QUIET CONFIDENCE

Joe Locke, star of Netflix’s touching new queer show ‘Heartstopper’ (out this Friday), says that he could not think of a better role to make his screen debut. ‘I really wanted to be a part of this project because I felt like there are not many shows out there that depict the positives of growing up as a queer person - I just thought it was so great that there’s a story in which we can show younger queer kids that they deserve happiness,’ explains the up-and-coming actor. In the series based on the celebrated graphic novels by Alice Oseman, Locke plays Charlie Spring, a student at an all-boys school who falls in love with his friend, Nick. For us, Locke talks about the qualities he most admires about his character and the show’s powerful message of acceptance.

‘Heartstopper’ is such a sweet and uplifting show! How did the role of Charlie come about for you and why did you want to be a part of this project?

I got the role through an open audition. Alice, the author of the graphic novels, really wanted to get as authentic casting as possible, so they did an open call and anyone could send in a self-tape. After that, I got invited to a recall, and then another recall – that was when I started to think, ‘Oh, maybe this is something that might actually happen!’ [laughs] When I first heard about the audition, I read the comics and I just saw so much of myself in Charlie and so much of what my school experience was like. I really wanted to be a part of the project because I felt like there are not many shows out there that depict the positives of growing up as a queer person - I just thought it was so great that there’s a story in which we can show younger queer kids that they deserve happiness.

Shirt, knit, pants & belt **Miu Miu** and shoes **Christian Louboutin**

Did you do anything celebratory once you found out you got the part?

I wish I had, but I found out about it at the height of lockdown. I went to London for the audition and when I came back to the Isle of Man, where I’m from, I had to isolate for two weeks in the house – it was just me and my dog! So once my agent rang me the next day and said I got it, I just ordered takeaway and FaceTimed with my mum to tell her the news.

Coat **Christopher Kane** and shirt, knit, tie, pants & belt **Ernest W. Baker**

‘Heartstopper’ is your debut on screen. What surprised you the most about being on set?

The fact that there are just so many people who do so many different jobs that you would never think of when you are watching something – I think we sometimes forget about the amount of work and sheer manpower that goes into a show. Also, how much of a community a set becomes – we had a really great atmosphere and the whole crew did an amazing job when it comes to creating an environment where there were never any disagreements on set. Everyone got on really well!

What are some of the qualities that you admire the most about Charlie?

His quiet confidence. I’m a more extroverted person than Charlie, but he’s definitely more confident than me. I would have never joined a rugby team for someone I had a crush on or had the guts to ask someone if they liked me or if they wanted to kiss me!

What would you say is the overarching message of the show?

It’s all about accepting who you are, and not who the world wants you to be. I think the series shows that you can’t change yourself to fit in with society, so you should try to surround yourself with people who love you, accept you for you, and let you grow in ways that bring those great qualities in you out.

Full look **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**

When did you realize that acting was something that you wanted to pursue?

When I was six, I would first start auditioning for amateur productions in my local theatre, but I would get too scared and go home! Ever since then, I’ve always been interested in drama and acting, spending every hour when I wasn’t at school going to different acting lessons or doing amateur productions – but until about last year, I always considered it more of a hobby because I’m from the Isle of Man and it’s really hard to break into the industry from there. I know lots of extremely talented people who have ended up going back [to the island] and working office jobs because they haven’t been able to get that chance. So I think it just comes down to a lot of luck – I was really lucky to be what the author and producers had in mind and I don’t ever want to take that for granted.