Heated Rivalry intimacy coordinator reveals what props they use to safeguard sex scenes

9 December 2025, 16:55 | Updated: 9 January 2026, 10:54

By Sam Prance

Shane and Ilya's sex scenes in Heated Rivalry require intense preparation by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

Heated Rivalry intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter has opened up about how Shane and Ilya's sex scenes are filmed.

As soon as Heated Rivalry debuted on Crave and HBO Max in November, viewers couldn't get over how realistic and steamy all the sex scenes are. In the first two episodes, Shane Hunter and Ilya Rozanov go from ice hockey rivals to secret gay lovers and actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie have no qualms bringing their passion to life.

How do Heated Rivalry safeguard Hudson and Connor's sex scenes and nude scenes to make sure that both of the actors are comfortable? It turns out that there's a number of props, secret garments and rules in place.

• Read more: Heated Rivalry's Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie get NSFW matching tattoo
• Read more: Heated Rivalry cut "two days" of Scott and Kip sex scenes from episode 3

Watch the Heated Rivalry trailer

Discussing the sex scene props in Heated Rivalry with Elle, intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter said: "Oh yeah,
there’s all kinds of options." Discussing a scene in the show where Hudson rests his head on Connor's lap, Chala explained: "What they are wearing, in that moment, for example, can be an intimacy garment that has padding."

Adding context, Chala revealed: "There’s a piece of foam padding called a padded pouch that you put inside of the intimacy garment. I had a kit of all kinds of pasties and intimacy garments, scissors. I also have different layers of thickness if we need to add more padding for an actor’s comfort for the action to take place."

However, it isn't all props. Some of the scenes are a bit of an optical illusion: "Or we would find a different anchor point. It might look like Hudson is rubbing his face in Connor’s crotch, but some of the time, he’s anchoring his forehead to just above Connor’s crotch. There’s all kinds of simulation going on."

Chala also said that a lof of preparation for sex scenes is involved: "I certainly try to have everything as spelled out as I can on the day. There are also now legal requirements under the unions. If it’s referring to nudity or simulated sex, it goes in a rider—a contract that articulates what the performer has and hasn’t consented to."

Chala then added: "I really work hard to try to ensure there are no big surprises or large changes, because often, actors might be mentally or physically preparing for a scene that contains intimate content or nudity for week."

Read more about Heated Rivalry here:

• Heated Rivalry boss shuts down speculation around Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams' sexualities
• Heated Rivalry actor Connor Storrie's age, height, past roles, where he's from and more
• Heated Rivalry actor Robbie G.K.'s age, height, past roles, where he's from and more
• Do Scott and Kip end up together in Heated Rivalry? Here's what happens in the books
• How to watch Heated Rivalry online in the US, UK and around the world

WATCH: Stranger Things' Finn, Caleb & Gaten vs. 'The Most Impossible Stranger Things Quiz'

Stranger Things' Finn, Caleb & Gaten vs. 'The Most Impossible Stranger Things Quiz'

Listen live to Capital, and catch up on any shows you missed, on Global Player.