The real-life friendship between Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie is now permanently inked. Following the success of their hit series, the actors decided to get matching tattoos to celebrate their close bond. Williams called the tattoos the “cherry on top” of their friendship.
The HBO Max and Crave series, which premiered on November 28, 2025, has become a breakout hit. It tells the story of two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who develop a secret romantic relationship. The show’s success has quickly turned its lead actors into stars.
The Meaning Behind the Matching Ink
In a recent interview, Hudson Williams shared details about the permanent mark of his friendship with co-star Connor Storrie. The actors got tattoos with the phrase “Sex Sells” after they finished filming the first season of Heated Rivalry.
“We felt that was the cherry on top of our friendship, and it was what needed to be done,” Williams said about their decision.
This choice reflects the bold and unapologetic nature of their show, which features intimate scenes between the characters. The phrase also nods to the series’ frank approach to storytelling, which has been a major point of discussion among fans and critics.
A Friendship Forged On and Off Screen
Williams and Storrie’s close relationship began even before cameras started rolling. Both actors have talked about their instant chemistry, which was evident from their first meeting.
“Me and Hudson had the chemistry down before we even started acting,” Storrie said in a joint interview.
Williams added, “We got comfortable just being inches from each other’s face and invading each other’s personal space,” jokingly calling it “a nightmare for HR”.
This comfort translated powerfully on screen, helping to sell the complicated romance between their characters. The actors have emphasized that their off-screen friendship made navigating the show’s more intimate scenes much easier.
The Sudden Rise to Fame
For both Williams, 24, and Storrie, 25, the success of Heated Rivalry has been a whirlwind. Before landing the role of Shane Hollander, Williams was working as a waiter at The Old Spaghetti Factory in New Westminster, British Columbia. He has been open about living paycheck to paycheck in expensive Vancouver while auditioning for roles.
The show’s journey to popularity was also unexpected. Originally set to premiere only in Canada, intense online buzz led HBO Max to pick it up for distribution in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain. The actors have described the experience as overwhelming but wonderful.
“It’s like your dream has come true and you can’t really believe it,” Williams said about the show’s rapid rise.
Navigating Newfound Attention
With fame has come a new level of public scrutiny, particularly around the actors’ personal lives and chemistry. Both stars have shared their strategies for dealing with online attention.
Storrie mentioned he tries to limit his time reading online comments, comparing it to middle-school gossip. Williams admitted he does check fan reactions occasionally but focuses on the positive feedback.
“Thankfully, everything’s been overwhelmingly positive,” Williams said. “I wanted to give something that’s well-received, and selfishly, I want people to like it.”
The actors made a surprise appearance at the West Hollywood gay sports bar Hi Tops after the show’s release, a moment Storrie called career-defining. They were nervous about how they would be received, but the crowd’s enthusiastic reaction confirmed their show had connected with audiences.
A Show That Leans Into Its Story
Heated Rivalry is based on the novel by Rachel Reid and was adapted for television by Jacob Tierney, known for Letterkenny. The series is notable for its honest portrayal of a gay romance within the world of professional sports.
Williams has shared his thoughts on why the show stands out. He compared it to other recent projects, suggesting it goes further in its storytelling.
The actors worked closely with intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter to choreograph the show’s scenes. Storrie noted that these scenes were often technical, with specific considerations for camera angles and modesty.
Both actors have said that while the more intimate scenes get attention, the emotional moments between their characters were the most rewarding to perform. Williams explained that scenes where the characters could be genuine with each other were particularly enjoyable to act.
Looking Ahead to Season Two
The story of Shane and Ilya is set to continue. Heated Rivalry was officially renewed for a second season on December 12, 2025. This announcement came as the first season was still airing, reflecting the strong response from viewers.
As for Williams and Storrie, their matching “Sex Sells” tattoos will serve as a lasting reminder of the project that launched their careers and the friendship they built along the way.
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