Croydon teenager lands role in new Netflix series Heartstopper
By Tara O’Connor, local democracy reporter
A talented teenager from Croydon went from sitting his A Level assessments one morning to the film set of a new Netflix drama the same afternoon.
It was at this point that the major change in his life hit William Gao, who will star in the streaming service’s new drama, Heartstopper.
The lucky 18-year-old from South Croydon responded to an open call in January and after four rounds of auditions started rehearsals in March.
It was the first taste of acting for William, who has just finished at Trinity School.
Heartstopper is set to air in early 2022 and is an adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels which tell the story of Charlie and Nick, who meet at an all boys grammar school school and become friends before falling in love.
William plays Tao Xu, the best friend of one of the main characters.
He said: “It is this wonderful depiction of young people growing up.
“[Tao Xu] is an ill-tempered little guy, his big thing is he’s figuring himself out and where he lies in school.”
William has just finished studying Chinese, music and drama for his A Levels and plans to take a gap year and continue working.
He says going straight from school to set made him realise how unusual his life had become.
“We did exams sessions, one day I was in doing two long exams in the morning then I was on a film set in the afternoon,” he said.
For months he had to keep his big news to himself and could only tell his family about his new role.
He recalls: “I remember my mum cried and my dad was shocked, my siblings were really happy.”
William’s life has turned upside down in the past six months and he says he could never have imagined landing a role in a Netflix series – but his 15-year-old sister had an inkling 2021 would be his year.
“I really didn’t expect it,” he said.
“But my sister is a bit psychic, before Christmas we were at home and she said: ‘You know these Netflix shows? I have a weird feeling it could happen to you’.”
Filming on the adaptation by See-Saw Films concluded last week and William says he is looking forward to it airing next year.
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
