Speculation around Heated Rivalry co-stars Connor Storrie (Ilya Rozanov) and François Arnaud (Scott Hunter) has reached a fever pitch, with gossip about a possible romance spilling from fan forums into mainstream media. Outlets like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Just Jared have all picked up the story — though most carefully frame it as a “bromance.”
Since the show’s debut on Crave Canada and HBO Max, Heated Rivalry has built a devoted queer fanbase, many of whom have taken to social media platforms like Instagram, X/Twitter, Reddit, and Threads to speculate about the pair’s relationship. This online sleuthing is also reflected in Google Trends data, showing significant interest in both actors’ personal lives.
Whether fans are “shipping” the actors or calling for privacy, the connection between Storrie and Arnaud has become inescapable.
What We Know About Their Sexualities
François Arnaud, who turned 40 last year, publicly came out as bisexual in 2020. Though open about his identity, Arnaud has often expressed discomfort with constantly being asked about it in interviews.
Importantly, Arnaud is the only lead actor on Heated Rivalry who has publicly identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community — a detail that has kept the spotlight on him since the show premiered.
Connor Storrie, by contrast, has not made any public statements regarding his sexuality.
François Arnaud’s Relationship Status
Arnaud has also kept tight-lipped about his relationship status. When asked if he was single on Watch What Happens Live (19 January episode), his reply was blunt: “None of your fucking business.”
The actor has had a high-profile career — with roles in The Borgias, Yellowjackets, UnReal, Schitt’s Creek, and films like Twinless — and his personal life has been in the public eye for years.
In 2020, Arnaud’s coming out made headlines. His relationship with fellow actor Marc Bendavid, which began in 2022, also attracted media attention. However, a December 2025 Instagram post showing Arnaud with his dog and captioned “Family of two” sparked speculation that the relationship had ended.
His fiery response on WWHL reignited the rumour mill, with fans debating whether Cohen’s question referred to Storrie or Bendavid. The mystery only added fuel to the frenzy.
Are They Actually Dating?
There’s no concrete evidence that Arnaud and Storrie are romantically involved — but their frequent appearances together have certainly fanned the flames. Throughout January 2026, the two were seen attending several events side by side, sometimes separate from the rest of the Heated Rivalry cast.
British Vogue even ran a headline proclaiming: “Connor Storrie And François Arnaud Test-Drive Couple’s Dressing.”
However, many of Arnaud’s public appearances have also included other castmates like Robbie G.K., Hudson Williams, Nadine Bhabha, and Sophie Nélisse — complicating assumptions that his outings with Storrie mean something more.
The Rise of “Francon” and Fan Frenzy
Despite the lack of confirmation, “Francon” (or “Concois”) shippers are everywhere. Dedicated fan accounts like @concoisfiles and @franconfan on X are growing rapidly, with posts garnering thousands of likes and views. Photos and videos of the actors being followed by paparazzi and questioned at airports have only heightened speculation.
Most recently, the pair were seen at a W Magazine afterparty following the 2026 Grammy Awards, once again making headlines and going viral online.
Why This Matters — And Why It’s Complicated
While this kind of celebrity speculation is common, the stakes are higher here. For one, it rests on an assumption about Storrie’s sexuality, which he has never addressed publicly. History has shown that such scrutiny can pressure public figures to come out before they’re ready — or to issue uncomfortable statements clarifying they’re straight.
The same speculation also implies that Arnaud and Bendavid are no longer together, despite no formal announcement.
At its core, Heated Rivalry tells a story about love, identity, and navigating life under scrutiny. Ironically, the show’s stars are now experiencing the same invasive attention. Fans might be wise to remember that while on-screen romance may be scripted, real-life relationships are personal — and don’t always come with a press release.
