‘Heated Rivalry’ fans are spiraling over Connor Storrie’s new haircut

Heated Rivalry fans are having a major reaction to Connor Storrie’s dramatic new haircut, with the actor ditching the signature curls that became one of the most recognisable parts of his look as Ilya Rozanov.

Storrie, who plays Russian hockey star Ilya in the hit queer romance series, was spotted sporting a buzz cut while filming season 2 in Ontario. He was first photographed with co-star Christina Chang during a meal in Toronto on August 23, before the new look was spotted again around the production.

The transformation immediately sent fans into a spiral, with many mourning the loss of Storrie’s famously curly hair. One fan described seeing the buzz cut as being “actually UNWELL”, while another joked that the haircut was “like clipping an angel’s wings.”

Others quickly turned the haircut into a full-blown internet event, with fans sharing edits of Storrie’s former curls and even giving him the nickname “Buzznor.” Some supporters, however, were quick to point out that Storrie can pull off the new style and that his hair will eventually grow back.

The bigger question for fans is what the buzz cut means for Ilya in season 2. The upcoming season is expected to draw from Rachel Reid’s novel The Long Game, in which Ilya is notably described with longer hair. That has prompted speculation that the haircut could be part of Ilya’s story, rather than simply a personal style change for Storrie.

Some fans have even wondered whether the drastic change could reflect an emotional shift for Ilya, particularly given the character’s struggles and the events expected to shape his relationship with Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams.

There is also a simpler possibility: Storrie could be wearing a wig when he appears as Ilya. Since season 2 has only recently entered production and filming is expected to continue through the winter, there is plenty of time for his natural hair to grow back if the production ultimately wants Ilya to have his familiar curls.

Storrie himself had previously hinted that he was ready for a dramatic change. In a December interview with Teen Vogue, he said he was prepared to cut his curls and even joked that he wanted someone to “give me a crazy haircut.” He also expressed excitement about eventually shaving his head in a video for Vogue.

The timing of the haircut has nevertheless made the reaction particularly intense because Storrie had only recently appeared with his full head of curls in a Saint Laurent campaign. Fans now have to wait and see whether the buzz cut is simply Storrie’s latest look or a clue about what is coming for Ilya in the next chapter of Heated Rivalry.

Season 2 is currently filming and is expected to premiere on Crave in spring 2027.