Joe Locke of Heartstopper has admitted to feeling “strange remorse” since the consequences of his popularity have damaged his family.
Heartstopper was launched to enormous praise and admiration from those already smitten by Alice Oseman’s literary series, which follows two high school lads in love, and Locke, 19, became incredibly famous overnight.
It has shattered several records, and season 2 is presently ranked second on Netflix’s global ranking. Many of the cast members have already gone on to secure major parts elsewhere, including Locke, who will be entering the Marvel Universe in Agatha: Coven of Chaos.
Locke, who has been a celebrity for almost a year, told Teen Vogue that his profession has also affected his loved ones.
When admirers sought to follow his mother’s location, she was compelled to alter her social media accounts, and some even phoned his grandma.
‘It’s a mutual thing. I need to learn my boundaries and people need to learn their boundaries,’ he said.
‘Most attention comes from a really good place, and I hope I always appreciate that.’
He added: ‘I think people need to understand that privacy is non-negotiable.’
Kit Connor, 19, who plays Locke’s love interest Nick, was ‘forced’ to come out as bisexual on social media after being harassed by fans accusing him of ‘queerbaiting,’ presuming he wasn’t LGBTQ+.
He also stated that he felt forced to ‘bulk up’ when admirers matched his body to that of Charlie in the novels.
Heartstopper returned for season two earlier this month and boasts a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while creator Alice Oseman revealed all about season 3.
Heartstopper is available to stream on Netflix now.
Source My Celebrity Life.