The final instalment of the Heartstopper saga was originally set to be released as a fourth series, but despite a shorter running time, each individual’s storyline is still handled with care.
The film explores conversations around eating disorders, mental health, alcohol dependency and difficult family dynamics.
Locke and Connor are also both producers for this final chapter, which Connor says allowed them to “be the creative input and mouthpiece for the cast” who “all care about these characters and the story”.
Locke, 22, jokes that a lot of the time people are just handed producer credits, but clarifies “we actually put some effort in and took it seriously”.
There is some sadness though at saying goodbye to each other in a professional sense, with Locke noting that the show has “changed my life in pretty much every way”.
“It’s the biggest thing that will ever happen to any of us,” Connor adds.
“I value Joe as a friend, if we work together again that’s great but he’s a great actor and I love watching his work,” he says.