Heartstopper star discusses Olivia Colman's exit and 'return' to Netflix series

Netflix's popular coming-of-age series Heartstopper had a notable absence in its latest season, and one of the cast members has expressed her thoughts on the potential return of the missing star.

The third season of the Netflix series Heartstopper, which was released on October 3, received immediate praise from both fans and critics.

However, the departure of Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, who played a key character for two seasons, was conspicuous.

The LGBTQ+ series, based on graphic novels by Alice Oseman, follows a group of teenagers as they navigate through love, friendship, and sexuality.

At the heart of the drama is a touching romance between Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke). Colman, who played Nick's mother Sarah for two seasons, confirmed to Forbes in March 2024 that she would not be returning for the third season due to scheduling conflicts.

Now, Hayley Atwell, who took on Colman's pivotal scenes in season 3 as Nick's aunt Diane, has expressed she would like to return for the next instalment with Colman.

When asked by RadioTimes if she would return to the dramedy, potentially with Colman, she said: "I would do anything with Olivia Colman."

She continued: "I would go shopping [at] Sainsbury's with Olivia Colman. I love her very much, always have. I’ve been a big fan since I saw her in Tyrannosaur, in particular."

Elsewhere in the interview, Atwell revealed what drew her to the Netflix series, admitting: "I think the show is so charming, and I think it's done a lot of good, particularly for the younger queer community.

"For me, it felt like I absolutely wanted to be part of that show for that very reason, in support of that queer experience, which is not something that I have personal experience with, but something that's really important to my community."

She continued by sharing her reaction to being asked to join the show, explaining: "I was like, 'Yeah, I'll come in and play an aunt – sure thing. What do you want me to do?' [I was] really delighted to be asked."

Atwell is widely recognised for her Marvel role as Agent Peggy Carter in various films and TV shows across the franchise.

She has recently joined Netflix's animated series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, voicing the titular character.

Netflix has not yet confirmed whether Heartstopper will return for a fourth season but writer Alice Oseman has shared that she is working on the next volume of the graphic novels.

Heartstopper season 3 is available to stream now on Netflix.