Heartstopper Forever viewers were surprised that the new Netflix film did not include a visible tribute to Echo, the Border Collie who played Nick Nelson's pet dog Nellie. Echo passed away in May 2026 after being diagnosed with brain cancer at age nine.
Fans Notice Missing Tribute
Fans on Reddit expressed disappointment that the film's credits did not feature an in-memoriam card for Echo. One user wrote: "I always watch the full credits and I didn’t see anything about Echo (Nellie’s actor) regarding something to be an in memorial as the Border Collie passed away in May this year. Maybe I am blind and missed it but watching it on Netflix I didn’t spot any acknowledgement of the passing and the only time Echo was mentioned was to say about him playing Nellie."
Hidden Tribute in Podcast
Netflix actually placed a tribute to Echo in the Heartstopper Forever: Official Podcast, which most viewers likely overlooked. At the end of Episode 4, which features interviews with original writer Alice Oseman and producer Patrick Walters, a memorial card appears on screen with a picture of Echo in his role as Nellie.
Alice Oseman also revealed that she briefly considered having Nellie die in earlier seasons to boost Nick's "emotional development," but soon realized "no one wants that."
Fan Reactions to Echo's Death
Nellie had become a key character in the show, and fans were heartbroken when news of Echo's passing broke. On Instagram, one viewer commented: "Thank you for being the sweetest dog to Char and Nick and all of us ECHO. REST WELL BOY, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED." Another said: "Rest well Echo thanks for being Nellie," while a third added: "Noo poor Echo I'll miss him so much."
Heartstopper Forever and the Heartstopper Forever: Official Podcast are streaming now on Netflix.
