While the on-screen relationship between Heated Rivalry characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov is defined by icy glares and a secret, high-stakes romance, the dynamic between actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie is decidedly warmer—and significantly more chaotic. Following the massive success of the Crave and HBO Max series, which premiered in late November, the two stars have opened up about a real-life friendship that Williams jokingly described to Page Six as a “nightmare for HR.”
The chemistry between Williams, 24, and Storrie, 25, has been a primary driver of the show’s instant popularity. According to a recent Vanity Fair interview, Williams quipped that their off-screen antics and closeness often blur professional boundaries in hilarious ways.
“Our real-life relationship is a nightmare for HR,” Williams joked, referencing their constant banter and lack of personal space. This sentiment aligns with comments Storrie made in a separate interview with Marie Claire, where he admitted, “We’re both pretty tactile people… We both like physical touch, whether it’s with friends, family, partners.”
This palpable connection was evident from their very first audition. Showrunner Jacob Tierney revealed to Out magazine that after their chemistry read, Williams gave a candid assessment of his co-star: “Hudson told me, ‘The other guy was good, but Connor felt like he was going to pin me down and f*** me.’”
That raw intensity has translated seamlessly into the series, sparking a “shipping” frenzy among fans that has dominated social media. The obsession reached new heights recently when Williams scrubbed his Instagram of personal photos, leading to wild speculation about his relationship status, though sources suggest it was merely a move to protect his private life from the sudden influx of attention.
Despite playing a Canadian and a Russian on the show, the actors come from vastly different backgrounds—Williams is a Korean-Canadian from Kamloops, British Columbia, while Storrie hails from Odessa, Texas. However, these differences have only strengthened their bond. “It’s easy chemistry,” Storrie noted, adding that they often know instinctively how to play off one another.
As Heated Rivalry heads into its second season—officially renewed as of December 12—fans can expect the duo’s off-screen camaraderie to continue fueling their on-screen fire. While their characters navigate the pressures of professional hockey and a closeted relationship, Williams and Storrie seem content to simply enjoy the ride, keeping HR on their toes in the process.
