Heartstopper season 3 confirms casting news following fan guesses

Heartstopper has made a casting announcement for the upcoming third series following weeks of fan speculation.

The Netflix show will return next year for its third series, with Alice Oseman’s graphic novel continuing to be adapted for the streaming service.

One such character who was yet to make an appearance on the show was Michael Holden, with fans speculating who would be playing the character.

darragh hand in a black suit at the stage debut awards, september 2022
Dave Benett - Getty Images

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They now have their answer, with Darragh Hand confirmed to be playing the speed skater after Netflix made an announcement via their social media channels, which included a photo of the actor alongside Tori Spring actor Jenny Walser.

“Some of you already figured this out, but for those who didn't we're thrilled to be welcoming Darragh Hand to the Heartstopper family for S3 – he's playing Michael Holden!” wrote Netflix on Twitter/X.

Fans reacted to the announcement in kind, with one user writing: “THANK U WE WERE WAITING A MONTH FOR THAT.” Several others remarked “My Michael”, with one fan adding: “HES PERFECT AHHHH.”

The third series will be the first without Sebastian Croft after the star departed from his role as Ben Hope, with series creator Oseman subsequently commending his work on the show.

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“I am so proud and honoured that Sebastian has been a part of Heartstopper” said Oseman. “I know that he'll go on to do incredible things, and I will be cheering from the sidelines all the way.”

Oseman has since teased the events of the upcoming series, promising that the creative team are not short of material to adapt for future episodes: “There’s a lot of story left for the show to go into season three,” they said.

“In season two we’ve started to explore mental health in a big way, and I think it’s pretty obvious from the way we leave the season that is going to be a big element of season three. We’re going to continue to look at that in a big way.”

Heartstopper seasons 1-2 are streaming on Netflix.

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