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“Heated Rivalry” Stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams Ignite Screens and Hearts
Los Angeles, CA – Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the breakout stars of the gay hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry,” are taking the world by storm. The Canadian production, based on Rachel Reid’s novels and created by Jacob Tierney, premiered in Canada in November and swiftly gained international attention after being picked up by HBO Max.
The series follows the on-ice rivalry and off-ice romance between Storrie’s Russian character, Ilya Rozanov, and Williams’ Canadian character, Shane Hollander. The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable, with both acknowledging a deep connection that translated seamlessly to the screen.
“Me and Hudson had the chemistry down before we even started acting,” Storrie said. Williams added, “We got comfortable just being inches from each other’s face and invading each other’s personal space. A nightmare for HR.”
Their newfound fame has included surprising fans at West Hollywood’s Hi Tops, a moment both actors found both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Williams shared his anxiety about being recognized, while Storrie described the experience as feeling “less about the story interacting with people and more about us and the show.”
While the show features steamy scenes, both actors credit intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter for making them feel comfortable and safe. They emphasize the importance of being both physically and emotionally vulnerable. The intimacy extended beyond the explicit scenes, with Williams citing emotional moments, like a scene with a tuna melt, as surprisingly easy and rewarding.
The success of “Heated Rivalry” has been a whirlwind for both actors, who have been preparing for such a moment for years. Despite the rapid changes, Storrie and Williams are focused on the present, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the positive reception the show has received. And while they are not diving too deep into online opinions about their performance, they do want people to like the show.
Their hard work is paying off; HBO Max announced a second season of “Heated Rivalry” set to air in 2026. As they navigate their burgeoning careers, Storrie and Williams are ready for the future, whatever it holds. Williams, who is actively exploring new roles, even expressed interest in portraying Nightwing or Red Hood in the DC Extended Universe.
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