The rise to stardom for Kit Connor and Joe Locke, thanks to their roles in Netflix’s Heartstopper, has inevitably led to curiosity about their personal lives. Fans have long speculated about whether the two stars are dating in real life, but is there any truth to the rumors? Let’s take a deep dive into their relationship and address some frequently asked questions regarding their off-screen dynamic.
Kit Connor and Joe Locke: Friends or Something More?
The chemistry between Kit Connor and Joe Locke in Heartstopper is undeniable. The show, which premiered on Netflix in April 2022, follows the heartwarming love story of Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) as they navigate high school, relationships, and self-discovery. The authenticity in their performances has led to an outpouring of fan love, many of whom have been eager to see if the affection and intimacy they portray on screen extends to their real lives.
Clearing the Air: No, They’re Not Dating
Despite the fan-driven ship of Joe Locke and Kit Connor as a couple, both actors have publicly stated that they are not dating in real life. In interviews, Kit Connor has been clear about their relationship, saying they are very close friends. He acknowledged that fans’ curiosity is natural, given their roles, but insists that their off-screen connection is purely platonic.
In an interview with Digital Spy in May 2022, Kit emphasized the importance of their friendship, particularly when it came to performing the more intimate scenes between Nick and Charlie. “We’re very good friends, me and Joe. We’re very close. So that helps,” Kit explained, adding that the presence of an intimacy coordinator on set helped them feel safe and comfortable.
Similarly, Joe Locke has expressed admiration for Kit and their friendship but confirmed that the pair are just friends. In an interview with Untitled Magazine, Kit revealed that their bond helped them perform their roles with ease: “Joe and I are very close, we are comfortable at a point in our relationship where we can take the mick out of each other, that’s the main element of our friendship.”
Friendship Built on Trust and Humor
One of the reasons for the speculation about Kit and Joe dating could stem from the ease and natural chemistry they share on screen. Both actors have admitted that their real-life friendship has been instrumental in portraying their characters’ relationship convincingly.
During the Heartstopper press tour, Kit and Joe frequently shared anecdotes about their time together on set, further solidifying how close they’ve become. Kit told Entertainment Weekly that they hit it off right from the chemistry read, where they first auditioned together. Joe added that their shared experience of being young actors still attending school while filming helped them bond quickly.
They both acknowledged that their real-life dynamic is quite different from their on-screen personas. Kit mentioned in an interview with Them that, while Nick and Charlie are sweet, shy, and flirty with each other, Kit and Joe’s friendship involves a lot more banter and teasing.
The Toll of Public Scrutiny: Kit and Joe’s Stance on Rumors
Unfortunately, the intense scrutiny on their relationship hasn’t always been a positive experience. After the show’s first season, rumors about the actors’ personal lives intensified. Joe Locke addressed the intrusive nature of these rumors in an interview with
British GQ. He expressed discomfort at being the subject of gossip at such a young age, particularly when it came to his love life. “The idea of a tabloid being interested in a teenager’s love life is really gross,” Joe said. He found it especially disturbing that some individuals were trying to profit from speculating about his or Kit’s personal relationships.
Kit Connor, who came out as bisexual in 2022 after feeling pressured by fans and media, also reflected on how the intense speculation impacted him. In the same GQ interview, he discussed how social media could be both a blessing and a curse, with the constant flood of opinions affecting his mental health.
Why the Chemistry is So Convincing
One thing fans agree on is that the chemistry between Kit and Joe is what makes Heartstopper so compelling. Many wonder how they managed to capture the vulnerability and sweetness of Nick and Charlie’s relationship so authentically. The answer, according to both actors, lies in their strong off-screen friendship.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kit revealed that the producers intentionally scheduled the filming to align with the timeline of Nick and Charlie’s developing relationship. This allowed the actors to get to know each other gradually, mirroring the way their characters bonded on screen. Joe echoed this sentiment, explaining how the authenticity of their connection was due to their shared experience of growing up while filming.
Kit also pointed out that working with a close friend made the whole process feel more natural. In his interview with Untitled Magazine, Kit said, “It was a good thing that it did happen as it would’ve been very difficult to portray that relationship if we weren’t as close as we are.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Kit Connor and Joe Locke dating in real life?
No, Kit Connor and Joe Locke are not dating. They are very close friends but have both stated in interviews that their relationship is purely platonic.
2. How did Kit Connor and Joe Locke meet?
Kit and Joe first met during the chemistry reads for Heartstopper. According to them, they connected instantly, which made portraying their characters’ relationship much easier.
3. Did Kit Connor and Joe Locke have any issues filming intimate scenes?
Both actors have said that while filming intimate scenes can be awkward, their close friendship helped them feel comfortable. The presence of an intimacy coordinator also provided additional support and guidance.
4. How do Kit Connor and Joe Locke handle rumors about their personal lives?
Both Kit and Joe have expressed frustration with the rumors surrounding their personal lives, especially given their young age. Kit has been open about how the pressure from fans led him to come out as bisexual. Joe has spoken out about how invasive speculation can be, calling it “gross.”
5. How does their off-screen friendship differ from their on-screen relationship?
Kit and Joe’s real-life friendship involves more banter and teasing, which contrasts with the sweetness and innocence of Nick and Charlie’s relationship in Heartstopper. While they get along well, their interactions are more playful and less romantic than their characters’ dynamic.