Heartstopper fans received heartbreak on Thursday as Alice Oseman, the creator of the Heartstopper comics and show, revealed that Olivia Colman will not be returning for the third season set to release in October 2024.

Colman portrayed the role of Nick’s mum, Sarah Nelson, during the first two seasons of the show and is a firm fan-favourite.

Taking to Instagram, Oseman addressed the reasons behind Colman's departure. “We tried absolutely everything we could, but it wasn’t meant to be, and that’s just the way the TV world works sometimes. We are so deeply grateful to Olivia for the stunning performance she gave to the show and wish her the absolute best,” the bestselling author wrote.

Responding to concerns about recasting Sarah for the third season, Oseman clarified that they did not recast the character. “We did not re-cast Sarah, and I know many of you – comic fans especially – will be upset and concerned about how we will move forward without Nick’s mum. I know there is one scene in particular that many of you have been looking forward to in season 3, and you may be feeling disappointed and disheartened with us,” she added.

“If there is one thing I could ask of you, it’s not to give up on us quite yet. I have done everything in my power to preserve that scene as written in the comic, and I’ve written some new elements of the story to ensure that it gives us the emotional punch that it gives in the comic. And as for the rest of the season – please have faith! Nick’s story from the comics is still there, still infinitely important to me, and Sarah’s role as emotional support for Nick will shift to other characters in the story for now. If you get a season four, I would love for Olivia to be a part of it again,” she further said.

Ruminating on the challenges of making a TV show, Oseman urged Heartstopper fans to wait and watch what the makers have come up with. “We’ve all worked really hard and I’m so excited for you to see what we’ve come up with, including a few new casting announcements to come in the next few weeks – some of you may have heard about already, others that you haven’t yet…,” she signed off.

Earlier on Thursday, Colman expressed regret about not being able to return for the third season of Heartstopper 3, citing scheduling conflicts. “I feel awful about that. I feel like I was part of one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever been part of,” she remarked during an interview.