Image source, Netflix Image caption, Kit Connor (left) and Joe Locke (right) have played Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring in Heartstopper since 2022
Heartstopper has been described as "a lifeline for many" , external young LGBTQ+ viewers and something that has "changed countless lives" , external through its heartwarming depiction of the secondary school romance between Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring.
Based on Alice Oseman's book series, the Netflix adaptation is now coming to an end in the form of a film, to complete three TV series that have pulled some of the streamer's highest viewing figures to date.
Heartstopper Forever follows the young male couple as they prepare for a huge relationship test - going long distance as Nick heads off to university and Charlie stays behind to finish his school exams.
Joe Locke, who plays Charlie, tells the BBC the pair wanted to give their love story "a cinematic ending" with a "laser focus" on the tribulations of their two characters.
Image source, Netflix Image caption, Kit Connor says working as a producer on the film alongside Joe Locke allowed them to be a "mouthpiece for the cast"
The TV series has had largely positive reviews since its inception in 2022, with a very high score on reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes , external . It has dealt with a number of topics that many teenage and young adult viewers will be familiar with - such as sexual identity, mental health and bullying.
Kit Connor, who plays Charlie's boyfriend Nick, says the "content works well as a film and final chapter" as "we've been through so much with these characters".
The third series and film see a noticeable political shift from the previous series, as trans character Elle Argent (played by Yasmin Finney) addresses real-life issues facing those who are transgender.
In the film, one of the key scenes centres around Pride celebrations in the fictional English town of Truham, where the Heartstopper universe is set.
Connor says it is important for audiences to witness this on-screen representation, "wherever we are in the world and whatever the powers that be are doing".
He adds that "making a show or film like Heartstopper will forever be important".
Netflix has confirmed through its media site that the film will be available in several territories where homosexuality is criminalised.
The 22-year-old, who rose to fame in the TV adaptation of His Dark Materials, also had a key role in Elton John biopic Rocketman.
He says he was forced to come out as bisexual , after social media speculation, when Heartstopper's first series was released in 2022.
"Heartstopper in its very existence has [always] been this beautiful and powerful message about queer joy and humanity," Connor continues.
"These characters happen to be queer and incredibly happy about it, living their lives in the way they want to," he adds.
Image source, Netflix Image caption, Heartstopper Forever features a Pride march with cast members Bel Priestley and Yasmin Finney, in the fictional town of Truham
The final instalment of the Heartstopper saga was originally set to be released as a fourth series, but despite a shorter running time, each individual's storyline is still handled with care.
The film explores conversations around eating disorders, mental health, alcohol dependency and difficult family dynamics.
Locke and Connor are also both producers for this final chapter, which Connor says allowed them to "be the cr…