Actors Francois Arnaud and Connor Storrie, co-stars of the hit series ‘Heated Rivalry,’ were photographed together at Paris Fashion Week, fueling dating rumors just days after Arnaud dismissively shut down questions about his love life on live television.
The sighting occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, as Arnaud, 40, and Storrie, 25, exited a Paris Fashion Week party at Hotel Costes. Storrie was spotted in dark jeans, a white t-shirt, and a brown leather jacket with shearling collar, paired with black boots, while Arnaud opted for a more formal look with a burgundy coat over a blue sweater and tailored pants. The outing comes amid persistent rumors that the two actors are dating, speculation that has been swirling since they were seen together at JFK Airport earlier this month.
Arnaud recently appeared on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ where host Andy Cohen asked about his relationship status. In a blunt response, Arnaud retorted, ‘None of your f–king business,’ a moment that quickly went viral. Cohen quipped back, ‘It’s not [my business], but I try. I’ve got to try,’ highlighting the playful yet tense exchange. This incident has only added fuel to the fire of fan theories and media scrutiny surrounding the actors’ off-screen dynamics.
‘Heated Rivalry’ is a Crave original series that airs on HBO in the U.S., based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series. It follows two closeted professional hockey players, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), who are rivals on the ice but engage in a secret romantic relationship. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, another closeted hockey player whose storyline intertwines with the main couple. The show has gained a massive following since its debut in November 2025, with fans deeply invested in the characters’ relationships.
The Paris Fashion Week event was attended by other celebrities, including Kate Hudson, Teyana Taylor, Romeo Beckham, and Amandla Stenberg, but the focus remained on Storrie and Arnaud due to the ongoing speculation. Their coordinated yet distinct styles were noted by fashion observers, with Storrie’s outfit reflecting his Texan roots through Western-inspired elements, while Arnaud’s ensemble showcased a more classic, tailored approach.
In recent weeks, Arnaud has addressed online harassment from some fans who have sent death threats and expressed desires for Storrie to be with his on-screen love interest, Hudson Williams, in real life. In an interview with the Toronto Star, Arnaud stated, ‘In general, fans have been incredibly positive and respectful,’ but added, ‘For the ones that aren’t, I think it’s a lot of younger fans who don’t really understand the difference between reality and fiction.’ He emphasized the show’s message and encouraged critics to ‘rewatch the show’ for better understanding.
The actors’ social media activity has also been under scrutiny; Arnaud unfollowed his ‘Heated Rivalry’ co-stars, including Storrie and Williams, before re-following them, and posted a composite photo with Williams giving the middle finger, with comments turned off. This move was interpreted as a response to the harassment. Meanwhile, Storrie and Williams recently served as Olympic torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Games, further cementing their rising star status.
As ‘Heated Rivalry’ has been renewed for a second season, the personal lives of its cast continue to captivate audiences. The Paris sighting, coupled with Arnaud’s televised rebuttal, suggests that the boundary between their on-screen roles and off-screen personas remains blurred in the public eye. Moving forward, fans and media alike will be watching to see how these dynamics evolve, both in the upcoming season and in the actors’ real-world interactions.
