Heated Rivalry’s François Arnaud breaks silence on love life with defiant message

François Arnaud in Heated Rivalry

François Arnaud in Heated Rivalry. (Bell Media)

Heated Rivalry‘s François Arnaud has responded to a question about his dating life with a playful but defiant response.

The Canadian actor, 40, stars as Scott Hunter in the LGBTQ+ sports drama. The series primarily focuses on the love affair between rival ice hockey players, Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams).

Arnaud was asked whether he was single while appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen recently.

“None of your f****** business,” came Arnaud’s blunt but cheeky reply. Cohen conceded: “It’s not, but I try,” clearly gagged by the response. Meanwhile, Mary J. Blige chuckled at the exchange.

“And that’s on period,” replied one person on X/Twitter below a clip of the moment. “Cheeky and sends a message. And h*** stay mad theyre crying which makes me so happy,” added another.

Fans of the show recently speculated that Arnaud and Storrie were dating. It came as a result of the two being seen together at JFK Airport in New York last week.

However, this followed the pair’s various separate press engagements in the city. It led to some nasty backlash aimed at Arnaud, as some overzealous fans had been hoping Storrie and Williams were together.

This prompted Arnaud to speak out. Speaking to The Toronto Star he said some fans had crossed the line and hadn’t “got [Heated Rivalry‘s] message”. He added: “Pay attention more closely.”

François Arnaud as Scott Hunter in Episode 103 of Heated Rivalry
François Arnaud as Scott Hunter in Heated Rivalry. (Sabrina Lantos/HBO)

Last week Arnaud joined CBS Mornings where he spoke to host Gayle King backstage. In a filmed chat Arnaud told King how he’d always believed in the hockey show but that his previous managers “refused to read it”.

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He explained their reasoning was: “We can’t pitch you for big things if you’re gonna be doing a random miniseries abroad.” Arnaud then confirmed he’s with “different managers now”.

As for what he’d like to see in season two Arnaud said he’d like to see where Scott and Kip (Robbie GK) go next.

“I’m hoping to see what reality has in store for them. A relationship between someone who’s uber famous, has a giant platform and someone who didn’t choose that for themselves, there are still challenges that come with that.”

Heated Rivalry is streaming now.

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