Sometimes not touching can be just as powerful.
It was really cool to have that.”īut Thackeray is keen to point out that despite this heartstopping scene which sent fans into a frenzy, not all intimacy requires kissing or sex. “And Euros (Lyn), he was so good with the cast in opening up that communication and he really did make them feel comfortable. “I get goosebumps thinking about it because the party scene is such a beautiful moment and so needed,” Thackeray says. It was this preparation that helped create perhaps one of the show’s many heartstopping scenes in its third episode, which sees two of the queer couples at the centre of Heartstopper share their respective first kisses at a raging house party. That was important because some of the cast members have never been on set before or have ever done a scene like this before.” “So they knew exactly what they were going to do without having that awkward moment of trying to find if they could put their head this way or that way. “And then we’d block through where they were happy to be touched, how long would that kiss be, is there tongues, is there no tongues, what’s the quality of this moment? “Beforehand I would see the actors, we’d play a couple of games to get them relaxed, have a bit of fun, get themselves back into their bodies and really come into their character rather than their personal self. But with Alice being there she was able to be like ‘I’m looking for this spark or here’s why this moment is important’ which was really helpful. “What’s amazing about Heartstopper is the comic, you have a diagram of those specific moments so we knew exactly what we were shooting. To ensure the young actors felt completely ready before filming began, the cast spent two weeks in rehearsals with Thackeray discussing how each intimate scene was going to be shot, how they were going to be created and why those moments were important. “There’s a purpose to it and when you see the actors or characters comfortable, that’s when it really works,” Thackeray explains. Heartstopper: Kit Connor as Nick (left) and Joe Locke as Charlie
“So when you're watching the scene it tells a story and it's not just there to titillate or whatever it may be, it forwards the relationship or maybe it teaches you something.
“I guess for me it’s in the detail, it’s about opening up those discussions beforehand and really taking apart a scene just like any other. So what are the secrets to creating such heartstopping scenes and how comfortable are actors with showcasing intimacy on screen? “Whether it’s a show like Heartstopper, Sex Eduction or It’s A Sin, they see the importance of having a role like this but also having the benefit of having those eyes there - to help find that spark,” he says. “We’re not there to take over, we’re there to collaborate and help with whatever they need for these moments.