The showrunner behind the hit series Heated Rivalry has delivered a definitive response to ongoing public speculation about the sexual orientations of its two lead actors. Jacob Tierney addressed the topic directly in a new interview, effectively shutting down the conversation around whether Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are gay in real life.
The Showrunner's Perfect Response
During an interview with Xtra on 2 December 2025, the actors were asked about the discourse surrounding queer actors playing queer roles and if they felt compelled to discuss their personal lives. Both Storrie and Williams, who portray rival ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in the erotic gay romance drama, have kept their sexualities and dating histories private.
It was then that Tierney stepped in. "I'll answer this for them," he stated. "I don’t think there’s any reason to get into that stuff." He proceeded to explain the legal framework surrounding casting in Canada, where the series is filmed. "You can’t ask questions like that when you’re casting, right? It’s actually against the law," Tierney clarified, referring to it being illegal for employers to question prospective employees about their sexualities.
Casting Based on Enthusiasm, Not Identity
Tierney emphasised that the crucial factor during the casting process was not an actor's personal identity, but their commitment to the role. "So what you have to gauge is somebody’s enthusiasm to do the work," he said. He praised both actors for their dedication to authenticity from the outset.
"And that’s what’s so impressive about both of these guys is they came into this being like, 'Yeah, we’re here to do this, and we are here to make this story feel authentic and to be as real as possible,'" Tierney recounted. He concluded with unreserved praise for their performances, declaring simply: "And they f---ing hit it out of the park."
A Private Matter for the Actors
Following Tierney's intervention, neither Connor Storrie nor Hudson Williams chose to expand on the question, maintaining their consistent position of keeping their personal lives out of the public eye. The series, which is based on the popular novel by Rachel Reid, has been widely praised for its portrayal of a secret relationship between two professional athletes, with many fans applauding the lead actors' chemistry and performance.
Tierney's comments provide a clear stance from the production's leadership, redirecting focus from the actors' private lives to their professional achievement and the legal realities of inclusive casting practices.
