By Kimberly Nhundu
Copyright manchestereveningnews
A Heartstopper star is taking on a new British mystery thriller that’s completely different from his Netflix role. Joe Locke, who portrays Charlie Spring in the teen series , features in the new Wales-set drama Black Church Bay. Penned and helmed by debut filmmaker Rhys Marc Jones, the thriller centres on a teacher whose life unravels following an intimate relationship with a younger man. An IMDb synopsis reveals: “In a remote Welsh coastal village, the disappearance of an openly-gay sixth form student disrupts the delicate balance of local life for one deputy head teacher, exposing long-buried secrets and threatening to tear the community apart.” Production has now concluded filming in Anglesey, North Wales, as reported by Screen Daily. Locke isn’t the only recognisable face headlining the thriller, as he’s accompanied by House of the Dragon actor Julian Lewis Jones, and BAFTA winner Rakie Ayola, reports the Mirror . Netflix viewers will know the Welsh performer from the Jeff Goldblum-led comedy series Kaos. As reported by Screen Daily, director Jones said: “I’m immensely grateful to my long-time creative partners, cinematographer Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøll and designer Paix Robinson as well as all the new relationships fostered over the last few months that helped me realise this ambitious script.” “We’re excited to show audiences the exquisite Isle of Anglesey in a way it’s never been seen before,” the writer-director added. Locke made his acting debut in Heartstopper, where he portrays a teenager grappling with issues ranging from his sexuality to mental health. He stars alongside Kit Connor, who plays his on-screen love interest, Nick Nelson. The teen drama, adapted from Alice Oseman’s popular graphic novels, is set to conclude in 2026 with the feature-length film titled Heartstopper Forever. Oseman offered some insight into what audiences can anticipate as the narrative draws to a close. Speaking to Netflix, she said: “I think this movie will explore what makes love survive, or what elevates it, or deepens it. “At 18 and 17, Nick and Charlie are hurtling towards their adult lives. Many teenage relationships don’t survive that pivotal moment of change.” Heartstopper is streaming now on Netflix
