If you’ve ever binged Heartstopper on Netflix and thought, “No way they’re not best friends in real life,” you’re absolutely right. The show’s charm doesn’t stop at its pastel aesthetics or tender storytelling; it’s the genuine friendship between the cast that makes every hug, laugh, and teary-eyed moment feel so real.
From Joe Locke’s quiet charisma to Kit Connor’s grounded warmth, and Yasmin Finney’s infectious energy, the Heartstopper cast is proof that chemistry off-screen is what creates magic on-screen. But who’s the oldest? Who’s still navigating their teens? And how did these young stars form such a tight-knit family beyond the set?
Let’s dive into the Heartstopper cast’s real ages, behind-the-scenes friendships, and the heartwarming connections that made this Netflix favorite so much more than a show.
🧡 Quick Cast Snapshot
| Actor | Character | Age (2025) | Birthday | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Locke | Charlie Spring | 21 | September 24, 2003 | Heartstopper, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries |
| Kit Connor | Nick Nelson | 21 | March 8, 2004 | Heartstopper, Rocketman |
| Yasmin Finney | Elle Argent | 21 | August 30, 2003 | Heartstopper, Doctor Who |
| William Gao | Tao Xu | 22 | February 20, 2003 | Heartstopper |
| Corinna Brown | Tara Jones | 26 | December 24, 1998 | Heartstopper |
| Kizzy Edgell | Darcy Olsson | 22 | August 15, 2003 | Heartstopper |
How the Heartstopper Cast Met — and Instantly Clicked
When Heartstopper began filming in 2021, most of the cast were still teens. According to interviews with Netflix Tudum and Teen Vogue, the bond between them formed instantly.
Joe Locke once said, “It didn’t feel like acting it felt like being around my friends.” Kit Connor echoed that, describing the cast as “the closest thing to family outside of home.”
Director Euros Lyn intentionally built this dynamic by creating a safe, welcoming environment. The chemistry we see on-screen, Charlie blushing around Nick, Elle finding confidence, and Tao being the ultimate best friend, mirrors the energy the actors bring to real life.
Joe Locke (Charlie Spring): The Heart of the Story
At just 21, Joe Locke has gone from a small-town teen from the Isle of Man to an international star. Locke’s portrayal of Charlie as sweet, awkward, and endlessly kind resonated with fans who saw themselves in his story.
Off-screen, Joe’s personality isn’t far from Charlie’s. He’s gentle, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal to his friends. His friendship with Kit Connor, in particular, has become a fandom favorite. They share jokes, exchange memes, and attend events side by side.
Locke’s next big step? Marvel’s Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, where he’ll bring his quiet charm to a much darker world, but fans know he’ll always be “Charlie Spring” at heart.
Kit Connor (Nick Nelson): From Child Actor to Fan-Favorite
Kit Connor was already a familiar face before Heartstopper, having appeared in Rocketman as young Elton John. But it was Nick Nelson that made him a household name.
At 21, Connor has mastered the balance between teen idol and respected actor. Fans love his authenticity — and his easy friendship with Joe Locke. Despite constant online speculation about his personal life, Kit has remained grounded, using his platform to advocate for privacy, respect, and kindness online.
Connor and Locke’s bond remains the emotional center of both the show and their real lives. In interviews, Kit has described Joe as “a brother figure,” a sentiment that melts fans’ hearts every time.
Yasmin Finney (Elle Argent): The Star Who Shines Everywhere She Goes
Yasmin Finney’s energy lights up every room and every scene. At 21, she’s one of the most recognizable Gen Z stars in the UK. Her journey from TikTok videos to Heartstopper to Doctor Who is straight out of a dream.
Off-screen, Yasmin is known for her unfiltered positivity and deep connection with her Heartstopper family. Her friendship with William Gao (Tao) mirrors their on-screen dynamic: teasing, affectionate, and unbreakable.
In interviews, Finney calls the cast “my people, the ones who saw me at my most authentic.” That realness radiates in every social post, every laugh, every behind-the-scenes clip fans adore.
William Gao (Tao Xu): The Musician with the Golden Heart
William Gao, 22, plays Tao, the film-loving best friend, with loyalty and flair. In real life, Gao is an accomplished musician, performing under the name “Wasia Project” with his sister Olivia Hardy.
His off-screen personality is introspective and creative, but when he’s with the Heartstopper cast, he’s all smiles and warmth. Fans often point out how his friendship with Yasmin and Joe gives “found family” energy.
Gao’s music career runs parallel to his acting; his songs often explore love, identity, and nostalgia, much like Heartstopper itself.
Corinna Brown & Kizzy Edgell: Friendship Goals
Let’s talk about the power duo Corinna Brown (Tara) and Kizzy Edgell (Darcy). Their on-screen relationship is a fan-favorite representation of queer joy, and their off-screen friendship is just as precious.
Corinna, now 26, has often said she feels protective of her younger castmates, while Kizzy (22) calls her “the best scene partner I could ask for.” Their banter in interviews and social posts often goes viral, proving how much love and trust exists behind the camera.
Together, they embody the heart of Heartstopper: joy, friendship, and being unapologetically yourself.
Why Their Real Friendships Matter to Fans
Fans of Heartstopper often say it feels “safe.” That’s because its cast radiates genuine connection. In an industry often built on surface-level fame, these young actors have built something real.
They cheer for each other’s projects, defend each other online, and keep in touch long after filming wraps. Whether it’s Joe and Kit sharing a laugh at an award show, Yasmin posting goofy backstage selfies, or Corinna and Kizzy dancing between takes every interaction feels authentic.
It’s not just PR, it’s personal.
Behind the Scenes: Heartstopper’s Group Dynamic
If you’ve ever scrolled through the Heartstopper cast’s social media, you’ve seen the chaotic group chats, inside jokes, and joint vacation photos.
In a BuzzFeed interview, William Gao laughed, “We talk every day. Even when we’re not filming it’s like, we can’t stop talking.” Yasmin added, “It’s not just a cast, it’s a family group chat that never ends.”
That closeness translates beautifully to screen chemistry. Every look, every smile, it’s fueled by genuine affection.
Age and Experience: How the Cast Grows Together
Though they’re all around the same age, the cast brings varied life experience. Kit had worked in Hollywood before; Yasmin was new to major productions. Joe had never done TV. Corinna had theatre roots.
Instead of creating distance, those differences built mentorship. The older cast helped the younger ones navigate fame, while the newer faces brought spontaneity and sincerity that seasoned actors admired.
It’s why Heartstopper feels so emotionally honest: everyone’s learning, growing, and supporting each other in real time.
What’s Next for the Heartstopper Cast
2025 is shaping up to be huge. Joe Locke joins the Marvel universe, Yasmin Finney continues to make waves in Doctor Who, Kit Connor is rumored to be in talks for a major film, and William Gao’s Wasia Project is releasing new music.
Despite growing fame, they all remain deeply connected, often shouting out each other’s milestones on Instagram or showing up at premieres together. Fans love that they haven’t lost touch with what made Heartstopper special: love, loyalty, and laughter.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
1. How old is Joe Locke from Heartstopper?
Joe Locke is 21 years old in 2025.
2. Are Joe Locke and Kit Connor friends in real life?
Yes — they’re extremely close and often call each other family in interviews.
3. How old is Kit Connor now?
Kit Connor is 21 years old, born March 8, 2004.
4. Is the Heartstopper cast close in real life?
Absolutely. They’ve said many times they’re genuine friends and hang out off-set.
5. Who’s the oldest in the Heartstopper cast?
Corinna Brown (Tara) is the oldest main cast member at 26.
Editorial Take: The Kind of Friendship TV Needs More Of
At a time when fame can feel isolating, the Heartstopper cast reminds us what community looks like. Their bond isn’t just adorable, it’s revolutionary.
In an industry built on competition, they lead with compassion. In a digital world of filters, they choose authenticity. Maybe that’s why fans keep coming back not just for the story of Nick and Charlie, but for the love and laughter behind it.
Because when real friendship meets great storytelling, you get Heartstopper.
🔗 Internal Links
- Read more about Joe Locke’s Marvel debut in Agatha: Darkhold Diaries on wordlestudio.com
- Check out how Gen Z stars like Yasmin Finney are redefining fame in 2025
- Explore more about Netflix’s breakout shows loved by Gen Z