Corinna Brown has captured hearts worldwide with her witty and honest portrayal of Tara Jones. As she soaks up the final whirlwind moments before Heartstopper's (Season Three), she can't believe it's less than a week until the first episode airs.

"I always get nervous the week before it's out, in fact, up to the week after it's been released", she explains. I do not doubt that the build-up has a sense of intensity that, even after three seasons, can feel overwhelming, something Corinna tells me she won't read into in the initial few weeks of its release. For me, Heartstopper has ushered in a new wave of television, where both heartwarming and heart-wrenching teenage themes have a space to enjoy and educate those of all generations. From topics of identity and consent, it's never been one to shy away from difficult conversations, with the series holding power in its hands, similar to its Netflix predecessors like Sex Education. "I feel like Heartstopper doesn't shy away from the fact that you will have these questions and thoughts no matter what age you are. It beautifully teaches everyone how to deal and cope with that.” When it comes to identity, let's be honest: our teenage years are no walk in the park, from questions on sex to figuring out who we are, something Heartstopper nurtures and encourages. But the programme elevates the importance of representation, it's a programme where you don't need permission to figure out or question who you are. "I'm 25, and I'm still discovering who I am. I think Heartstopper says it's okay to feel this way while encouraging us to keep questioning that."

As we draw towards Season 3, I'm curious about Corinna's expectations when arriving on set for the first day of filming. "I don't think I had any expectations. I remember being very naive at the beginning. I didn't think we'd get another season. I thought we'd just shot this fun, beautiful show; it was the best four months of my life. So, when we got confirmed for Season Two, I was like ‘What? Woah.’ I feel like it succeeded in every expectation I had and continues to do so. I didn't think I'd meet so many amazing people who are now my best friends, and I see everyone quite often."

In the way of criticism, as all programmes receive, anything that comes up is attached to parental fears, which often stem from a lack of education and ignorance. I could have only wished to have Heartstopper during pre- and adolescence. However, when it comes to Season Three, not only have viewers matured alongside the show's characters, but a whole new host of viewers will be invited to watch. "I think this season we are going to reach new audiences as well, because we are getting more mature. If Heartstopper gets any criticism I think that's where people base it. They're like, 'Oh, it's a kid's show.’ It is, but we're getting into the nooks and crannies of it all. It's such an inclusive show, and it covers a range of people going through different life situations. Because it connects with so many people, it's hard not to feel like it's part of you; it's our little family. We've been able to do pop-up tours around the UK, and we got to meet everyone and chat with people, seeing how it's affected and helped them. You learn everyone is also going through it at that age. It's a beautiful community to be a part of.”