Christina Chang, who plays the beloved Yuna Hollander on the hit series Heated Rivalry, has shared what she hopes for in the show’s second season. The actress wants her character to have more scenes with Connor Storrie’s Ilya Rozanov. Chang explained that with the secret relationship between Ilya and her on-screen son Shane now out in the open, the family dynamic has changed.
Chang said, “I would love to see her interact more with Connor – Ilya, and I think that will happen… She has gained two sons now”. This idea connects with many fans, especially because Ilya’s own mother died years ago in the story. Yuna stepping into a supportive, motherly role for Ilya is a natural and hopeful direction for the characters.
The Emotional Impact of Yuna Hollander
Chang’s role as Yuna, the “momager” to hockey star Shane Hollander, became a standout part of the first season. This was especially true after the powerful season finale. In the final episode, titled “The Cottage,” Yuna has a private talk with Shane after he comes out to her and his father. In this scene, Yuna apologizes for ever making Shane feel he had to hide his identity.
This scene was not originally in Rachel Reid’s books. Show creator Jacob Tierney added it to the television adaptation. Chang said the scene’s message is very important to her. She has received an overwhelming number of messages from viewers who were moved by it, many sharing their own personal stories.
“I feel so honored… and I feel so sorry for those who need the healing and who haven’t had that [positive coming-out] experience,” Chang told TV Guide. “What I love about this particular story is that it’s also showcasing what is possible… I think it’s more to normalize it”.
Behind the Scenes of a Key Scene
The emotional talk between Yuna and Shane was almost very different. Jacob Tierney decided to rewrite the entire scene on the day it was scheduled to be filmed. Chang recalled Tierney telling the cast, “OK, don’t hate me, but I think I’m going to rewrite the whole thing”.
The actors received the new pages quickly and rehearsed between shooting other parts of the episode. Chang said the final version was “more distilled” and used more natural, everyday language. The filming was interrupted by heavy rain, forcing the team to finish the scene the next day.
Despite the last-minute changes and weather issues, Chang described the experience as wonderful. She praised Tierney’s collaborative but decisive style and her easy working relationship with Hudson Williams, who plays Shane.
Chang’s Real-Life Bond with Her Co-Stars
The motherly connection is not just for the cameras. Chang has developed a genuine, protective relationship with her younger co-stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. She often checks in on them by text, especially as they manage their new and exhausting schedules following the show’s success.
“Well, they’ve got me,” Chang said. “They got mom. So, I’m here to make the chicken soup. I have become their assistant. That is what I am”. She has even invited Hudson over for a home-cooked meal so he can have a quiet place to relax.
Chang expressed how impressed she is with how both actors are handling their sudden fame. “I think they’re handling it incredibly well… They’re very good about remaining relaxed through all of it, which I think is so important because that allows you to be present and take it in”.
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What’s Next for Season 2
Production for Heated Rivalry Season 2 is expected to begin in the summer or fall of 2026. While exact plot details are under wraps, the season will likely follow the next book in Rachel Reid’s series, The Long Game, which continues Shane and Ilya’s story.
Chang has full confidence in Jacob Tierney to guide the show through its second season, even as its profile has grown massively. “I put my trust completely in Jacob,” she stated. “I think they’re going to work really hard to keep it the same, in terms of the feeling on-set… I’m just looking forward to the reunion”.
The actress is excited to potentially work with more of the cast in the new season. During the first season, her scenes were mostly with Hudson Williams and Dylan Walsh, who plays her on-screen husband David. “I’m just looking forward to potentially working with all of the other cast members”.
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