'Heated Rivalry' Star Connor Storrie Starstruck by Andrew Scott's Surprise Podcast Call After Gym Sightings

Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov in the hit LGBTQ+ series "Heated Rivalry," experienced a career highlight during his debut appearance on the "Shut Up Evan" podcast hosted by Evan Ross Katz. Around the 41-minute mark, Katz announced a surprise guest: acclaimed actor Andrew Scott, known for roles in "Fleabag" and "All of Us Strangers". Storrie reacted with unfiltered shock, exclaiming "What" followed by "Oh my god. Wow. That’s crazy" and "I love him."

Scott's call was warm and professional. He greeted Storrie with, "Hello Connor, it’s Andrew here. Congratulations on the show," before asking about performers Storrie admired from childhood or early career, his interest in theater, and future plans following what Scott called the show's "enormous success." Scott signed off with "Happy holidays" and a nod to Katz. Katz promised to connect the two actors post-recording, as Storrie struggled to refocus amid his excitement.

Storrie explained the personal weight of the moment: he had frequently seen Scott at Equinox gym in West Hollywood but "never got up the courage to say hi." This revelation added a relatable layer to the encounter, turning a celebrity surprise into a story of quiet admiration within shared spaces frequented by LGBTQ+ community members. Storrie later reflected on his disbelief that Scott knew who he was, emphasizing the surreal shift from gym observer to podcast co-conversationalist.

The anecdote resonates in the broader context of LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood gyms like Equinox, where actors and creatives often cross paths informally. For emerging talents like Storrie, such spaces represent networking hubs without formal introductions, underscoring the value of organic community ties.

The podcast episode delved into "Heated Rivalry", an adaptation of Rachel Reid's novel about rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov navigating intense on-ice competition and off-ice attraction. Storrie discussed the divergent viewer experiences: book fans appreciate contextual emotional depth, while new audiences engage with the tension and intimacy scenes. He noted online fixation on elements like the "America’s ass" chatter but framed it as part of the show's viral momentum, which he monitors sparingly to avoid algorithmic overload.

Storrie detailed his preparation for Ilya's Russian-language dialogue, spending weeks with a dialect coach to capture the character's interior life, including his history and guarded emotions. This craft-focused talk highlighted his commitment to authentic representation of queer athletes in a high-stakes sports drama.

"Heated Rivalry" has exploded in popularity, drawing attention for its steamy same-sex romance and hockey authenticity, positioning it as a landmark for LGBTQ+ stories in sports entertainment. The series fosters discussions on queer joy and rivalry, appealing to diverse audiences within the community.

Andrew Scott's outreach exemplifies mentorship dynamics in the LGBTQ+ acting world, where established figures uplift rising stars. Scott, openly gay and a vocal advocate for inclusive storytelling, has long championed queer narratives, from his "Fleabag" role to recent projects exploring identity. His question about theater nods to Storrie's potential stage ambitions, reflecting pathways many queer performers traverse.

For Storrie, a newcomer propelled by "Heated Rivalry," the call validates the courage needed to approach idols—literally and figuratively. It mirrors broader themes in the show: breaking barriers in hyper-masculine arenas like hockey, where queer men find connection amid rivalry. Community observers note such interactions boost morale, encouraging transgender and non-binary talents to pursue visible roles without fear.

The moment also spotlights podcasts like "Shut Up Evan" as vital platforms for queer voices, blending humor, surprise, and insight. As "Heated Rivalry" trends, Storrie's story inspires LGBTQ+ fans to seize opportunities, affirming that meeting idols is not only possible but transformative.

This encounter, rooted in gym sightings and podcast magic, captures the warmth and momentum defining current LGBTQ+ media successes.