Many of you will be familiar with the show, which is based on graphic novels by Alice Oseman, and tells the story of LGBTQ+ teenagers attending secondary school.
This season, Heartstopper’s lead Charlie experiences an eating disorder. The team reached out to Beat to make sure they were covering the topic with the sensitivity and care it deserves – and we were very happy to help.
Alice Oseman is also the writer and executive producer of the TV show, and told us why she thought it was so important to make sure this storyline was handled correctly.
She says: ‘We wanted to work with Beat to ensure that Charlie’s story in season 3 and his experience of having an eating disorder felt realistic.
‘We also wanted to ensure that there was nothing in the show that was particularly harmful or triggering to people who have experienced eating disorders.’
Risk factors like discrimination, internalised shame, poor body image and fear of not being accepted all contribute to making them feel more vulnerable to these complex mental illnesses.
It may also be more difficult for LGBTQ+ people to seek the support they need due to systemic misconceptions and stigma.
Alice told us that it was important for the Heartstopper team to accurately represent eating disorders to a wider audience, so that people who experience them could ‘see themselves on screen and hopefully see that there is hope and there is a path towards healing.’
Charlie struggles with his eating disorder throughout the season, but Alice says that she also wanted to show that recovery is possible through his story.
‘Charlie goes through some very dark times in season 3, but through the season we also see him come out of that dark place - and with the support of his friends, his loved ones and people like therapists and medical professionals, he is able to find a path towards recovery.’
Our PR Manager Jasmin Elliott worked closely with the Heartstopper team. She said it was ‘brilliant to work with the Heartstopper team’ and noted that eating disorder storylines are a great way of raising awareness when portrayed sensitively and accurately.
'There are a lot of issues which affect our community shown on Heartstopper: we know that LGBTQ+ people and those from underrepresented backgrounds unfortunately often face stigma and discrimination when seeking help.
‘The storyline is also a great way of showing that whilst recovery isn't always straightforward, it is possible, and by getting help quickly you stand the best chance of this,’ she continued.
She also mentioned a scene in which Beat’s website is shown in the series, as Charlie’s friends search online for help.
'Most excitingly, we're thrilled that Heartstopper will show characters accessing our real-life website. Our team is here to help, so we'd really encourage anyone who's concerned about their health, or a loved one, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.'
‘I really hope that Charlie’s story this season feels true and authentic but also hopeful and expresses the message that even if you are in a dark place there’s always hope and there’s always a way out.’
Heartstopper was a pleasure to work on, and we really hope it helps raise awareness of eating disorders among the wider public – as well as reminds those who are or have been unwell that they are not alone.
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s health, you can contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity on 0808 801 0677 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk