Olivia Colman Confirms She Won’t Be Returning for 'Heartstopper' Season 3: 'I Feel Awful About That'

Though fans may miss seeing her on screen as Nick's mom Sarah Nelson in season 3, Colman said she would be open to reprising her role in a spinoff series or even a fourth season

Netflix

Olivia Colman on 'Heartstopper'

Olivia Colman became a fan-favorite character on Netflix's teen drama Heartstopper, but fans might be disappointed to learn they won't get to see her in the upcoming third season.

Shortly after Netflix announced the season 3 premiere date of Heartstopper, the actress confirmed that she wouldn't be involved in the next installment of the teen drama due to a scheduling conflict.

“I couldn’t do number three. I couldn’t fit it in. I feel awful about that," she told Forbes, noting that her time on the show was "one of the most beautiful things I've ever been part of."

While fans may be sad to see her go, Colman — who portrayed the role of Sarah Nelson, the mother of Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) — confessed she wouldn't be against returning to the Heartstopper universe with her own spinoff series or even season 4.

"I’ll have a word," she said. "As long as it’s booked in advance, maybe I’ll be able to do it, yeah!”

Don Arnold/WireImage

Olivia Colman attends a special screening of "Wicked Little Letters" at The Ritz Cinema on March 18, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.

Related: 'Heartstopper' Season 3: Everything to Know

In a statement shared to X (formerly known as Twitter), Patrick Walters, a producer for the series, confirmed the news of Colman's departure.

"we really tried, but it wasn’t meant to be this season," he wrote, assuring fans there is still much to be excited for in the upcoming season. "what initially turned out to be disappointing news ended up leaving space for something different, but equally special- the feels will still be there dw 🍂🫶💕."

Based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels of the same name, Heartstopper follows the unlikely friendship between high school teens Nick and Charlie (Joe Locke). But the pair soon realize that there might be something more between them.

Netflix/YouTube

(L) Joe Locke and Kit Connor in 'Heart Stopper'

Related: Heartstopper Season 3 Sets Fall Premiere as Things Get a 'Bit More Steamy' Between Nick and Charlie

Netflix first announced the show’s renewal in May 2022, when they ordered the series for two more seasons following season 1.

Last week, Netflix announced that season 3 of Heartstopper will premiere in October, just over a year after the conclusion of season 2 saw the teens close to a major relationship milestone, as Charlie nearly said “I love you” to Nick.

Along with the announcement, the streamer shared a behind-the-scenes look into the new season, which sees the cast filming at a fair. The stars also shared what’s to come for their beloved characters.

ROB YOUNGSON

(L) Kit Connor and Joe Locke in 'Heartstopper'

Related: The Best Original Series on Netflix to Stream Now

While teasing that "it’s started to get a bit more steamy" between his character Nick and Locke's Charlie, Connor said that the actors are "about to have a great time" after revealing that they’re in the midst of filming the season's finale.

"The tension is high,” Kit teased. “It’s, like, sexual tension, love — we’re all there.”

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Seasons 1 and 2 of Heartstopper can be streamed on Netflix.

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