'Heated Rivalry' newcomer Shaheen Jafargholi says cast and crew made him feel ‘safe’

Shaheen Jafargholi says 'Heated Rivalry' season 2 set has felt 'safe' and welcoming since he joined cast

Shaheen Jafargholi says joining Heated Rivalry for season 2 has been a “joy from start to finish”, with the actor describing the set as a welcoming and “safe” environment.

The Welsh-born actor, 29, plays Fabian Salah in the upcoming second season of the HBO series.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the premiere of War in New York City on Sept. 22, Jafargholi discussed his experience joining the cast.

“It’s been a joy from start to finish,” Jafargholi says of working on Heated Rivalry. “I’m still currently doing it as we speak. Everyone there cares so much about making it the best show it could possibly be for the fans, and to be a part of that world and get to kind of step into it — has been surreal, but very, very exciting.”

Season 2 will continue the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. The new season is scheduled to premiere in spring 2027.

Jafargholi said the production has maintained a close-knit atmosphere despite the popularity of the series.

“Every single person on that set cares so much about what they’re doing, and it was honestly — I don’t wanna say it was surprising — but because of how big the show is, I just couldn’t believe how small and intimate and sort of, I don’t know, safe the whole experience has felt,” he explains.

The actor also revealed that he was already a fan of Heated Rivalry before auditioning for the role of Fabian.

“I was honestly in disbelief that I was even going to tape for the part and I had no expectation, that I would end up getting it,” he recalls.

Jafargholi joins season 2 alongside Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie and Emily Hampshire. The series was adapted by Jacob Tierney from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series.