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Heated Rivalry author defends season 2 castings following backlash from some fans
"I am beyond excited for the experience."
Sabrina Lantos / Sky
- James Hibbs
Published: Monday, 10 August 2026 at 10:00 am
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Fans finally got news regarding the second season of Heated Rivalry after months of waiting, with two new castings being unveiled.
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However, it seems that some have reacted negatively to the casting of Charlie Gillespie as Troy, a professional hockey player who is traded to the Ottawa Centaurs, and Justice Smith as Harris, the team’s social media manager.
Author of the Heated Rivalry books, Rachel Reid, addressed this backlash in an Instagram Story, writing: "Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for Ilya and Shane was wrong and bad…"
This was posted alongside a side-eye selfie image of Reid.
Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie. Sky
Smith also appeared to address the backlash on an Instagram Story of his own, writing: "I am moved by the support and love I’m getting from fans in my dms, fans who have welcomed me with open arms and who already feel a responsibility to protect me.
"I am honoured to play a character that you all care about deeply and I promise that I will take good care of him if you give me the chance. I am beyond excited for the experience."
When the castings of Gillespie and Smith was first announced, writer, director and executive producer Jacob Tierney, and executive producer Brendan Brady, said in a joint statement: "Rachel Reid has given us two beautifully layered characters in Harris and Troy who you can’t help but root for.
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"From the start of the casting process, we knew we were looking for actors who could create something truly special together and bring that same depth and heart to the screen. Justice and Charlie do exactly that. They immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the core of these characters, bringing an instinctive understanding of who Harris and Troy are."
Season 2 will be released in the UK and Ireland in spring 2027, although no specific dates have been revealed just yet.
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Authors
James HibbsDrama Writer
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
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