Olivia Colman has confirmed she won't appear in the upcoming season of Heartstopper due to a scheduling conflict.
The Oscar-winning star played Nick's mother Sarah in the first two seasons of Netflix's acclaimed queer dramedy, but won't return for the third instalment, which wrapped filming last December.
"I couldn't do number three. I couldn't fit it in. I feel awful about that," Colman told Forbes.
Related: Heartstopper and Bridgerton stars' new movie confirms release date with first teaser
Praising the show created by Alice Oseman, who penned the graphic novel series that serves as the show's inspiration, Colman continued: "I feel like I was part of one of the most beautiful things I've ever been part of."
While the Wicked Little Letters actress won't reprise her role on chapter number three, she didn't close the door on portraying Sarah again should the show be greenlit for season four.
"Okay! I'll have a word," she said about returning as Sarah. "As long as it's booked in advance, maybe I'll be able to do it, yeah!"
Meanwhile, the third season has recently landed a release window. Netflix announced fans will get to see what Nick, Charlie and their pals are up to next in October, though an exact date is yet to be disclosed.
Related: Heartstopper's Joe Locke makes Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd: The Musical
The streamer also shared a behind-the-scenes featurette from filming in a fairground setting, with main stars Joe Locke (Charlie) and Kit Connor (Nick) teasing what lies ahead for the couple.
"Nick and Charlie have… It's started to get a bit more steamy," Connor teased. "We're about to rehearse, but I'll tell you what, we are about to have a great time."
He then added: "The tension is high. It's like sexual tension, love, we're all there."
Heartstopper seasons 1-2 are streaming on Netflix. Season 3 is in production.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
