Olivia Colman has stated she was unable to do Heartstopper season 3 in this interview:
“Olivia Colman Reflects On Her Beloved Career: ‘I Have Been Very Lucky’” by Jeff Conway for Forbes March 28th 2024. The relevant quote:
“Last week, Netflix announced that season three of Heartstopper will premiere in October, so I wondered if fans can expect the return of Colman’s beloved character in the much-anticipated new season.
Colman said in an apologetic tone, ‘I couldn’t do number three. I couldn’t fit it in. I feel awful about that.’ She added: ‘I feel like I was part of one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever been part of.’
I followed up by saying that the world just needs her Heartstopper character to get her own spin-off series or simply to return for a hopeful fourth season.
Colman responded, ‘Okay! I’ll have a word. As long as it’s booked in advance, maybe I’ll be able to do it, yeah!’”
I've attached pictures of Alice's statement on Instagram stories.
Patrick Walters's statement on this on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/patwalterstv/status/1773366773594661091
Article and Patrick's tweet links added to the season 3 sources google doc, Alice's insta story images added to the season 3 pictures drive folder.