Olivia Colman announced Thursday that she will not be returning for Season 3 of Netflix‘s “Heartstopper” due to a scheduling conflict. The actor made the announcement during a sit-down with Forbes.
“I couldn’t do number three. I couldn’t fit it in. I feel awful about that,” Colman said. “I feel like I was part of one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever been part of.”
Colman’s exit comes just a week after Netflix announced the premiere month for the new season of the coming-of-age queer series. The Oscar-winning actor played Sarah Nelson, the mother of Nick Nelson (Kit Connor); she quickly became a standout favorite.
Colman didn’t rule out a return to “Heartstopper” down the line though, sharing that she would be open to returning for Season 4 or even a spinoff series.
“I’ll have a word,” she stated. “As long as it’s booked in advance, maybe I’ll be able to do it, yeah!”
Patrick Walters, an executive producer on “Heartstopper,” took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to confirm Colman’s exit from the show, saying “we really tried, but it wasn’t meant to be this 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, [don’t worry].”
“Heartstopper” is based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Alice Oseman. The show chronicles the romantic relationship between high schoolers Nick and Charlie (Joe Locke). Season 3 will bow on Netflix in October.