‘Heartstopper’ Cast Then & Now: Photos of the Stars’ Evolution Since Season 1
It seems like just yesterday we were saying “hi” to Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) in Heartstopper Season 1. Soon, we’ll have to bid them a tearful goodbye in Heartstopper Forever. The movie will wrap the couple’s (and their friends’) story, focusing on the challenges of growing up and moving on.
The Netflix series gave Connor, Locke, and the rest of the cast — Yasmin Finney (Elle), William Gao (Tao), Corinna Brown (Tara), Kizzy Edgell (Darcy), Tobie Donovan (Isaac), Rhea Norwood (Imogen), and Jenny Walser (Tori) — their breakout roles. The main duo was just 17 years old when the show premiered four years ago. It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago we were falling in love with Charlie and Nick’s sweet romance for the first time, but we’ve seen the actors and the characters evolve so much since then. It has us feeling nostalgic.
So, before they graduate from Heartstopper, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane. Scroll to see photos of the Heartstopper crew back in 2022’s Season 1 and 2026’s final movie, side by side. Get your tissues ready!
Heartstopper Forever, July 17, 2026, Netflix
Nick in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Nick’s gearing up to leave for university in the finale movie. Over the years, we’ve seen the golden retriever-esque rugby player come into his own while falling in love with Charlie, figuring out who he is, and becoming comfortable with himself. They grow up so fast!
Charlie in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Speaking of characters who’ve come into their own, Charlie has probably had the greatest evolution of all. When we met Charlie in Season 1, he struggled with his self-worth as a result of bullying and went on a mental health journey as he realized he’s worthy of love. He’s come so far — in fact, he’s finding new independence at school when we catch up with him in Heartstopper Forever.
Tao in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Though Charlie and Nick are the stars of the show, their friends have had moving journeys of their own. The protective Tao had his own insecurities at the start, as a friend and as an eventual boyfriend to Elle, but he too reached a sense of belonging and acceptance and let his guard down.
Elle in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
When Elle transferred from Truham Grammar School — away from transphobic bullies — to the all-girls Higgs school, she found her identity, too. She’s grown alongside Tao over the course of their friends-to-lovers arc. We’re going to miss her after Heartstopper Forever. Fingers crossed she and Tao get their happily ever after!
Tara in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Over the seasons, we’ve seen Tara step into her confidence after coming out as a lesbian, finding her people as her relationship with Darcy grows. When we last caught up with her in Season 3, she was struggling under the pressure of being head girl. We can’t imagine a world where Tara doesn’t thrive and get her happy ending, so we’re excited to see where her story goes in Heartstopper‘s final chapter.
Darcy in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Darcy, who comes out as non-binary in Season 3, appears confident and sure of themselves at the start. As we got to know them, we learned that they have walls up, keeping her homophobic mother’s treatment of her secret. Darcy has learned to let Tara and their friends in, and we hope that continues in the final movie. Plus, we have to see them and Tara ride off into the sunset together. We’ll accept no other outcome!
Imogen in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Like Nick, Imogen has been on a journey of self-discovery regarding her sexuality. As she found her place within the friend group, she learned to let go of her desire to fit in. Her feelings for Sahar (Leila Khan) helped her get there, so we’re hoping they’re an endgame couple, too.
Issac in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Who didn’t immediately love quiet, bookworm Issac? We only loved him more as we watched him learn to embrace his aromantic and asexual identity over the seasons.
Tori in Season 1 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Though she isn’t part of the friend group, we can’t forget about Charlie’s sister, Tori, who’s never failed to be a source of support for him. We’ll miss her and her constant sipping.
Sahar in Season 2 vs. Heartstopper Forever
Though Sahar doesn’t appear until Season 2, she’s a solid member of the friend group going in to Heartstopper Forever. We’re ready to see her rock out in her final performance.
