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When asked about the sexualities of Heated Rivalry stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, creator Jacob Tierney said, “I don’t think there’s any reason to get into that stuff.” The remark, reported on December 1, 2025, was a refusal to make the actors’ private identities the subject—not confirmation of what those identities are.
What Jacob Tierney said
Tierney made the comment during a group interview with Xtra, where Storrie and Williams were asked how they identify. TheWrap reported that Tierney interjected with, “I don’t think there’s any reason to get into that stuff.” Just Jared covered the same exchange on December 1, 2025, framing the question as whether the actors were gay or straight. Neither report establishes their sexual orientations.
Tierney then discussed how the two leads were cast. “You can’t ask questions like that when you’re casting, right? It’s actually against the law,” he said, before explaining that the production had to gauge “somebody’s enthusiasm and willingness to do the work.” That is Tierney’s description, not a verified legal rule for every jurisdiction or casting situation.
Why Tierney focused on the casting instead
His answer turned to the actors’ approach to the roles and their connection on screen. Tierney said both arrived ready to make the story feel authentic and real, and praised their commitment. He also recalled that their audition chemistry was “just insane,” adding that casting them together felt like “perfection.”
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In the series, Williams plays hockey star Shane Hollander and Storrie plays rival Ilya Rozanov. The Associated Press describes their story as a secret relationship. The characters’ romance and the actors’ chemistry are part of the performance; neither tells viewers anything definitive about the performers’ private identities.
What is—and isn’t—known about the actors’ identities
Tierney did not confirm that either actor is gay, straight, or any other identity. It would be speculation to infer an actor’s sexuality from a role, on-screen chemistry, fan discussion, or how they answer questions in interviews. A May 2026 essay said the leads had not disclosed their orientations as of its publication; that does not establish whether either has spoken about it since.
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The book behind the series
Heated Rivalry adapts Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel of the same name, according to the Associated Press. The novel is part of Reid’s broader Game Changers series. AP reported in 2025 that publisher Harlequin attributed 650,000 copies in sales to the six-novel series since the first book appeared in 2018; that is a publisher-reported total relayed by AP, not an independently audited figure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to watch
Launch-period coverage named Crave and HBO Max, but that does not establish where the series is available now. Streaming catalogs vary by country and change over time, so check the current listings for your location.
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