Heartstopper breakout star Joe Locke is heading into darker territory in his next major screen role.
The 21-year-old actor has had a whirlwind year — from wrapping up filming on Heartstopper Forever, preparing for his West End debut in Clarkston, and even rubbing shoulders with the likes of Elton John and David Walliams — but he’s also found time to film a moody new project: Black Church Bay.
Set and filmed on location in Wales, Black Church Bay is a mystery-thriller centred on the disturbing disappearance of a gay sixth form student — played by Locke — and the fallout that engulfs a small coastal community.
According to the official synopsis, the series begins when “the disappearance of an openly gay sixth form student disrupts the delicate balance of local life for one deputy head teacher, exposing long-buried secrets and threatening to tear the community apart.”
Locke’s character is said to have had an “intimate encounter” — described more directly as an affair — with his teacher prior to the events of the series.
New Faces Behind the Scenes and on Screen
Black Church Bay is written and directed by emerging talent Rhys Marc Jones and marks a bold addition to the landscape of LGBTQ+ storytelling on screen.
Jones describes the show as an “ambitious” project and praised his collaborators: “Black Church Bay has been a dream made real by the cumulative efforts of a dedicated cast and crew. I’m immensely grateful to my long-time creative partners, cinematographer Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøll and designer Paix Robinson.”
He added that audiences can expect a striking visual experience: “We’re excited to show audiences the exquisite Isle of Anglesey in a way it’s never been seen before.”
Tom Cullen Cast as the Teacher
Starring opposite Locke is Welsh actor Tom Cullen, who plays the teacher involved in the relationship at the heart of the mystery. Cullen is widely recognised for his roles in Downton Abbey, The Gold, and the critically acclaimed queer indie film Weekend (2011) directed by Andrew Haigh. He’ll also appear in the upcoming third season of House of the Dragon.
Busy Year for Joe Locke
Filming for Black Church Bay wrapped earlier this week, as confirmed by ScreenDaily.
Meanwhile, Locke is currently deep into tech rehearsals for his West End debut in Clarkston, a play by The Whale screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter. Locke stars alongside Ruaridh Mollica (Sebastian) in what has been described as a moving exploration of identity, acceptance, and friendship. The production runs from 17 September to 22 November.
Locke also recently wrapped filming on Heartstopper Forever, the final chapter in Netflix’s adaptation of Alice Oseman’s beloved queer graphic novel series. The film, set to release in 2026, will bring the story of Charlie Spring (Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) to a heartfelt conclusion.
A Bold New Chapter for Queer Storytelling
Set for release in 2026, Black Church Bay promises to deliver a fresh and unsettling take on queer identity, secrecy, and societal tension in a remote setting rarely seen on screen.
With Locke’s rising star power and a narrative steeped in mystery and moral complexity, the series is poised to make waves well beyond its coastal setting.
