IN CONVERSATION WITH CORINNA BROWN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Since Heartstopper first arrived on Netflix, Corinna Brown has become one of the most beloved faces of the groundbreaking coming-of-age phenomenon. As Tara Jones, she helped bring to life one of television’s most authentic and celebrated portrayals of young queer love, earning a passionate global fanbase along the way. Now, with Heartstopper Forever set to bring the story to its highly anticipated conclusion, Corinna returns for one final chapter in a series that has left an undeniable mark on audiences around the world. Alongside this milestone moment, she is also continuing to expand her creative range on stage, showcasing the versatility that has established her as one of the most exciting young performers of her generation.

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Heartstopper Forever marks the final chapter of a story that has meant so much to so many people. What emotions did you experience returning for this last installment?

It’s bittersweet. It’s a lot of nostalgia really because we started so young, and to be back for the final installment felt amazing. I was also really knackered because I was in a play at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre at the same time we were filming. But overall, it was such a joy to be back.

Looking back to when Heartstopper first premiered, could you ever have imagined the global impact it would have?

Oh my god, no. When we filmed it, we thought “Oh, this is such a sweet little show, it’s our baby,” and then boom. It was an overnight shock, as it should be, but I did not expect it one little bit. 

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What has playing Tara Jones meant to you personally over the course of this journey?

It’s been an honour to play a character that means so much to so many people. Her vulnerability and her strength in being who she is has meant so much to me. I think I’ve learnt a lot from her. 

Tara and Darcy’s relationship became one of the most beloved aspects of the series. Why do you think audiences connected so deeply with their story?

They’re just the best. They’re so openly there for each other, which I think is beautiful. 

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How do you feel Tara has evolved from the first season to where audiences find her in Heartstopper Forever?

I think she’s come into her own a lot. She’s taken the pressures of family and school and said “I want to be me and it’s okay to change your goals and explore life”. In Heartstopper Forever, she’s more open to the new. 

Without giving away spoilers, what do you think fans will appreciate most about the way the story concludes?

I think they’ll really appreciate the fact that, although the story’s ending, the story’s never over. The film ends in a way that allows you to imagine how the characters' stories continue after the credits. It’s a really beautiful ending. I love seeing all the fan theories online on how it all ends up.

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You’ve essentially grown alongside both the show and its audience. How has the experience changed you as an actor and as a person?

Tara alone has given me so much permission to just be myself. And as an actor, I’ve been so lucky with the experiences I’ve had on set and the things I’ve learnt. It’s always been such a warm, inclusive set, and that’s been such a privilege. It’s definitely set a standard of where I want to work and how I want to work.

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How does the experience of performing on stage compare with working on a globally successful Netflix production?

They’re both really hard. Stage is a different muscle completely. It’s stamina, it’s memory, you can’t just cut and go again. The live audience changes the energy and you have to be adaptable to that. You’re able to find new things within the story. Whereas for screen, there’s a beauty in knowing you can go again and lean into different nuances on different takes. Also, everything changes in the edit, so a scene might turn out completely differently to how you envisioned it. But for stage, there’s no changing what you put out on the night. 

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Do you actively seek out projects that challenge audiences in different ways, whether through representation, storytelling, or performance style?

Yes, I do. I think as a person, I’m hungry for that and I think I bring that to the table regardless, so even if the project doesn’t set out for that, there’s a little essence of Corinna that’s going to challenge people regardless. 

Outside of acting, what are the things you enjoy in life the most?

Spending time with my family and my friends. I love reading, I briefly took up crochet, I’ve done aerial, I love mixing it up.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent CORINNA BROWN
photography GEORGE MAUND
styling TIAMANI HOWARD-JONES
hair TOBIA BARTOLINI at WERTH REPRESENTS
makeup JOY ADENUGA at FORWARD ARTISTS
photography assistant MAX BARTHOLOMEW
styling assistant EMMA WELLS
production ALISON CLOOTE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA