Who Plays Tao in Heartstopper Season 2?
by P Nandhini
Updated Aug 05, 2023
Who Plays Tao In Heartstopper Season 2?
In Heartstopper Season 2, the character Tao Xu is portrayed by the talented actor William Gao. Despite some initial confusion and speculation, it is important to clarify that there was no recasting for this character. William Gao continued to play Tao Xu throughout the entire season, reprising his role from the first season.
The viewers' confusion arose from the fact that Tao looked different in Season 2 compared to Season 1 due to a significant change in his appearance. However, the character's development and storyline remain consistent, and Gao's portrayal of Tao remains heartfelt and compelling.
Tao Xu in Heartstopper: Exploring a New Look
Tao Xu, played by William Gao, experiences a notable transformation in Heartstopper Season 2. In the first season, his signature long hair, often seen sticking out from under his beanie, was a distinctive aspect of his appearance. However, in Season 2, the character sports a new haircut, which led some viewers to question if Tao had been recast. The change in Tao's hairstyle was implemented in response to feedback from fans after the first season.
Many viewers had expressed their dissatisfaction with Tao's original haircut, and creator Alice Oseman decided to address these concerns by incorporating an impromptu haircut for Tao's character before his significant moment with Elle in Episode 3 of Season 2.
Who is William Gao?
William Gao is the talented actor who brings Tao Xu to life in the popular Netflix romance comedy-drama series Heartstopper. His portrayal of Tao, one of Charlie Spring's closest friends, has been widely appreciated by the audience. Throughout Season 2, Gao's performance as Tao evolves alongside his character's romantic journey with Elle, played by Yasmin Finney.
As the central figure in his storyline, Tao's emotional growth and exploration of his feelings make him a beloved and relatable character to the show's viewers. William Gao's acting prowess shines through, and his dedication to the role of Tao Xu contributes significantly to the success of Heartstopper.
Heartstopper
'Heartstopper' is a heartwarming and widely beloved series available on Netflix. Set in the backdrop of Truham Grammar School and Higgs Girls School, the show revolves around the lives of the students, exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. As the characters navigate their high school years, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, enjoying heartwarming moments and overcoming challenges alongside the characters.
With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, 'Heartstopper' has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, making it a must-watch series for those seeking a delightful and touching experience.
Heartstopper Cast
Cast Name
Character Name
Kit Connor
Nick Nelson
Joe Locke
Charlie Spring
William Gao
Tao Xu
Yasmin Finney
Elle Argent
Corinna Brown
Tara Jones
Kizzy Edgell
Darcy Olsson
Tobie Donovan
Isaac Henderson
Jenny Walser
Tori Spring
Sebastian Croft
Ben Hope
Cormac Hyde-Corrin
Harry Greene
Rhea Norwood
Imogen Heaney
Fisayo Akinade
Nathan Ajayi
Chetna Pandya
Coach Singh
Olivia Colman
Sarah Nelson
Jack Barton (Season 2)
David Nelson
Leila Khan (Season 2)
Sahar Zahid
Nima Taleghani (Season 2)
Youssef Farouk
Who Plays Tao in Heartstopper Season 2? - FAQs
Yes, William Gao reprised his role as Tao Xu in all episodes of Heartstopper Season 2.
Tao's appearance changed due to feedback from fans who expressed dissatisfaction with his original haircut in Season 1. Creator Alice Oseman addressed this by giving Tao a new haircut in Season 2.
Tao's main storyline in Season 2 revolves around his developing romance with Elle, Charlie's friend.
William Gao appears in all eight episodes of Heartstopper Season 2.
No, despite speculations, William Gao remained the actor portraying Tao Xu throughout both Season 1 and Season 2 of Heartstopper.