If you’ve spent any time watching Heartstopper, you know that Tori Spring is basically the show’s secret weapon. She just appears. One second the room is empty, and the next, she’s there, sipping from a lemonade pouch and dropping a truth bomb that leaves Charlie—and the audience—reeling. She is the ultimate cynical, protective older sister. But who plays Tori in Heartstopper? It’s a question that pops up every time a new season drops on Netflix because the actress captures that specific "tired-of-everyone’s-nonsense" energy so perfectly.
The actress is Jenny Walser.
Honestly, before Heartstopper blew up, you might not have recognized her. She wasn't one of those child stars who had been in every commercial since they were five. That’s part of the magic, though. Alice Oseman, the creator of the webcomic and the show, has a real knack for finding actors who don't just "play" the characters but actually inhabit them. Walser didn't just show up and read lines; she brought that dry, deadpan delivery that fans of the original graphic novels were terrified would be lost in translation.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Getting cast in a massive Netflix hit is rarely a straight line. For Jenny Walser, the journey to becoming Victoria "Tori" Spring involved a bit of a deep dive into the "Osemanverse." See, Tori isn't just a side character in Charlie’s story. She’s the protagonist of her own novel, Solitaire, which Alice Oseman wrote long before Heartstopper became a global phenomenon.
Walser has mentioned in various interviews that she felt a massive responsibility toward the fans. Imagine stepping into a role where the readers already have a decade-long relationship with the character. It’s daunting. She actually did her homework, reading Solitaire to understand the darker, more complex internal world that Tori navigates. That’s why her performance feels so weighted. Even when she’s just standing in the background of a scene at the Nelson household, you can tell there’s a lot going on behind those eyes.
She’s a natural.
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Interestingly, Walser is actually quite a bit older than her on-screen brother, Joe Locke. While Tori is meant to be only a couple of years older than Charlie, Jenny was in her late 20s when she started filming. This is a common trope in Hollywood, but in Heartstopper, it actually works in the show’s favor. It adds to that "ethereal, wise-beyond-her-years" vibe that defines Tori. She feels like an observer from another world who has been forced to participate in high school drama.
Why Jenny Walser’s Performance Works
It’s all in the eyes. Seriously.
If you watch her closely, Walser does most of her acting through micro-expressions. In a show that is often bright, loud, and filled with animated leaves and lightning bolts, Tori is the anchor. She’s the gray sky in a world of neon. Most actors would try to make Tori "quirky" or "goth," but Walser plays her as someone who is simply exhausted by the performative nature of being a teenager.
There’s this one scene—fans talk about it constantly—where she just tells Charlie, "I don't think you're a burden." It’s not overly dramatic. She doesn't cry. But the way Walser delivers it makes you realize that Tori is the only person who truly sees Charlie for who he is.
Beyond the screen, Walser is a bit of a polymath. She didn't just stumble into acting; she’s incredibly bright and has a background in science. She graduated from Durham University with a degree in Natural Sciences. It’s kind of funny when you think about it—the girl playing the most observant character on TV spent years observing the physical world in a lab. Maybe that’s where she gets the precision for her acting.
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Life Beyond the Lemonade Pouch
So, what else has she done? If you’re looking to see more of the person who plays Tori in Heartstopper, you might have to do some digging. She appeared in Call the Midwife as Louise Joy, a role that was a far cry from the cynical teenager we see in the halls of Truham and Higgs.
In Call the Midwife, she showed a much more vulnerable, period-accurate range. It proved she wasn't just a one-trick pony who could only do "moody teen." She also has a heavy background in theater. She’s a member of the National Youth Theatre and has performed at places like the Southwark Playhouse. This stage training is likely why she has such incredible physical control.
Tori moves in a very specific way. She doesn't walk; she drifts. She doesn't sit; she perches. Walser clearly thought about the physicality of the role, making Tori feel like a ghost that happens to be alive.
The Evolution of Tori Spring
As the show moves into its later seasons, we’re seeing more of Tori’s own struggles. It’s not all just being a cool older sister. Alice Oseman has hinted that the show might touch on some of the themes from Solitaire, and Jenny Walser is more than ready for that.
Fans often wonder if we will get a standalone Solitaire adaptation. While nothing is confirmed, the demand is huge. People want to know why Tori is the way she is. They want to see her friendship with Michael Holden. And honestly, after seeing Walser’s chemistry with the rest of the cast, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
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She’s become a bit of an icon in the LGBTQ+ community as well. While Tori’s own journey with her identity is something explored more in the books, the way Walser portrays her—as someone fiercely protective of her queer brother—has made her a fan favorite.
The Real Jenny Walser
Off-camera, Jenny is famously private. She doesn't post every meal on Instagram. She isn't chasing clout. In a way, she’s very much like Tori. She seems to value her peace.
When she does do interviews, she’s incredibly eloquent. She talks about the importance of mental health representation and the "quiet" characters who often get overlooked in teen dramas. She’s aware that for many viewers, Tori is the character they relate to most—not the popular jock or the bubbly lead, but the person standing in the corner wishing they were at home with a book.
What’s Next for the Actress?
With Heartstopper being such a massive hit, doors are definitely opening. But Walser seems selective. She’s not just taking any role that comes her way. She seems interested in projects that have heart and substance.
If you want to keep up with her, your best bet is following her on social media, though don't expect daily updates. She’s more likely to post about a play she’s seeing or a cause she supports than a "get ready with me" video.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you've fallen in love with Jenny Walser's portrayal of Tori and want to dive deeper into the world of Heartstopper, here is what you should actually do next:
- Read Solitaire: If you haven't read Alice Oseman’s debut novel, you are missing out on 90% of Tori’s backstory. It’s much darker than Heartstopper, but it gives Jenny Walser’s performance so much more context.
- Watch Call the Midwife (Season 10): Check out Episode 4 to see Jenny in a completely different light. It’s the best way to see her range as a dramatic actress outside of the Osemanverse.
- Follow the Cast’s Theatre Work: Many Heartstopper actors, including Jenny, come from a theater background. Keep an eye on London theater listings (like the National Theatre or the Old Vic); that’s where you’re most likely to see her flex her acting muscles in person.
- Listen to Interviews: Look for the Heartstopper press tours on YouTube. Jenny often speaks about the "sisterly" bond she has developed with Joe Locke, which makes their on-screen relationship feel even more authentic.
Ultimately, the reason everyone asks who plays Tori in Heartstopper is that Jenny Walser made an indelible mark with very little screen time. She proved that you don't need the most lines to be the most memorable person in the room. Whether she’s holding a sign at a protest or just appearing out of thin air in Charlie’s bedroom, she is the heart of the Spring family.