Heartstopper's Hayley Atwell would love to return with Olivia Colman
Do you want to see Aunt Diane again?
Hayley Atwell has said that she would like to return with Olivia Colman for a potential Heartstopper season 4.
The LGBTQ+ drama featured the Marvel icon in its recent third instalment, with Atwell playing the role of Aunt Diane to Kit Connor's Nick Nelson, who was a supportive figure during the roller coaster season.
Colman's own character, Nick's mum Sarah, is referenced in the latest episodes, but does not actually appear, as the Academy Award winner was unable to reprise the role due to a scheduling conflict.
Still, fans are hoping that Colman could return if the show is renewed for a fourth season, with Atwell expressing her enthusiasm for the idea in a new interview with RadioTimes.com.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
The actor was promoting her Netflix animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, in which she voices the title character, but spared a few minutes to share whether she'd return to the world of Heartstopper too – perhaps with Colman in tow.
"I would do anything with Olivia Colman," she began. "I would go shopping to Sainsbury's with Olivia Colman. I love her very much, always have. I’ve been a big fan since I saw her in Tyrannosaur, in particular."
On what drew her to the project, Atwell continued: "I think the show is so charming, and I think it's done a lot of good, particularly for the younger queer community.
"For me, it felt like I absolutely wanted to be part of that show for that very reason, in support of that queer experience, which is not something that I have personal experience with, but something that's really important to my community."
She added: "And I just love the way in which they depict these emotionally complicated and evolving storylines about what it's like growing up and coming of age.
"The particular experience of being queer on top of that is handled in such a sensitive and respectful way.
"I was like, 'Yeah, I'll come in and play an aunt – sure thing. What do you want me to do?' [I was] really delighted to be asked."
Fans enjoyed Atwell's guest appearances, with our Heartstopper season 3 review describing her take on Aunt Diane as "oh-so-cool" and "the kind of relative you don't dread seeing at Christmas".
Heartstopper is yet to be officially renewed for season 4, with fans currently on the edge of their seat as they wait for word on whether Charlie and Nick's story will continue on the small screen.
Heartstopper seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.