Fans of “Heated Rivalry” were left astonished upon learning the true age of actor François Arnaud, who portrays a character significantly younger than himself in the popular series.

Originally premiering last November on HBO Max in Canada, this gripping series has finally made its way to UK viewers this month via Sky and the streaming platform NOW.

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s acclaimed hockey romance novel, “Heated Rivalry” delves into the complex relationship between two gay athletes navigating the intensely masculine world of professional ice hockey.

The narrative follows Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, whose competitive dynamic is laced with romantic undertones, resulting in numerous steamy scenes throughout the series.

François Arnaud, a Canadian actor, takes on the role of Scott Hunter, an American hockey player and captain of the New York Admirals, who, like many in the story, grapples with his identity as a closeted athlete.

His character’s journey mirrors that of the main protagonists, Shane and Ilya, as he strives for acceptance and love within the demanding and often unforgiving culture of ice hockey.

Heated Rivalry fans have been left in shock after discovering the real age of one of its hunky stars – who plays a 20-something hockey player in the series

Fans were left in shock to discover François Arnaud (left), who plays Scott Hunter, is 40 

And while his character is in his mid-twenties, fans of the series have been shocked to discover that François is actually 40. 

The actor has been in the industry since 2011, when he starred in his break out role in American historical TV drama The Borgias – which aired on Channel 4 in the UK – acting as the ambitious son of the Pope. 

He went on to have a recurring role in NBC thriller series Blindspot, supernatural drama Midnight, Texas, and made a guest appearance on Schitt’s Creek. 

Since then, he’s also been spotted in Paramount+ series Yellowjackets, the revival of sci-fi series Quantum Leap, and thriller Plan B, which is available on Apple TV. 

After looking him up online following his latest role, viewers were shocked to discover the Canadian hunk is much older than his on-screen character. 

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one penned: ‘No way Francois Arnaud is 40 years old… he looks 30 years old MAX. I need his skincare routine.’

A second chimed in: ‘Tfym François Arnaud is 40. Girl, I thought he was like 31. See how you age when you’re bisexual and unproblematic.’

A third wrote: ‘What do you mean François is 40 years? What,’ as another viewer agreed: ‘No f**king way Francois is 40 like what the f**k are they feeding him thats a man in his 20s.’

While his character is in his mid-twenties, François has been in the acting industry since 2011, when he was around 25 

Fans took to X to react to discovering the actor’s age

‘I still don’t believe Francois is 40 sorry but that man is lying,’ someone else said, while a sixth penned: ‘How is François Arnaud 40, he’s so baby? Must be what happens when you’re unproblematic.’

It comes after the truth about Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie’s past was disclosed by his blushing grandma – who tuned in to watch the racy scenes in the smash hit HBO hockey romance.

Storrie is an all-American guy from west Texas who was ‘raised country’ and showed an early aptitude for acting after picking up a British accent from Harry Potter movies at the tender age of two.

Born in Colorado and raised in Odessa, Storrie is the first breakout star of 2026 – thanks to his lead role in the steamy HBO ice hockey drama.

His Tinseltown life couldn’t be further from his humble roots – he grew up in a town whose main claims to fame are vast quantities of oil and replicas of British landmarks Stonehenge and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

‘I’m just so proud of him,’ said his mother, Linda, 57, speaking about her son’s newfound success for the first time. 

‘I always knew he would make it as an actor. When he was four, he’d watch the Wizard of Oz – he knew every word and would act it out.’

It comes after the truth about Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie’s (left) past was disclosed by his blushing grandma

Scarborough, 74, his equally proud grandmother told the Daily Mail: ‘We’re all shocked it happened this fast but we’re happy for him.

‘He’s worked really hard for this, and he’s really good at what he does. I’m so proud of him.’

She added: ‘I mean, it’s amazing. He’s gone in six weeks from unknown to suddenly everyone knows who he is.’

‘He’s just the sweetest thing,’ she told the Daily Mail. ‘He’s always been the happiest kid. 

‘I’ve been proud of him since he could walk. I mean, well, before he could walk, but he’s just the loveliest kid.’

‘I like to check in with him to make sure he’s ok but he’s excited to be where he is and he isn’t taking a second of it for granted,’ Linda added to the Daily Mail.

‘He’s got real talent and now doors are opening for him. We’re grateful for everything.’

Heated Rivalry is available to stream in the UK on Sky and NOW.