Created by author Alice Oseman (This Winter, Radio Silence), Heartstopper debuted on Netflix in 2022. The series was quickly renewed for a second season, which was released in August, as well as a third season, which is currently in production. According to Deadline, it has been announced that Darragh Hand (Silent Witness, Wake Wood) will be playing Michael Holden, a character from Oseman’s novel Solitaire, in season three.

This news was announced by Oseman in an Instagram post. In her post, she stated, “Now some of you already figured this out, but for those who didn’t, we’re thrilled to be welcoming Darragh Hand as Michael Holden to the Heartstopper family for S3!”

She continued, “As well as appearing in the Heartstopper graphic novels, Michael – along with Tori – is one of the main characters of my first ever novel, ‘Solitaire’. So I was very nervous and excited to begin the search for our Michael! Michael is a quirky, eccentric optimist with a sunshine disposition, and it was a challenge to find someone who I felt truly channelled Michael from the books. But then Darragh came along and warmed our hearts, made us all laugh so much, and perfectly complimented Jenny Walser’s Tori Spring. I can’t wait for you to meet Michael in season 3!”

Her post can be viewed below.

 

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A post shared by Alice Oseman (@aliceoseman)

Hand will be joining Jenny Walser (Call the Midwife), Joe Locke (Agatha: Darkhold Diaries), Kit Connor (Rocketman, Ready Player One), Yasmin Finney (Anything’s Possible, Doctor Who), and more.

The series follows Charlie Spring, played by Locke, and Nick Nelson, played by Connor, as they navigate their relationship. Heartstopper delves into themes of love, friendship, mental health, and community throughout seasons one and two.

Fans of the Heartstopper franchise and the novel Solitaire can look forward to seeing Michael Holden come to life in season three.