Connor Storrie: From Modeling to Breakout Star in 'Heated Rivalry'

Connor Storrie was born on February 22, 2000, making him 25 years old as of 2025. Before his recent rise to fame, Storrie worked as a model, establishing himself in the industry with a lean, androgynous aesthetic that showcased his striking bone structure and distinctive features. His early modeling portfolio featured predominantly androgynous looks and imagery that presented a notably different visual from his current public appearance.

Storrie hails from West Texas, a detail he revealed during promotional content for "Heated Rivalry." He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he has been building his acting career.

Before landing his breakout role, Storrie accumulated approximately a dozen acting credits across various projects. His early television work included an appearance in the series "Tiny Beautiful Things" and a role in the LGBTQ+ coming-of-age film "Riley." Additionally, he appeared in the science-fiction thriller "April X, "which he described as his first project where he felt like an adult.

Storrie's career trajectory shifted dramatically when he was cast as Ilya Rozanov, a bisexual Russian professional hockey player, in the television series "Heated Rivalry." The series, created by Jacob Tierney and based on Rachel Reid's beloved M/M romance novels, premiered with two episodes on Crave on November 28, 2025, and subsequently aired on HBO in the United States.

The show follows Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as two elite professional hockey players and captains of their respective teams whose careers are defined by their fierce on-ice rivalry. According to the official synopsis, the narrative begins with a secret relationship between the characters at age 17 and evolves into an eight-year journey spanning their professional hockey careers and personal emotional development.

One of the most discussed aspects of Storrie's casting has been his dramatic physical transformation from his modeling days to his current appearance as a professional athlete. Fans who conducted internet searches for information about the actor discovered his earlier modeling photographs, which revealed a significantly leaner physique and androgynous presentation. This transformation has generated considerable discussion on social media, with many observers noting the shift from what some have characterized as a "twink" aesthetic to a more muscular "twunk" appearance.

Storrie is part of a broader trend in entertainment where actors undergo significant physical transformations for roles. Similar transformations have been undertaken by other actors in the industry, including Nicholas Galitzine for his role in "He-Man," Kit Connor following his work in "Heartstopper," and Russell Tovey throughout his career.

The chemistry between Storrie and Williams became apparent during the casting process and has been a significant factor in the show's reception. In a recent interview with Out magazine, Williams and Storrie reflected on their chemistry reads. Storrie explained that Williams was the third actor he read with during the audition process, and the connection was immediate.

"Hudson was the third actor that I read with. The first two I was like, 'Okay, this is cool, 'and then Hudson came on. Jacob actually texted me directly and was like, 'What do you think?' and I was like, 'Yeah, Hudson for sure. 'Instantly," Storrie recounted.

Williams' initial reaction to meeting Storrie was notably enthusiastic. "I read with one other possible Ilya, and it was good. But something about Connor… There was an inexplicable X-factor that just felt realer than what I thought it could possibly be," Williams stated.

Creator Jacob Tierney revealed the extent of Williams' reaction during an interview, sharing that Williams had told him: "The other guy was good, but Connor felt like he was going to pin me down and fuck me." When Tierney later recounted this story to Storrie, the actor responded with surprise, saying "Damn! Is that what it is?!"

Tierney emphasized the importance of casting the two leads together, stating that it was "essential" that the actors behind Shane and Ilya were "cast at the same time." "It was very clear to us that we needed to find Shane and Ilya together. This show lives and dies with them, so we needed to make sure that this worked together," Tierney explained.

Since its premiere, "Heated Rivalry" has received universal critical acclaim, with particular praise directed toward Williams and Storrie's performances and their electric on-screen chemistry. The show has also generated significant attention through viral clips on social media, including steamy scenes and interview moments where the actors'chemistry is particularly evident.

Prior to the series' premiere, promotional materials featuring Storrie—including shirtless locker room shots and tailored suit looks—went viral on social media, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities and among fans of queer romance media. Many fans have commented on his physical transformation and praised his versatility as an actor, noting his ability to transition from modeling to dramatic acting capable of delivering intense romantic scenes.

The casting of Storrie and the overall production of "Heated Rivalry" have sparked important discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media, particularly within traditionally hypermasculine spaces such as professional sports. The show represents a significant cultural moment, as it combines sports narratives, romance, and LGBTQ+ representation—a combination that remains relatively rare in mainstream television.

By taking a lead role in such a high-profile production, Storrie has become part of a larger shift toward more inclusive storytelling in the entertainment industry. His journey from modeling to dramatic acting, coupled with his willingness to undergo significant physical transformation for his role, demonstrates the dedication required to achieve major career breakthroughs in a competitive industry.

As Storrie's career continues to develop following the success of "Heated Rivalry,"industry observers and fans alike are curious about his next professional moves. Whether he will continue pursuing bold romance role s, explore different genres, or transition to film work remains to be seen. What is clear is that Storrie has established himself as a compelling talent capable of carrying a major television series and has demonstrated the versatility required for a sustained career in entertainment.