Hope you love this interview as much as I do! The full podcast episode will be live tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6AM UK time - can't wait for you to hear it! Just follow this link: hyperurl.co/i4yxt0 or search 'Reign with Josh Smith' wherever you get your podcasts from. Can't wait to hear what you think! Josh x

When people online say that the cast isn’t conventionally attractive, I think they are noticing that the cast are actual teenagers playing teens, not 25 year olds who’ve been in the gym 10 years already

Hearing these gorgeous kids like Joe and Kit talk about doing A levels while also doing such a huge fulltime dream job makes me feel like Ive aged prematurely without doing enough . I cant wait to see Joe and the rest of the cast in more stuff

On coming out... My boyfriend never officially came out. He just took me to a family dinner and expected everyone to just "get it and get over it" ✊power move

These 11 minutes felt like 3 minutes. I wish this was a longer interview! Joe is so eloquent and smart. A great role model for everyone

The way Joe talks at 18 years old!? It’s incredible. He keeps it so professional and interesting to listen to!

Yas asking Joe if they'll be friends forever is quite honestly the cutest and most heartwarming thing ever omg I love them so much I want the whole Heartstopper gang to stay friends forever.

Joe is an extremely talented actor. Can’t believe Heartstopper was his first acting ever. I really do hope all the success to this kid. He is going to achieve everything🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

Wow Joe is really a level-headed person, it's quite impressive to hear his rational thoughts and choices of wording in this kind of long interview, thank you so much for this!! His perceptions of the story/show or certain subjects are quite intriguing to hear, can't wait for the full interview.

Joe is the embodiment of sunshine.

I can't stop staring at Joe's brows…they're so majestic

Finally Joe's interview! I felt like Sirius Black who waited 13 years in Azkaban so I waited this interview. Thank you so much ❤️

i have never seen a babie-er and more pure 18 yr old. him and kit never fail to make me smile and make me happy and make any bad day into good. i hope they know how much of a positive effect they have on ppl's lives and how many ppl r finding themselves bcoz of them.

Joe is so incredibly smart and cute. His emotional intelligence and worldview was on full display in this interview. I loved it!

i am in awe of joe locke and his talent and sincerity. he's so well-spoken and he truly always says the right words. we are so lucky to have him as our charlie spring!!

I hope he knows that if he needs distance, real fans gonna give him that. We don't want overworked, overwhelmed artists. Everyone wants to see them happy

Oh gosh also I respect how Joe's making his boundaries clear and how importance he puts into it during interviews as well. Fans can become very invasive, just like how some people stalked his family.. and the fact that he made it clear that it's not acceptable is so so important. I've seen many celebs don't say anything about things that may bother them just to not make their fans angry, but it should never be this way. So I'm very glad Joe's not afraid to express his discomfort right from the start and set clear boundaries. I hope his fanbase will grow and remain respectful of those!

joe is so well-spoken. this interview means a lot to me :]

Yes. i instantly wanted to give Joe a big hug. He comes across as vulnerable but brave. And, of course, those eyes and that hair.

Joe does sound like such a wonderful person. So well spoken and thoughtful and the way he talks about Kit and the others being there for support and such, it's clear how much the show and the people have meant to him. The show presents a very positive optimistic view and it feels like the actors themselves embody that sort of perspective on life which is great. I'm glad he doesn't obsess over Twitter per se as there can be some negative comments amongst all the positives, although I think he is perfect just the way he is and I'm sure the people who are around him regularly can give him very encouraging feedback about who he is.

“How do you get over a gay boy?” “Ahh, the question of the ages” 💕🍁🍂 Joe is so incredible and genuine and talented! I can’t wait to see what else he will be in next x

Joe is a treasure. This is his first acting debut and he took it and ran with it. Cannot wait to see what kind of career he forges for himself.

YAAAY Joe Locke finally, i love listening to him, he's so genuine and kind and he looks so happy, i really hope he will keep doing what he loves and that he will never forget how much he means to many people, he's such a safe zone by being himself and it's so important to have someone like him in your life. Anyways, i love him so so much.

Joe just makes me so HAPPPPY

i could listen to joe talk all day. i love him so incredibly much. i hate that he gets hate. if i could take it away and give it all to me i would. he’s helped so many young queer people. he deserves so much love and liberation.

the thing about the negative comments really broke my heart 🙁 joe, hope you know that we love you a lot and will always be there supporting you 💗

Joe is beautiful I don’t know what people are talking about. In fact the whole cast is. They’re all just so precious

As a Heartstopper fan I've seen a lot of Interviews but I have to say I like yours best. The way you talk and the questions you ask are all so composed and respectful on a very human level.

What a well-spoken, thoughtful, intelligent man. Him being picked out of 10,000 other actors is truly one of those lightning in a bottle moments, I believe he was meant for this role - he played it so perfectly!

Both Kit and Joe,so young yet so mature,so wise and so open minded

I think Joe hit it right on the head at the end...It is so refreshing to hear someone so young expressing that the "norm" should be to be more realistic...Bravo Joe. Keep it up! 🙏❤️🤗

Joe is adorable. And he brings that to his 'Charlie' as well. The casting choices for the series were spectacular.

Gosh, isn't he the loveliest ever? Thanks for having him! I'm totally late to the party and catching up on Heartstopper and couldn't believe what a sweetheart Joe Locke seems to be. Very humble, very very smart and well spoken, a complete newcomer but what a raw talent. A rising star! I got really depressed after I found out how bad he got (apparently still gets) bullied online. Disgusting behavior.

"I was always the kid who really did care about my education, ...that was a stereotype I overcame" I just want to hug this little bud.❤️ he is so true to himself and grounded, and how he discussed the "norm" in the end is spot on. I think that's why the show like heartstopper resonated with so many ppl. Looking forward to seeing him tackling and acting out these subjects in future seasons.😎

It's so refreshing and rewarding to see people like Joe having this platform to voice his critical point of view on these topics. Thank you, Joe❤

like joe said I LOVE HOW HEARTSTOPPER PORTRAYS DARKER THEMES IN AN OPTIMISTIC WAY, IT JUST MAKES THEM SEEM SM MORE OVERCOME-ABLE

Hearing joe’s thoughts always makes me feel safe the way he talks about mental illness and coming out he’s so well spoken and educated on this kinda topics and all the heartstopper show teaching the ones who’s watching the show how to cope with the things happens in our lives that helps all of us with so many things and I hope joe knows how much he loved by all of us I felt so sorry when he talked about bad comments

I definitely relate to Charlie and Nick a lot. I went through the confusion of being bisexual but it was sorta different for me because I had always liked girls and guys because I thought it was normal but it wasn't for everyone else. Coming out when your younger doesn't make it any easier I came out when I was in the 6th grade, I only got to tell maybe 3 people, I was outed to everyone else and it sucks. Being outed and bullied for being you really messes with your mental health, it caused me to self harm and starve myself because you feel like you have no control over anything so you find anything to control and it's really hard going through that when at that time it's "cool" to hurt yourself and not eat so when you try to find help people think you are lieing for attention. I still get rude dumb comments about my sexuality and it's been 4 years since I got outed people really just don't let it go. I've tried to force myself to be straight a few times because it seems so much easier but I'm already out and there is nothing I can do about it. Don't let other people invalidate your feelings and who you are. You gotta love yourself for you not what other people what you to be xx

It’s lovely to see him being normal/human in all this chaotic moments of stardom

Joe is so well spoken and soft spoken

Every time I see an interview of joe my mood is instantly boosted.

Outstanding. Love your interview style...so conversational and relaxed. Joe is so eloquent, intelligent, poised, and passionate. Way beyond his years. Brilliant young talent!

I love how natural and comfortable Joe Locke is during his interview! He comes off as a seasoned actor! Truly impressive talent. Love love love. 💕

he’s so precious, he literally has a heart of gold🥹

Joe has done a great job on heartstopper, it's a pleasure to watch and listen to him...he knows what he wants for how young he is...he has a great future and is always natural which is what brings him closer to the public...

i honestly can keep hearing them talk endlessly and never get tired of it . This series is by far the best one ever existing !!

joe is so well spoken and seems so sweet loved this interview

joe is so adorable and every time i see him i want to give him a big hug

one minute in and already crying over the part with yaz asking if they’d be friends forever please

Love how he and Kit are their for each other and they can talk to each other when they need that someone to talk to!! I love their bromance/friendship🥺💚🍂🍃

I love how Joe emphasized that coming out takes time and to take your time. I have discovered I'm asexual and I have felt like I have to tell people now instead of later. But I don't have to and I have taken my time and most of my friends know I'm ace, but I'm still getting there with other friends and family

I am nuts for Joe Locke!! The coolest guy to have as Charlie!!! 😍😍😍

Joe is so smart and well spoken. He really care and understand Charlie character. Cant wait for the next season ❤️

hearing that bit about joe and yas was so 🥺🥺🥺

Joe is such a beautiful person! we certainly support the right person! Joe deserves the whole world! 🥺💕

I'm honestly happy and conforted knowing that my sister gets to enter her teens looking up to Joe, this whole cast and youngsters with this kind of mentality. I don't think they need (or should have) any type of pressure put on the., but really, seing them being unapologetically themselves and sharing what they believe in...is so freeing and calming in a way. So thank you for these kind of interviews 🤍

I wish I was so wise when I was 18. Everything he says - especially about male body image - is so insightful. Also that little anecdote about Yaz was so cute ❤❤ Joe you're amazing 🏳️‍🌈

Can't believe they're so well-versed. Joe and Kit are so lovely and so mature when it comes to expressing their themselves. I just wish that people will start to listen and just love them. Just to remind that there's a boundary too , cause they also need privacy. Thank you so much for this great interview! Hoping for a Kit&Charlie interview 🙏🫶🏻👏🏻❤️😍

When joe Locke was explaining how people were coming for him because people wanted him to look a certain way jus got me annoyed cuz people are jus jealous that joe Locke got to kiss Kit Connor LOL . Joe Locke is played the part for a reason because he’s good at playing his character and he is not even near ugly so haters gonna hate for others reasons really .

Smart guy. He used his character as a shield to make points without giving to much away about his personal life.

"Feeling comfortable saying NO" - that's so important. Best of luck dealing with all the crazy out there, Joe. Fame can be a double-edged sword. Glad you have your castmates, friends and family to support you. Thank you for bringing Charlie to life - I cannot imagine anyone else in the role, having seen what you did with it. You add a depth to the character that really marks you as a fantastic actor, with a brilliant career ahead of you.

I love this interview! Joe is so well-spoken and I love his thoughts about these themes! I need more interviews like this ✨ Joe is so great 😊

I LOVE HIM!! so kind, so beautiful, so sweet, so cute!! he’s also SUCH a great actor, i can’t believe charlie was his first role

8:24 this 👏👏

He's so well spoken.

Joe is adorable, wise and a great actor! I wish him all the very best now and in his super bright future!

Joe is freaking smart, like he already has the answer to each question before being asked

His performance was amazing, but getting to know him makes me admire him so much more!

LOVE your interview with Joe Locke. He's an impressive, well-grounded young man and was perfectly cast as Charlie. I cannot imagine anyone else in the role. Everyone from the Heartstopper cast is an absolute joy! Thank you!

Joe is so cute, charming, sincere, talented ...😍

Awww Joe is so adorable and his acting skills are amazing plus he is a great speaker. The thing I love about him is that he is fairly new and he doesn’t seem scripted. He sounds authentic☺️☺️☺️

How is he so lovely and level headed and smart at such a young age?! Love.

i love him so much. he seems like such a genuine person

Thanks Joe, you in courage and inspire many of us.

Joe, your type of cast are not only SUPER attractive but very intelligent and therefore arouse curiosity and mystery. Your play was so convincing that it was painful to watch you being sad and so rewarding to wach you shine and happy! I hard to believe this level of realism in your play can be faked by pure play. This master-piece can be achieved only at the COST of you having feellings on the set.. This puts me in confusion and worry not just about Charlie.. but about Joe revealing a big heart that maybe puts him in a vulnerable position (Actors issues..). ❤️‍🔥 You are unique and amazing ❤️‍🔥

Honestly, I've felt more valid since meeting the cast this year. A goal in my life is to meet them in person and thank them for the good impact they have in my life. Even if my fanaticism goes away with the years, they will always be in my heart because they are helping me a lot. Love you Joe

He's such a smart and complex person, it's sad that this has less views than Kit's interview.

Why is this entire cast just so warm and sweet? Makes me so happy :) I love that younger generations have these type of young actors to look up to. I wish millennials had better representation to look to at a similar age.

I only started watching it two weeks ago and I’m already on my third watch. Such a comforting lovely series 🥺❤️

In my opinion, joe successfully embodies as the character Charlie a person with eating disorders. I like that it isn't obvious, how he try's to hide it and how Nick is carefully dealing with it. Its much more realistic and it kinda helped me going through the journey i experienced with eating disorders.

I really like Joe, he is so smart and genuine.

I really admire Joe Lock. He´s so fresh, smart, conscious & talented

Josh, love your calm and engaging interview style!! All the young folks from Heartstopper are AMAZING!!! They are so well spoken, so bright and kind - this generation coming up, I'm praying makes for huge changes in our world to be filled with more love and kindness.

sweetest soul inside and out and thank you for being so respectful to both Kit and Joe ! :)

What a smart and articulate young man Joe is, especially at such a young age. I'm sure he will try his very best at his imminent A-levels and that he will do well, but I can guarantee that he won't ever _need_ them in the sense of having to rely entirely on grades to get somewhere in life. Not only is he a very natural and talented actor, but his intelligence and reasoning power will see him good in whatever he chooses to do with his life, even if it isn't acting. You can keep this kind of guy down.

Re-define what is normal to make it easier for ourselves, and set boundaries for yourself and say no. Amazing insight and view on being in this world. Thanks Joe and Josh ❤

Again, such good questions! These interviews feel so much more like a private conversation than the usual entertaining speech. It's such a good way to understand what the actors really think and feel :)

The entire Heartstopper cast are such joys! Like they are all, for their age, so grounded and humble and I think that's what makes the show so real and endearing is that we're watching actual teenagers be teenagers and it comes so naturally. And their friendship outside of the screen is just so precious. It saddens me that these kids are subjected to such hatred on Twitter and other platforms because they all did so great (especially those like Joe where it's his first time acting, like for a first timer he was AMAZING and is definitely going to go far!) They deserve the absolute world, and have done so much for the community. I truly hope they know how much they're adored and cared for, and don't pay attention to those mean people. All of them are beautiful, and all of them are so incredibly kind. KEEP YOU CHINS UP!

Omg joe you're so cute , well spoken and smart, we need more young people like you.

What a beautiful and fun interview ❤ Joe is so well spoken and such a kind hearted soul! All the best for him acting in the future

He is such a warm person 🥺

Important to share JOE LOCKE media to counteract any negative crap Also since KIT CONNOR seems to get more coverage Both of them share the focus of HEARTSTOPPER popularity. Any official recognition AWARDS SHOULD BE GIVEN JOINTLY TO BOTH JOE AND KIT. THEIR PERFORMANCES ARE DEFINITELY JOINED AT THE HIP

Joe is an angel! Love him!

Omg, your channel is waaaay under the radar!! I feel like I found some hidden treasure. You KNOW how to interview someone! You make the right questions and you know to let your guest speak. Seriously, this is great stuff.

Both Joe and Kit seem as sweet and genuine in real life as they do on the show. Their chemistry is amazing!

As a 69 year-old gay man i can assure you gay people never stop coming out in their lives. Hopefully shows such as Heartstopper will make coming out unnecessary. Cant believe how much this show has impacted me. Im overwhelmed. I so love Joe and Kit. Theyre amazing.

I just enjoyed this a lot, it's so nice to hear what Joe has to say about his sudden fame, his way to be grounded to normality, Heartstopper and Charlie Spring, and just everything you covered in these questions! Can't wait for the podcast

Such a great interview! It's really nice to see the extraverted confident Joe, and hear his insights on playing Charlie.. I think what I loved about his acting the most was the rawness and realness of his character expressions, his face, the genuineness of being a teenager, showing the awkward uncomfortable feelings - the slightly clumsy brave social moments, the gangly still growing kiddie faces, like you can tell everyone's face bones still havnt finished growing, and even as kezzy said in one interview, everyone's got a few teenage spots!! That's so important! It's so damn great! I'm so sick of seeing bland air brushed Holywood actors who look like their faces are all half numb and highly self-conscious self-controlled expressions, or tropes of way exaggerated emotions.. Even kit whos got more classical looks has uniqueness and sensativity in his character.. Its so nice to see sensative and nuanced relationships and the naturalness of friendships like leaning on each other, sharing food, or spilling the tea or advising each other, feeling irritated and then getting over it, or sleepovers! ... Some how adult life feels a bit stiffer and more boundaried, its so refreshing seeing this and remembering, and also just to see it validated, it's a great way of life! It's healthy! I thought Joe was just good at this because he's so fresh, maybe unselfconscious, and still in school, but after seeing his interviews, I'm realising that it's actually that he's that good an actor, and I can't wait to see more, and wonder how it will change when he's a bit older, and coming back to the story line as if it's only a few months down the page. That rawness is a real gift. I don't know if it's a queer aesthetics thing, but I just think anyone's gorgeous who is rocking their uniqueness. Style is so much more powerful and attractive than being blandly on trend, and he has style in bucket loads. I think it's one of the freedoms of being queer, we get to make our own stories, our own looks, and our own value judgements, and I do think that's our gift to the rest of the world. It's so nice to see Joe embodying that, with Alice's fabulous writing and the directors and camera and sound work. Yay for feminism in breaking down rediculous binary patriarchal "norms" and moving towards the day when everyone can be authentically themselves and be free to love whoever they love equally. What's interesting when you move passed boxes and labels is actually the real living and loving and friendships, and that's what this show so beautifully shows. Its been super healing for me to see these characters, and yes so validating, and made me reflect heaps on my time as a teenager before I came out. The nothingness was horrible. I had amazing friendships and interests and passions, which I will always be so grateful for, but waking up to my sexuality and gender identity was so wonderful, and I wish that for all young kids to feel OK being who they are from the start. No one should have to go through life with a mental blank ahead of them because their future has been silenced. We deserve to see each other and celebrate each other, and have role models to look up to who feel relevant, and so I'm really thankful, and can't wait for next year's episodes. I hope the series reaches all around the world and gives everyone the confidence to push past any yuckyness and be bold! Thanks for the great interview questions josh, well done.

Both Joe and Kit have done an excellent job bringing Nick and Charlie to the screen. So many of us are in love with their portrayals of the characters and their storylines. Two excellent young actors. I hope they receive the recognition they deserve.

Whenever i see a young actor having this kind of opportunity in the art/show business, i always think, "oh they are so lucky they were discovered" but you know with joe i dont feel like he is the lucky one, i feel like, we are the lucky ones , this whole world was lucky to have found him at such a young age, coz this guy is so talented and especial, i think someone was goin to find him one way or another, sooner or later, and man, im so glad it was sooner... 💕😭