Heated Rivalry, one of the internet’s favourite programmes, has announced five new additions joining the cast for Season 2.
According to Variety, Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek, VisionQuest), Edvin Ryding (The Young Royals, 28 Years Later), Robert Naylor (Mile End Kicks, Cardinal), Sabrina Jalees (I Used to Be Funny, Black Mirror), and Priyanka (Drag Brunch Saved My Life, Meet Me Next Christmas) are all joining the upcoming Crave-HBO Max sequel series. Hampshire will play Vanessa, with Ryding set to play Luca Haas. Naylor will play Wyatt Hayes, with Jalees as Farah Jalali. Priyanka will play Tarek.
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The show became a late surprise hit of 2025, becoming a major cultural phenomenon when it launched in November despite little promotion. It’s based on the ‘Game Changers’ books by Rachel Reid. They will appear alongside returning stars Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie and the previously announced Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie.
The first season follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie) as they navigate not only their rivalry but also their magnetic pull towards each other. It starts as a secret fling between two rookies and eventually evolves into a years-long romance and journey of self-discovery.
Jacob Tierney writes and directs the series, and serves as executive producer alongside Brendan Brady. Reid serves as consulting producer, and Lori Fischburg is a producer. Accent Aigu Entertainment produces in association with Crave. Sphere Abacus, in which Bell Media acquired a majority stake earlier this year, is the international distributor. HBO Max will continue to license the series for its second season.
