Corinna Brown has quickly become a beloved figure in the world of television, captivating audiences with her portrayal of Tara Jones in Netflix's groundbreaking series Heartstopper. As the show continues to garner acclaim for its authentic representation of LGBTQ+ relationships and teenage life, Corinna has embraced the complexity of her character, allowing viewers to connect with Tara on a deeply personal level. With the series now in its third season, Corinna reflects on her journey of growth alongside Tara, who navigates the highs and lows of adolescence amidst the support of a close-knit friend group. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Corinna's experience on Heartstopper, her insights on fashion, and the importance of representation in storytelling. Join us as we explore the inspiration behind her character and the impact of a show that resonates with so many.

Congratulations on season three of Heartstopper! What originally drew you to the role of Tara?

I think it was her complexity, which I could tell was there from her first monologue. It was her whole roundedness that I could just see and feel.

Are there aspects of Tara’s journey that resonate with you personally? How much of yourself do you see in her character?

Oh my god, loads. We were all once angsty teenagers with a lot of pressure, figuring ourselves out, so yeah, totally. In that way, I absolutely relate to her—she just goes through it. Girl, I see you.

Corinna wears: Jacket by Aibryd, dress and gloves by Molangela

How does it feel to grow alongside Tara through filming so many series? Now that the cast is in sixth form, how has it been to revisit such an important character during a pivotal time in her life?

I think I’m really lucky to be able to grow with Tara; you don’t always get that experience.

I’ve learnt a lot about myself through doing that, and to go back and re-live my A-levels. It wasn’t the best, so it’s quite nice to do it for Tara because she’s got a great group of friends who all have each other. It’s nice to go back and feel what I felt and put that in there, but also have the therapeutic resolve of Tara’s friendships and how she experiences it.

Corinna wears: Top by Molangela, skirt by Miaou, shoes by Pleiades, all jewellery stylist’s own

Heartstopper is such a tender and necessary show. It feels miles away from my own school experience. Were you aware from the outset of just how important this show would become for its viewers?

No way. I couldn’t have put money on it, I couldn’t have guessed. But, like, it makes sense as to why it’s done so well because it’s just so relatable. Everyone, no matter their age, can take themselves back to that place, because we all went through it.

With the show gaining such a passionate fanbase, how do you feel about its impact on conversations around LGBTQ+ representation?

I think it’s so important, and it does it in a nice way. It’s not doom and gloom, and it doesn’t patronise its younger viewers. It’s just life, which is a great take. It’s exciting because I think there’s more shows like this to come.

Corinna wears: Jacket by Aibryd, dress and gloves by Molangela, hat by Stella Axingyi

Do you have any favourite moments from filming the show, either from the latest season or the earlier ones?

Too many to count. I absolutely love all of the group scenes where we got to go to fun places - like the zoo, that was amazing. I loved Paris, on our day off we got to go to Disney Land, which was fun! It’s been such a journey; every day on that set is a good day.

Corinna wears: Dress by Bae, earrings by Lag World, shoes by Florentina Leitner, tights are stylist’s archive

As we’re a fashion magazine, I’d love to hear about your personal style! Can you describe your style in three words?

Ooh, I’d say casual, sexy, chic.

Who are your style icons, and how have they influenced your fashion sense?

I’m such a big fan of streetwear and elevated streetwear, I think Rihanna does that really well. I love 90s fashion, especially Aaliyah’s style. I like that cool streetwear to nighttime sexy thing that’s going on. So anyone who’s in that category, you’re my style icon.

What has been your favourite fashion memory so far?

I’d say this year, it was my first London Fashion Week!

Are there any fashion trends you’re particularly loving right now that you’d like to see continue? Are there any you’d happily see disappear?

Do you know what, I’m a big fan of the low rise that’s come back. When I was younger, I was like, absolutely not, but now I’m a big fan of that, so that can stay. But I’m not shitting on high-rise either, because I also love a high-rise.

I don’t think I’d kick anything to the curb, I’m very open-minded. If I wouldn’t wear it, someone else will be happy in it. Express yourself!

Looking back at your fashion moments from when you were Tara’s age, what advice would you give your younger self? How do you think fashion plays a role in expressing identity, both for yourself and for Tara?

I would tell my younger self to wear what she wants. To be fair, it’s not that far off from what I wear now - I just used to dress in boys’ clothes and I still do, so yeah, rock on girl.

Fashion speaks a thousand words for you. Let your fashion influence other people’s fashion, and take inspiration from other people if you like it.

What messages do you hope viewers take away from the latest series of Heartstopper?

I hope that people take away that it’s important to have a support system. That can be your friends and family, but also professionals because sometimes you need experts. Also, it’s important to remember that even if you love someone, you’ve got to understand when you can and can’t help, and sometimes having those hard conversations, that is love. It might not be nice, but it’s necessary.

How has working on Heartstopper influenced your views on love and friendship?

It’s given me such a positive outlook! I love love, everyone should!