Franco Lo Presti addresses whether Cliff Marleau will return in Heated Rivalry Season 2 on Crave and Max. Get the latest cast updates!
Sensational sports romance television series Heated Rivalry is officially deep in production on its highly anticipated second season, but questions remain regarding whether Franco Lo Presti (Days of Our Lives) will lace up his skates once more. Produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment and Bell Media for Crave and Max, the hit adaptation created by Jacob Tierney stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov. While Lo Presti played Boston Raiders teammate Cliff Marleau in Season 1, his name was notably absent from the initial Season 2 casting announcements, leaving fans wondering if his character will make the jump from book to screen.
Will Franco Lo Presti Return as Cliff Marleau in Season 2?
Ahead of his debut on daytime soap Days of Our Lives, Lo Presti addressed his status on the show, offering a cryptic response that keeps the door wide open for a guest appearance.
- Cryptic Statement to Media: When asked directly whether he would reprise his role as Cliff, Lo Presti advised fans that they are simply going to have to watch the show to find out.
- The Long Game Book Connections: Season 2 adapts Rachel Reid’s sequel novel The Long Game, where Ilya moves to Canada after joining the Ottawa Centaurs to be closer to Shane. Cliff briefly appears in the book during an All-Star Game sequence, knocking on Ilya's hotel room door while looking for a night out.
- Connection to Hockey Culture: Lo Presti expressed immense pride in contributing to Ilya’s emotional storyline. Growing up in a hockey-focused Canadian town, the actor noted that navigating locker-room dynamics came naturally to him during production.
What Is the Release Window for Heated Rivalry Season 2?
Following a record-breaking debut that made it the most-watched original series on Crave and a breakout hit on Max, production is moving full speed ahead.
- Target Release Window: Season 2 is currently targeted to premiere in April 2027 on Crave in Canada and Max globally.
- Expanded Narrative Focus: The upcoming season dives into Shane and Ilya managing their evolving relationship and public profiles as two high-profile professional athletes.
Stream every episode of Season 1 right now on Crave and Max.