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# Heartstopper's Joe Locke to star in LGBTQ+ mystery drama Black Church Bay
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/heartstoppers-joe-locke-to-star-in-lgbtq-mystery-drama-black-church-bay/
- Published: 2025-09-16T08:35:20.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-16T08:35:20.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Culture

*Heartstopper* star **Joe Locke** is set to take a dramatic turn in his next screen role, leading the cast of ***Black Church Bay***, a gripping new British mystery-thriller slated for release in 2026.

Written and directed by emerging filmmaker **Rhys Marc Jones**, the series is set in a remote Welsh coastal village and centres on the unsettling disappearance of an openly gay sixth form student - portrayed by Locke - whose vanishing sends shockwaves through the local community. The narrative unfolds as secrets begin to surface, threatening to unravel the life of a deputy head teacher, played by Welsh actor **Tom Cullen** (*Downton Abbey*, *Weekend*).

The story is steeped in emotional complexity, with Locke’s character having had an “intimate encounter” - described more directly as an affair - with his teacher prior to the events of the series. The show promises to explore themes of secrecy, identity, and the lengths people go to hide their true selves.

Jones, making his feature debut, describes *Black Church Bay* as an “ambitious” project. “It’s a dream made real by the cumulative efforts of a dedicated cast and crew,” he said, praising his long-time collaborators, cinematographer **Lasse** **Ulvedal Tolbøll** and designer **Paix Robinson**. He added, “We’re excited to show audiences the exquisite Isle of Anglesey in a way it’s never been seen before”.

Filming wrapped earlier this month, and Locke is now preparing for his West End debut in *Clarkston*, a play by *The Whale* screenwriter **Samuel D. Hunter**, running from **17 September - 22 November**. He also recently completed filming *Heartstopper Forever*, the final instalment in Netflix’s beloved queer coming-of-age series, set to premiere in 2026.