Heated Rivalry Interview: Connor Storrie & Hudson Williams on Episode 4 & Shane and Ilya’s Romance

Editor's note: The below interview contains spoilers for Heated Rivalry Episode 4. Heated Rivalry has become the internet's new streaming obsession in more ways than one. It helps, of course, that the Crave Original series (airing on HBO Max in the U.S.) has a built-in fanbase thanks to the bestselling romance books it's adapting from author Rachel Reid, but creator, writer, and director Jacob Tierney (of Letterkenny fame) has already brought several fan-favorite moments to life onscreen. No scene might be more anticipated than in this week's episode, "Rose," which sees professional hockey rivals and secret lovers Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) reaching a definitive crossroads in their affair — one that could be a make-or-break point for the future of this romance. Ahead of the premiere of "Rose," Collider was given the opportunity to speak with Williams and Storrie about some of Episode 4's biggest moments. Over the course of the interview, which you can watch above or read below, the show's stars explain why they didn't feel any added pressure to get certain book scenes right, why Shane freezes up on Ilya in the aftermath of their most vulnerable exchange yet, the experience of filming that slow-mo Ciel club scene, and more.