doing such a huge fulltime dream job makes me feel like Ive aged prematurely without doing enough . I cant wait to see Joe and the rest of the cast in more stuff

[@balladofahomeschooledboy0514]

it's never too late to be an actor atleast you died having tried acting 😂

[@larawabsie]

Well Yas has been cast in Doctor Who so lots of people will be looking forward to it! I see big things coming for the entire heartstopper cast :)

[@craigharvey-gurr337]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@hyukaco]

u don't have to feel that way!

[@anezkastrnadova]

It’s okayy you don’t need or have to have a full time job (dream or not) to do enough, it’s the little things that counts!

[@andrescastillo07]

These 11 minutes felt like 3 minutes. I wish this was a longer interview! Joe is so eloquent and smart. A great role model for everyone

[@cmiracle1232]

This is just the teaser version, the full 30-40 min interview should be live on his podcast tomorrow

[@Gus19]

Ikr!! I need 1 hour of him

[@novitianuza8979]

That's true

[@nerocourdeian9010]

It feels like I blinked and it's already finished

[@Tamaraa009]

you’re right!❤️‍🩹

[@eveeee6913]

The way Joe talks at 18 years old!? It’s incredible. He keeps it so professional and interesting to listen to!

[@VenusEvan_1885]

IAM baffled too , at 18 yeas old i couldn't answer even 1 question

[@lannik_0]

On coming out... My boyfriend never officially came out. He just took me to a family dinner and expected everyone to just "get it and get over it" ✊power move

[@amygwilliam148]

I’ve ALWAYS said I don’t like the idea of coming out because I think I should be able to just turn up with a girl or a guy and they can all deal with it I don’t need their validation that my sexuality is ok x

[@viethabm2782]

Yeah great move and i would'nt like my children to come out to me i just like them to do like your bf did bringing home their bf gf normally bc straight person don't have to come out i'd like it to be natural not fears anxiety stress bc after all you can't deny who your children really are they are your children and you love them forever

[@kelvinthar482]

Yas asking Joe if they'll be friends forever is quite honestly the cutest and most heartwarming thing ever omg I love them so much I want the whole Heartstopper gang to stay friends forever.

[@Sophie-ji3jo]

It's littarly so cute! I wish to look back in the future while joe & yaz casted in many other shows and big roles and them just being friends

[@sharpieRulestheWorld]

I know that was so fluffy I love it

[@er7245]

like Tao asking Elle if they'll be friends no matter what. so sweet

[@daynna5039]

That’s the cutest and heartwarming thing ever indeed!!

[@dannyd2572]

Joe is an extremely talented actor. Can’t believe Heartstopper was his first acting ever. I really do hope all the success to this kid. He is going to achieve everything🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@neetudutt7694]

Amen 🙏

[@PeachesSummer2026]

Right? Knocked me off my feet when I heard that.

[@Sileithel]

He's a fantastic actor indeed!

[@yyqhansonWenx]

Wow Joe is really a level-headed person, it's quite impressive to hear his rational thoughts and choices of wording in this kind of long interview, thank you so much for this!! His perceptions of the story/show or certain subjects are quite intriguing to hear, can't wait for the full interview.

[@canny_linguist]

He's gonna go far I just know it

[@strxwbkitti]

Joe is the embodiment of sunshine.

[@faiza_haque]

i have never seen a babie-er and more pure 18 yr old. him and kit never fail to make me smile and make me happy and make any bad day into good. i hope they know how much of a positive effect they have on ppl's lives and how many ppl r finding themselves bcoz of them.

[@MariSongBeat]

Finally Joe's interview! I felt like Sirius Black who waited 13 years in Azkaban so I waited this interview. Thank you so much ❤️

[@sssshirr]

FRR

[@neetudutt7694]

Same here ❤️

[@nachtaron]

I DID MY TIME! 13 YEARS IN AZKABAN!

[@vintagecowgirl9893]

@@nachtaron we made it! We got the interview 🤣

[@lancelotfabre3530]

Yay! And love the HP référence;)

[@sapphicism]

i am in awe of joe locke and his talent and sincerity. he's so well-spoken and he truly always says the right words. we are so lucky to have him as our charlie spring!!

[@dw7896]

I can't stop staring at Joe's brows…they're so majestic

[@sanrio8058]

Fact finally hairstyle reveals them I'm cheating on will poulter eyebrows with Joe's eyebrows

[@probablynotmoon]

I know right! I used to be self conscious about my eyebrows because they’re bold and thick but now i’m getting more grateful for them

[@julsstay74]

Oh gosh also I respect how Joe's making his boundaries clear and how importance he puts into it during interviews as well. Fans can become very invasive, just like how some people stalked his family.. and the fact that he made it clear that it's not acceptable is so so important. I've seen many celebs don't say anything about things that may bother them just to not make their fans angry, but it should never be this way. So I'm very glad Joe's not afraid to express his discomfort right from the start and set clear boundaries. I hope his fanbase will grow and remain respectful of those!

[@justinb4218]

Joe does sound like such a wonderful person. So well spoken and thoughtful and the way he talks about Kit and the others being there for support and such, it's clear how much the show and the people have meant to him. The show presents a very positive optimistic view and it feels like the actors themselves embody that sort of perspective on life which is great. I'm glad he doesn't obsess over Twitter per se as there can be some negative comments amongst all the positives, although I think he is perfect just the way he is and I'm sure the people who are around him regularly can give him very encouraging feedback about who he is.

[@jade-lc1ye]

joe is so well-spoken. this interview means a lot to me :]

[@iasminaraujo7109]

I hope he knows that if he needs distance, real fans gonna give him that. We don't want overworked, overwhelmed artists. Everyone wants to see them happy

[@Tempest7575]

Joe is a treasure. This is his first acting debut and he took it and ran with it. Cannot wait to see what kind of career he forges for himself.

[@sancosmic]

YAAAY Joe Locke finally, i love listening to him, he's so genuine and kind and he looks so happy, i really hope he will keep doing what he loves and that he will never forget how much he means to many people, he's such a safe zone by being himself and it's so important to have someone like him in your life. Anyways, i love him so so much.

[@wrightgregson9761]

Yes. i instantly wanted to give Joe a big hug. He comes across as vulnerable but brave. And, of course, those eyes and that hair.

[@johnking5174]

I think Joe is much more confident than Charlie in Heartstopper. They have similar traits, but I sense Joe is a lot more confident than Charlie.

[@jordanliew345]

Both Kit and Joe,so young yet so mature,so wise and so open minded

[@peaceful_chaos14]

Joe is so incredibly smart and cute. His emotional intelligence and worldview was on full display in this interview. I loved it!

[@reignwithjoshsmith]

Thank you so much - so glad you love the interview. If you want to hear more from Joe, check out the full interview on my podcast, Reign here: hyperurl.co/i4yxt0 hope you love it and let me know what you think! There is one with Kit, too!

[@lockestrucks588]

the thing about the negative comments really broke my heart 🙁 joe, hope you know that we love you a lot and will always be there supporting you 💗

[@averyjack8091]

“How do you get over a gay boy?” “Ahh, the question of the ages” 💕🍁🍂 Joe is so incredible and genuine and talented! I can’t wait to see what else he will be in next x

[@greengrasse120]

I think I missed this, when do they say that??

[@averyjack8091]

@@greengrasse120 oh they don’t actually say it in the interview it’s in the show. Except Charlie (Joe Locke) says “how do I get over a straight boy” except in my case I just absolutely adore Joe Locke 😅 Cringe, I know

[@obiwankenobi687]

Joe is beautiful I don’t know what people are talking about. In fact the whole cast is. They’re all just so precious

[@blackwellross6321]

He’s so cute and handsome

[@Ri57490]

I think it's the ears but Will Smith and Daniel Craig are Hollywood stars who have even bigger ears than him.

[@blackwellross6321]

@@Ri57490 that is so wrong, he is just perfect as it is

[@obiwankenobi687]

@@Ri57490 there’s not a single fraction of a thing wrong with his ears

[@sanela4931]

he’s so precious, he literally has a heart of gold🥹

[@leileyking1544]

i could listen to joe talk all day. i love him so incredibly much. i hate that he gets hate. if i could take it away and give it all to me i would. he’s helped so many young queer people. he deserves so much love and liberation.

[@courtneynorris5852]

What a well-spoken, thoughtful, intelligent man. Him being picked out of 10,000 other actors is truly one of those lightning in a bottle moments, I believe he was meant for this role - he played it so perfectly!

[@timothycarney7841]

I think Joe hit it right on the head at the end...It is so refreshing to hear someone so young expressing that the "norm" should be to be more realistic...Bravo Joe. Keep it up! 🙏❤️🤗

[@82evene]

As a Heartstopper fan I've seen a lot of Interviews but I have to say I like yours best. The way you talk and the questions you ask are all so composed and respectful on a very human level.

[@jasminemalone6657]

Joe just makes me so HAPPPPY

[@GalaFerrari]

It's so refreshing and rewarding to see people like Joe having this platform to voice his critical point of view on these topics. Thank you, Joe❤

[@wenxu2231]

"I was always the kid who really did care about my education, ...that was a stereotype I overcame" I just want to hug this little bud.❤️ he is so true to himself and grounded, and how he discussed the "norm" in the end is spot on. I think that's why the show like heartstopper resonated with so many ppl. Looking forward to seeing him tackling and acting out these subjects in future seasons.😎

[@busrahlz.]

Hearing joe’s thoughts always makes me feel safe the way he talks about mental illness and coming out he’s so well spoken and educated on this kinda topics and all the heartstopper show teaching the ones who’s watching the show how to cope with the things happens in our lives that helps all of us with so many things and I hope joe knows how much he loved by all of us I felt so sorry when he talked about bad comments

[@urluvvlili]

I definitely relate to Charlie and Nick a lot. I went through the confusion of being bisexual but it was sorta different for me because I had always liked girls and guys because I thought it was normal but it wasn't for everyone else. Coming out when your younger doesn't make it any easier I came out when I was in the 6th grade, I only got to tell maybe 3 people, I was outed to everyone else and it sucks. Being outed and bullied for being you really messes with your mental health, it caused me to self harm and starve myself because you feel like you have no control over anything so you find anything to control and it's really hard going through that when at that time it's "cool" to hurt yourself and not eat so when you try to find help people think you are lieing for attention. I still get rude dumb comments about my sexuality and it's been 4 years since I got outed people really just don't let it go. I've tried to force myself to be straight a few times because it seems so much easier but I'm already out and there is nothing I can do about it. Don't let other people invalidate your feelings and who you are. You gotta love yourself for you not what other people what you to be xx

[@AmelLic]

Thank you for this comment ❤️

[@urluvvlili]

@@AmelLic ❤ x

[@courtneymarnewick6453]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. You are so strong!

[@sofialawrence8907]

Every time I see an interview of joe my mood is instantly boosted.

[@alakhalifa316]

i honestly can keep hearing them talk endlessly and never get tired of it . This series is by far the best one ever existing !!

[@antoniomanuelalonsosanchez5165]

Joe has done a great job on heartstopper, it's a pleasure to watch and listen to him...he knows what he wants for how young he is...he has a great future and is always natural which is what brings him closer to the public...

[@jiholl0306]

Outstanding. Love your interview style...so conversational and relaxed. Joe is so eloquent, intelligent, poised, and passionate. Way beyond his years. Brilliant young talent!

[@inesacevedo1664]

I love how natural and comfortable Joe Locke is during his interview! He comes off as a seasoned actor! Truly impressive talent. Love love love. 💕

[@slytherin4life974]

Love how he and Kit are their for each other and they can talk to each other when they need that someone to talk to!! I love their bromance/friendship🥺💚🍂🍃

[@tyalangand]

I wish I was so wise when I was 18. Everything he says - especially about male body image - is so insightful. Also that little anecdote about Yaz was so cute ❤❤ Joe you're amazing 🏳️‍🌈

[@anaissilva6278]

I'm honestly happy and conforted knowing that my sister gets to enter her teens looking up to Joe, this whole cast and youngsters with this kind of mentality. I don't think they need (or should have) any type of pressure put on the., but really, seing them being unapologetically themselves and sharing what they believe in...is so freeing and calming in a way. So thank you for these kind of interviews 🤍

[@user-xz9vk2el1d]

Gosh, isn't he the loveliest ever? Thanks for having him! I'm totally late to the party and catching up on Heartstopper and couldn't believe what a sweetheart Joe Locke seems to be. Very humble, very very smart and well spoken, a complete newcomer but what a raw talent. A rising star! I got really depressed after I found out how bad he got (apparently still gets) bullied online. Disgusting behavior.

[@irmarossanie5526]

Joe is so smart and well spoken. He really care and understand Charlie character. Cant wait for the next season ❤️

[@incognitooooooooooooo123spy]

joe is so well spoken and seems so sweet loved this interview

[@karlarodriguezdominguez4927]

Joe is such a beautiful person! we certainly support the right person! Joe deserves the whole world! 🥺💕

[@shanejohns7901]

Joe is adorable. And he brings that to his 'Charlie' as well. The casting choices for the series were spectacular.

[@reignwithjoshsmith]

The casting choices are spot on throughout, aren't they! If you want to hear more from Joe and his cast mates, Kit and Bel talking about how game changing the show is make sure you check out the full interview on my podcast Reign here: hyperurl.co/i4yxt0 hope you enjoy!

[@jorgeluisfigueroarojas9177]

It’s lovely to see him being normal/human in all this chaotic moments of stardom

[@moonrise1276]

I love this interview! Joe is so well-spoken and I love his thoughts about these themes! I need more interviews like this ✨ Joe is so great 😊

[@jay-ararmandomanuel2450]

Can't believe they're so well-versed. Joe and Kit are so lovely and so mature when it comes to expressing their themselves. I just wish that people will start to listen and just love them. Just to remind that there's a boundary too , cause they also need privacy. Thank you so much for this great interview! Hoping for a Kit&Charlie interview 🙏🫶🏻👏🏻❤️😍

[@vlogglover]

joe is so adorable and every time i see him i want to give him a big hug

[@johnking5174]

Remember the scene in Heartstopper, where he is standing in his hallway as Charlie, and Nick said how cuddly Charlie looked, and he hugged him. That scene made me just want to hug Joe. Such a sweet young man.

[@vlogglover]

@@johnking5174 ONE OF MY FAVORITES SCENES !!!!!! i love them so so much

[@johnking5174]

@@vlogglover Joe Locke has that quality which just makes you want to hug him and be his friend.

[@brinv4975]

Joe is so well spoken and soft spoken

[@emmyrose2226]

i love him so much. he seems like such a genuine person

[@abigailsalas8079]

Honestly, I've felt more valid since meeting the cast this year. A goal in my life is to meet them in person and thank them for the good impact they have in my life. Even if my fanaticism goes away with the years, they will always be in my heart because they are helping me a lot. Love you Joe

[@Daniel-hl7tn]

Awww Joe is so adorable and his acting skills are amazing plus he is a great speaker. The thing I love about him is that he is fairly new and he doesn’t seem scripted. He sounds authentic☺️☺️☺️

[@jennifermorris7986]

"Feeling comfortable saying NO" - that's so important. Best of luck dealing with all the crazy out there, Joe. Fame can be a double-edged sword. Glad you have your castmates, friends and family to support you. Thank you for bringing Charlie to life - I cannot imagine anyone else in the role, having seen what you did with it. You add a depth to the character that really marks you as a fantastic actor, with a brilliant career ahead of you.

[@ganseblumchen6840]

I LOVE HIM!! so kind, so beautiful, so sweet, so cute!! he’s also SUCH a great actor, i can’t believe charlie was his first role

[@scottvermillion1426]

LOVE your interview with Joe Locke. He's an impressive, well-grounded young man and was perfectly cast as Charlie. I cannot imagine anyone else in the role. Everyone from the Heartstopper cast is an absolute joy! Thank you!

[@y4ssify]

hearing that bit about joe and yas was so 🥺🥺🥺

[@davidcastro5937]

He's so well spoken.

[@alyssanielsen8521]

I love how Joe emphasized that coming out takes time and to take your time. I have discovered I'm asexual and I have felt like I have to tell people now instead of later. But I don't have to and I have taken my time and most of my friends know I'm ace, but I'm still getting there with other friends and family

[@feilon24]

Joe, your type of cast are not only SUPER attractive but very intelligent and therefore arouse curiosity and mystery. Your play was so convincing that it was painful to watch you being sad and so rewarding to wach you shine and happy! I hard to believe this level of realism in your play can be faked by pure play. This master-piece can be achieved only at the COST of you having feellings on the set.. This puts me in confusion and worry not just about Charlie.. but about Joe revealing a big heart that maybe puts him in a vulnerable position (Actors issues..). ❤️‍🔥 You are unique and amazing ❤️‍🔥

[@paigesimard4857]

one minute in and already crying over the part with yaz asking if they’d be friends forever please

[@eb183]

I only started watching it two weeks ago and I’m already on my third watch. Such a comforting lovely series 🥺❤️

[@johnking5174]

I have it downloaded too, so I can watch it when I am out, and not have to use my data. Love the show. I am hooked.

[@thedisneybroentertainment5547]

I started watching it just 4 days ago and have watched nearly four times already! It is such an incredible series that sends such strong and amazing messages!

[@hello-cm2vt]

sweetest soul inside and out and thank you for being so respectful to both Kit and Joe ! :)

[@fae8739]

Thanks Joe, you in courage and inspire many of us.

[@ginavallefuoco4428]

Again, such good questions! These interviews feel so much more like a private conversation than the usual entertaining speech. It's such a good way to understand what the actors really think and feel :)

[@Haileyrodriguez288]

When joe Locke was explaining how people were coming for him because people wanted him to look a certain way jus got me annoyed cuz people are jus jealous that joe Locke got to kiss Kit Connor LOL . Joe Locke is played the part for a reason because he’s good at playing his character and he is not even near ugly so haters gonna hate for others reasons really .

[@Imetwurld_]

What's so special about kit connor 😂💀. I mean they look like the same people .

[@p00pjeezusfartswag]

like joe said I LOVE HOW HEARTSTOPPER PORTRAYS DARKER THEMES IN AN OPTIMISTIC WAY, IT JUST MAKES THEM SEEM SM MORE OVERCOME-ABLE

[@juanmanuelsantin8020]

I really admire Joe Lock. He´s so fresh, smart, conscious & talented

[@MarshyMarsh9]

The entire Heartstopper cast are such joys! Like they are all, for their age, so grounded and humble and I think that's what makes the show so real and endearing is that we're watching actual teenagers be teenagers and it comes so naturally. And their friendship outside of the screen is just so precious. It saddens me that these kids are subjected to such hatred on Twitter and other platforms because they all did so great (especially those like Joe where it's his first time acting, like for a first timer he was AMAZING and is definitely going to go far!) They deserve the absolute world, and have done so much for the community. I truly hope they know how much they're adored and cared for, and don't pay attention to those mean people. All of them are beautiful, and all of them are so incredibly kind. KEEP YOU CHINS UP!

[@elainecheckley]

Josh, love your calm and engaging interview style!! All the young folks from Heartstopper are AMAZING!!! They are so well spoken, so bright and kind - this generation coming up, I'm praying makes for huge changes in our world to be filled with more love and kindness.

[@crostadiformaggio1]

I just enjoyed this a lot, it's so nice to hear what Joe has to say about his sudden fame, his way to be grounded to normality, Heartstopper and Charlie Spring, and just everything you covered in these questions! Can't wait for the podcast

[@GirlyCat97]

I was waiting for It !!! Joe Is an incredible actor and he looks like a really humble person and I love that! They did it so good picking out the perfect Charlie. Wishing him the best for what comes🍂❤️

[@bneyarb5037]

They all seem like such great people, honestly love them all. I wish them the absolute world 🥹🥹🥹

[@Ashkehdtmamii]

Why is this entire cast just so warm and sweet? Makes me so happy :) I love that younger generations have these type of young actors to look up to. I wish millennials had better representation to look to at a similar age.

[@johnking5174]

See-Saw Films who make Heartstopper have great casting team. They made sure they cast the right person for the right character.

[@misterspike]

His performance was amazing, but getting to know him makes me admire him so much more!

[@jsunshine311]

Joe is adorable, wise and a great actor! I wish him all the very best now and in his super bright future!

[@elspethfougere9683]

Such a great interview! It's really nice to see the extraverted confident Joe, and hear his insights on playing Charlie.. I think what I loved about his acting the most was the rawness and realness of his character expressions, his face, the genuineness of being a teenager, showing the awkward uncomfortable feelings - the slightly clumsy brave social moments, the gangly still growing kiddie faces, like you can tell everyone's face bones still havnt finished growing, and even as kezzy said in one interview, everyone's got a few teenage spots!! That's so important! It's so damn great! I'm so sick of seeing bland air brushed Holywood actors who look like their faces are all half numb and highly self-conscious self-controlled expressions, or tropes of way exaggerated emotions.. Even kit whos got more classical looks has uniqueness and sensativity in his character.. Its so nice to see sensative and nuanced relationships and the naturalness of friendships like leaning on each other, sharing food, or spilling the tea or advising each other, feeling irritated and then getting over it, or sleepovers! ... Some how adult life feels a bit stiffer and more boundaried, its so refreshing seeing this and remembering, and also just to see it validated, it's a great way of life! It's healthy! I thought Joe was just good at this because he's so fresh, maybe unselfconscious, and still in school, but after seeing his interviews, I'm realising that it's actually that he's that good an actor, and I can't wait to see more, and wonder how it will change when he's a bit older, and coming back to the story line as if it's only a few months down the page. That rawness is a real gift. I don't know if it's a queer aesthetics thing, but I just think anyone's gorgeous who is rocking their uniqueness. Style is so much more powerful and attractive than being blandly on trend, and he has style in bucket loads. I think it's one of the freedoms of being queer, we get to make our own stories, our own looks, and our own value judgements, and I do think that's our gift to the rest of the world. It's so nice to see Joe embodying that, with Alice's fabulous writing and the directors and camera and sound work. Yay for feminism in breaking down rediculous binary patriarchal "norms" and moving towards the day when everyone can be authentically themselves and be free to love whoever they love equally. What's interesting when you move passed boxes and labels is actually the real living and loving and friendships, and that's what this show so beautifully shows. Its been super healing for me to see these characters, and yes so validating, and made me reflect heaps on my time as a teenager before I came out. The nothingness was horrible. I had amazing friendships and interests and passions, which I will always be so grateful for, but waking up to my sexuality and gender identity was so wonderful, and I wish that for all young kids to feel OK being who they are from the start. No one should have to go through life with a mental blank ahead of them because their future has been silenced. We deserve to see each other and celebrate each other, and have role models to look up to who feel relevant, and so I'm really thankful, and can't wait for next year's episodes. I hope the series reaches all around the world and gives everyone the confidence to push past any yuckyness and be bold! Thanks for the great interview questions josh, well done.

[@evathommessen215]

I have watched this interview for the second time, and enjoying it so much. Josh, you focuse on so important and personal subjects. We easily understand what an extraordinary person Joe Locke is. Thanks!

[@ginalipkin4849]

Re-define what is normal to make it easier for ourselves, and set boundaries for yourself and say no. Amazing insight and view on being in this world. Thanks Joe and Josh ❤

[@johnking5174]

Yes!! I have been waiting for this! Thank You! I adore Joe, such a sweet guy and a great actor. He is only 18 years old, and he was just astounding and brilliant in Heartstopper. I am so glad we have discovered Joe's acting talent.

[@sweeperboy]

What a smart and articulate young man Joe is, especially at such a young age. I'm sure he will try his very best at his imminent A-levels and that he will do well, but I can guarantee that he won't ever _need_ them in the sense of having to rely entirely on grades to get somewhere in life. Not only is he a very natural and talented actor, but his intelligence and reasoning power will see him good in whatever he chooses to do with his life, even if it isn't acting. You can keep this kind of guy down.

[@pollux_yx]

He is such a warm person 🥺

[@julienossola]

Omg, your channel is waaaay under the radar!! I feel like I found some hidden treasure. You KNOW how to interview someone! You make the right questions and you know to let your guest speak. Seriously, this is great stuff.

[@sbashkatova]

How is he so lovely and level headed and smart at such a young age?! Love.

[@martagavi]

i think you must get this a lot but you are, in my opinion, one of the best interviewers i have ever watched! you have great chemistry with your guests and ask really interesting and new questions without ever coming off as pushy so seriously keep doing what you do!!!

[@naemh857]

I agree 👍👍👍

[@reignwithjoshsmith]

I have just seen this and this is honestly beyond kind - thank you so much, really means a lot to me x

[@user-ch5jl7jy1m]

8:24 this 👏👏

[@chloejanelle1831]

What a beautiful and fun interview ❤ Joe is so well spoken and such a kind hearted soul! All the best for him acting in the future

[@reignwithjoshsmith]

Thank you so much for the love for the interview! If you want to hear more from Joe make sure you check out the full interview on my podcast Reign here: hyperurl.co/i4yxt0 hope you enjoy and there's a full interview with fellow Heartstoppers, Kit and Bel there too!

[@andreww4473]

Both Joe and Kit have done an excellent job bringing Nick and Charlie to the screen. So many of us are in love with their portrayals of the characters and their storylines. Two excellent young actors. I hope they receive the recognition they deserve.

[@harrisdack]

What a fantastic bloke. Thanks for this interview. I wish I'd had his eloquence at that age.

[@raquelassumpcao53]

I really like Joe, he is so smart and genuine.

[@carissaz5662]

What Joe locke put out today was really powerful and really understanding. As 15 year old I'm trying figure out my gender and not ready to come out . It's can be so stressful but what Joe locke said was really helpful. I'm really looking forward to season 2 and 3 coming. I'm obsessed and watch it everyday. So thank you Joe locke and Josh smith.

[@johnking5174]

18 year old Joe has more wisdom and kindness than most older people simply don't have.

[@carissaz5662]

@@johnking5174 so true , even tho we don't know him in person. He really shows how much he cares and just without meeting him in person. You can tell he nice person

[@adrasteve7814]

Joe is freaking smart, like he already has the answer to each question before being asked

[@brtzzzzz]

Joe is so lovely and well spoken he deserves all the compliments. Thank you Josh, once again for this conversation, I really love how you set the pace of the interview really listening and sharing your experience, it gives me the feeling of being part of it (even when English it’s not my native language )

[@CarliBABE16]

Oh I just adore Joe 😊 I really hope he gets the privacy he needs following his overnight success!

[@VenusEvan_1885]

Omg joe you're so cute , well spoken and smart, we need more young people like you.

[@jonboy1227]

Both Joe and Kit seem as sweet and genuine in real life as they do on the show. Their chemistry is amazing!