Two of Heated Rivalry’s biggest stars launched a blistering attack at some of the show’s fanbase over ‘racist, homophobic and misogynistic’ abuse online.
Hudson Williams, who plays lead character Shane Hollander, and Francois Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter, in the series took to social media this week to pen a furious message to viewers who did not support the message of the hit series.
The gay ice hockey drama tells the story of rival players Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, and Shane Hollander, who find themselves pulled into a twisting romance off the ice.
It shot up the most-watched charts around the world following its release – with fans sent wild over the romantic action between the pair.
But not everyone has been supportive of the series, it seems, as Hudson, 25, and Francois, 40, were forced to hit back on their Instagram stories.
In a joint statement, they penned: ‘Don’t call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynistic/ageist/ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind.
Two of Heated Rivalry’s biggest stars launched a blistering attack at some of the show’s fanbase over ‘racist, homophobic and misogynistic’ abuse online (pictured: Hudson Williams)
Francois Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter, also hit out against abuse online
‘None of us need your hateful “love” – we all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side. If you can’t accept that, gtfoh (get the f**k out of here).’
Sharing the posts on Reddit, fans were quick to heap praise on the pair for the comments – and also hit back against those who were unsupportive of the show’s storyline.
One penned: ‘I agree as an outsider this fandom has speed-ran every single toxic fandom behavior you can think of. Kind of crazy actually…’
Another chimed in: ‘It is very interesting seeing the amount of homophobia and biphobia fans of this series engage in…’
A third penned: ‘The two leads (and even Francois) have developed such toxic fans so quickly. I feel bad for them from being unknowns to this.’
While a fourth said: ‘This cast appears to be pretty close-knit. I hope they stay strong together,’ and a fifth concluded: ‘I cant believe how s**ty these people can be.’
It comes after Heated Rivalry was confirmed to be returning ‘as soon as humanly possible’ as the show’s producers revealed that the highly anticipated second season will soon begin filming.
The series captivated audiences around the world following its release earlier this year, leaving fans begging for more.
Now, viewers can rest knowing that more sizzling episodes are on the way.
Show boss Jacob Tierney confirmed filming for the second series of the show will be starting in just a matter of months, as he appeared on chat show CBS Mornings with Gayle King.
The showrunner explained that behind-the-scenes, script writing has been taking place and there are plans to start shooting in August.
It means that the Canadian series could make its return to screens as early as April 2027.
Heated Rivalry was confirmed to be returning ‘as soon as humanly possible’ as the show’s producers revealed that the highly anticipated second season will soon begin filming
The showrunner explained that behind-the-scenes, script writing has been taking place and there are plans to start shooting in August
Actor and director Jacob explained: ‘There will be more Heated Rivalry on your TVs, like, truly, as soon as humanly possible.’
Executive producer Brendan Brady, who appeared alongside Jacob on the American talkshow, encouraged fans to ‘enjoy the yearn’ of waiting for series two.
It comes after Heated Rivalry viewers went wild over news of a ‘bonus’ episode set to hit screens ahead of the second series – after spotting what they claim is a teaser for a ‘missing’ instalment.
The Canadian sports romance series debuted in November 2025 and has already built up a devoted following, quickly rising to the top of the most-watch charts.
Based upon Rachel Reid’s Game Changer novels, the premise follows Shane and Ilya, rival professional hockey players who embark on a passionate, hidden romance – while having to keep up animosity on the ice.
Six episodes aired for Heated Rivalry’s first outing – but fans think another could be on the way after spotting a series of online clues, before series two.
This belief stemmed from a reference made in an interview with The Toronto Star, featuring cast members and executive producer Justin Stockman.
The article notes: ‘Stockman says discussion about a stand-alone episode between seasons to tide fans over has “come up”, but no decisions have been made.’
Viewers can rest knowing that more sizzling episodes are on the way, with Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams returning as Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander
Fans went on to note that when searching for the series on TV database IMDb, they noted that the series was listed ‘seven episodes’, not six.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers soon shared their reactions to this with speculation running wild in the process.
One person penned: ‘WE ARE GETTING AN BONUS EPISODE????? CAN SOMEONE CONFIRM??’ Another said: ‘It’s a possibility, I need it.’
A third added: ‘I swear if this happens, i’ll never ask for anything again.’ While a fourth informed: ‘It’s being discussed!’
It comes as Netflix viewers were left raving over a new ‘binge-worthy’ drama series that follows the life of a professional ice skater – that follows on from the success of Heated Rivalry.
Finding Her Edge, which made its debut on the streaming service last week, has already shot up the most-watched charts in the UK and beyond.
The teen drama, which was adapted from the Jennifer Iacopelli novel of the same name, is loosely based on the Jane Austen novel Persuasion – which sees a young woman break off her engagement only to meet again for a second chance at love.
The Canadian series features eight episodes which follow main character Adriana Russo, played by Madelyn Keys, as a figure skating star who returns to the sport years after the death of her gold-medallist mother.
Given the chance to carry on her family’s legacy at the Olympics, and save her family ice rink from financial struggles, she takes up the opportunity despite her grief.
Searching for a partner to compete on the ice alongside, she’s forced to turn to the last person she’d want to team up with, cocky bad boy Brayden, played by Cale Ambrozic.
Fans have been left gushing over the series in the days since it’s release, which has an impressive 100% score on reviews site Rotten Tomatoes and has shot to the number five spot on Netflix’s most-watched chart.
Taking to Rotten Tomatoes, one reviewer praised: ‘There are surprising stand out performances…that have me eager to see what they tackle next.’
Another said: ‘It’s easy to watch but also really meaningful, and the characters feel genuine rather than overdone. The story pulls you in quickly, and by the end you actually want more.’
While a third penned: ‘This show is a perfect way to open up 2026 with a dramatic bang! The plot is genuinely entertaining.’
Heated Rivalry is available to stream now on Sky and NOW.
