It is the question that has basically taken over the internet since 2022. You’ve seen the TikTok edits. You've scrolled through the endless Twitter (X) threads dissecting every single look they exchange during interviews. And honestly, if you've watched even five minutes of Heartstopper, it is hard not to wonder. The chemistry between Nick and Charlie is so visceral, so "sparks flying" natural, that people naturally assume it must be spilling over into reality.
But are Kit Connor and Joe Locke dating in real life?
Straight to the point: No. They aren't. As of early 2026, there is zero evidence that the two are anything more than incredibly close friends. In fact, both actors have spent the last few years trying to gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) remind the world that they are just doing their jobs. Very well, mind you. But still, it's just acting.
The "Brotherly" bond vs. the Screen Romance
It's kinda funny how we conflate fiction with reality. We want the fairytale to be real. When Kit and Joe do press junkets, they finish each other's sentences and laugh at inside jokes. It looks like love. But according to the people on set, the vibe is actually a lot more "sibling energy."
Alice Oseman, the creator of the Heartstopper universe, once described them as being like "bickering brothers" when the cameras aren't rolling. When they're filming those cute montages where you can't hear what they're saying, they aren't whispering sweet nothings. Apparently, they're usually just talking about absolute nonsense or trying to make each other break character.
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Kit himself addressed this during an interview for his recent project Warfare. He mentioned that while he and Joe share a "nuanced" chemistry that can't really be manufactured, it’s rooted in a deep, platonic trust. They went through the whirlwind of sudden global fame together. That creates a bond, for sure. Just not necessarily a romantic one.
Why the rumors just won't die
So, why are we still talking about this in 2026?
Part of it is the "shipping" culture that has become so intense. Fans saw Joe Locke post a TikTok wearing a Kit Connor hoodie with a caption about a "celebrity crush" and went into a total meltdown. But Joe is a master of Gen Z irony. He knows exactly what he’s doing. It was a supportive bestie moment, seasoned with a little bit of troll-energy to keep the engagement high.
Then there’s the public nature of their personal lives. Or rather, the lack of it.
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- Kit Connor famously came out as bisexual in 2022 after feeling "forced" by fans who accused him of queerbaiting. Since then, he has been incredibly protective of his private life.
- Joe Locke has been openly gay since he was 12, but he’s also kept his actual dating life under wraps, despite being spotted at events with people like Dylan Mulvaney or his Clarkston co-star Ruaridh Mollica.
When actors don't post their significant others on Instagram every five minutes, the internet fills in the blanks. And the easiest blank to fill is the co-star they already have "history" with.
Who are they actually seeing?
If they aren't together, who are they with?
Honestly, we don't really know. Kit was linked to Maia Reficco back when they filmed A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, mostly because they were seen holding hands in Paris. But again, nothing was ever confirmed. Lately, Kit has been spending a lot of time with Joseph Quinn (his co-star in Warfare), sparking a whole new wave of "Are they/aren't they" speculation after some vacation photos surfaced.
Joe Locke, meanwhile, has been the subject of heavy dating rumors involving influencer Dylan Mulvaney. They were seen looking very cozy at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in London and even joked about a "hard launch" on social media. But in the world of young Hollywood, a "hard launch" caption is often just code for "we are two famous queer people hanging out."
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The reality of the "Heartstopper" effect
The obsession with Kit and Joe's relationship status points to a bigger trend. We’ve seen it with Zendaya and Tom Holland, or Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones. When a show captures the "first love" feeling as perfectly as Heartstopper does, the audience feels a sense of ownership over that love.
But as Kit told British Vogue, social media is not a window into his soul. It’s a curated highlight reel.
They are two young men who have grown up in front of us. They’ve gone from being unknown teenagers to Marvel stars and Broadway leads. Expecting them to be the characters they play is sort of a disservice to the work they put in to make those characters feel real.
What to keep in mind:
- Chemistry is a skill: Great actors can make you believe they’re in love even if they just finished an argument about what to have for lunch.
- Privacy is a choice: After the 2022 outing incident, it’s highly unlikely Kit Connor will ever "hard launch" a relationship unless he's 100% ready for the fallout.
- Friendship is enough: In a world obsessed with romance, the platonic support system of the Heartstopper cast is actually pretty refreshing.
If you’re looking for a romantic confirmation, you’re probably going to be waiting a long time. The best way to support them isn't by digging into their private lives, but by watching their new projects. Kit is moving into heavier film roles, and Joe is carving out a massive space in the MCU and on stage. Their "real life" romance is with their careers right now.
Instead of refreshing their "following" lists to see if they’ve interacted, check out Kit’s performance in Warfare or Joe’s recent stage work. It’s a lot more rewarding than chasing rumors that have been debunked for years.