Heartstopper season two cast newcomers and where you've seen them before

Heartstopper is back with its highly-anticipated second season, with eight new episodes releasing on Netflix on Thursday morning (August 3).

The hit LGBTQ+ teen series is based on the graphic novels of the same name, by Alice Oseman. She confirmed that season two of the show is based on volume three of the comics.

Joe Locke and Kit Connor play strangers-to-boyfriends Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson respectively, but in this season we get to meet even more characters as their relationship deepens. Meanwhile their friends Elle and Tao (Yasmin Finney and William Gao) try and figure out if their friendship could lead to something more, while Tara and Darcey (Corinna Brown and Kizzy Edgell) face their own relationship troubles.

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While there are plenty of recognisable faces in Heartstopper - including Olivia Colman as Nick's mum - the show has also given some stars their debut acting role. We get to meet some newcomers this season, include new student and family members.

Here's a breakdown of who's who and where you might've seen them before.

News students this season include Bradley Riches, who plays James McEwan, a student with a crush on Isaac, and Leila Khan plays Sahar Khan, who makes friends with Tara, Darcey and Elle. It's both actors' screen debuts.

Bel Priestly plays Naomi, a trans art college student who befriends Elle. If Bel's face seems familiar, it's because she's a social media star, best known for her TikToks which has amassed more than 80 million likes.

Meanwhile Ash Self plays Felix, another trans student who befriends Elle and Naomi. Ash is known for stand-up comedy and their TikTok presence.

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