Are Kit Connor and Joe Locke actually dating IRL? Here's why 'Heartstopper' fans are shipping the duo

With the return of Heartstopper season 2, fans have been left wondering if Nick and Charlie's onscreen romance has evolved off the big screen—but are Kit Connor and Joe Locke dating IRL?

Of course, everyone loves a co-stars-turned-lovers story—take Zendaya and Tom Holland for instance—but Kit and Joe have previously shut down any speculation suggesting they are more than just friends. That being said though, following the new season's release, the rumor mill has once again started turning—especially after a certain TikTok...

So, is there any truth to the online murmurings? Here's what we've sussed out and Joe Locke and Kit Connor's dating situation.

Are Kit Connor and Joe Locke actually dating?

In short—no, it looks like the show romance didn't translate into real life and Kit Connor and Joe Locke are not a couple. After revealing back in October 2022 that he was pressured to come out as bisexual by fans, Kit Connor is understandably keeping his private life, well, private. The same goes for Joe Locke, with both keeping their relationship statuses very much under wraps. Because of that, we're assuming that both Kit and Joe are single until they confirm otherwise.

As for the recent relationship rumors, they appear to just be friends. In fact, in an interview with Digital Spy in May 2022 (following the show's first season) Kit said as
much: "We’re very good friends, me and Joe. We’re very close."

So, what sparked these latest rumors, apart from their on-screen chemistry, of course? Well, fans were sent into a frenzy after Joe Locke posted a TikTok video, wearing a Kit Connor hoodie, set to the song 'Saturday Night's Alright' from the film, Rocket Man—which for those who don't know, Kit Connor sang and starred in. Joe accompanied the video with the caption: "I have a new celebrity crush and I bought something to show this person how much I love them," followed by a string of teary eye and heart emojis.

Upon debuting the Kit hoodie, the text then changed to: "You might not know him but he means a lot to me." Now, here's what made fans question everything—after the text came three more heart emojis, with one covering the eggplant symbol...

@joelocke03

Officially a rocketman stan 💕

♬ Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) - Taron Egerton & Kit Connor

One fan commented: "THE EMOJI COVERUP".

While another quizzed: "ARE YOU TOGETHER???"

As mentioned, both Joe and Kit appear to be single, so to us, the video was simply a supportive bestie moment! In other news, have you heard the Heartstopper season 2 soundtrack yet?!

Is Kit Connor dating anyone right now?

As mentioned, Kit Connor does not appear to be dating anyone and is keeping his love life out of the public eye.

In an interview with The Guardian in July 2023, Kit preferred to not comment on whether he is or isn't dating anyone currently, but said that he would be self-conscious about dating a girl.

"I would be more conscious and might be less open about it. Although now I know that I’m queer, I personally don’t find it a super defining factor. I wouldn’t want to be defined by 'queer actor'. I want to play all parts. Hopefully, I can do that if my career lasts, if I flourish. Touch wood", he told the publication.

Back in October 2022, Kit revealed on Twitter that he was bisexual after feeling 'forced' by fans to come out, following their incessant speculation over his sexuality and accusing him of 'queer-baiting' for his role as Nick Nelson in Netflix's Heartstopper. He wrote (as per Pop Base): "I’m bi. congrats for forcing an 18-year-old to out himself. I think some of you missed the point of the show. bye", before deleting Twitter for good.