Olivia Colman won’t be in Heartstopper season three: ‘I feel awful’
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Olivia Colman, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “The Crown” and “The Favourite,” will not be reprising her role as Sarah Nelson in the upcoming third season of the popular Netflix series “Heartstopper.” Colman portrayed Sarah, the mother of protagonist Nick Nelson, in the first two seasons of the show, which is based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel of the same name.
The news of Colman’s departure from the series came as a disappointment to fans, many of whom praised her performance in the show’s earlier seasons. In a statement to Forbes, Colman expressed regret about not being able to fit filming for season three into her busy schedule. She described her experience working on “Heartstopper” as one of the most beautiful projects she had ever been a part of.
Despite her absence in the upcoming season, Colman expressed interest in potentially returning for a spin-off show that would focus on her character’s relationship with Nick. Fans of the series have been vocal about their disappointment over Colman’s departure, with some expressing concern about how the absence of Sarah Nelson will impact the storylines in season three.
Alice Oseman, the creator of “Heartstopper,” addressed fans’ concerns in a statement, assuring them that the show’s creative team had explored all options to accommodate Colman’s schedule. Oseman acknowledged that some fans, particularly those familiar with the original comic, may be apprehensive about how the series will move forward without Sarah’s character.
To address these concerns, Oseman revealed that the team had made adjustments to the storyline to account for Sarah’s absence. While Sarah’s role as Nick’s emotional support will be shifted to other characters in the show, Oseman promised fans that a pivotal beach scene involving Sarah and Nick would still be preserved with new elements added to maintain its emotional impact.
In addition to addressing Colman’s departure, Oseman shared details about what fans can expect from season three of “Heartstopper.” The upcoming season will focus heavily on Nick’s boyfriend, Charlie Spring, as he grapples with an eating disorder. The season will also delve into themes of sexual tension as Nick and Charlie navigate their evolving relationship.
Season three is rumored to feature new characters, including Nick’s aunt Diane, played by Hayley Atwell, and classicist Jack Maddox, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey. Darragh Hand, known for his role in “Grace,” will also join the cast as Tori Spring’s boyfriend, Michael Holden. Oseman teased that more casting announcements would be made in the coming weeks as the show prepares for its highly anticipated return.
Despite Colman’s absence from season three, Oseman urged fans not to give up on the show and promised that the heart and soul of “Heartstopper” would remain intact. The new season is set to premiere on Netflix in October, offering fans a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and their evolving relationships.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Heartstopper
