Rachel Reid, the author of Heated Rivalry, has revealed that the success of the TV adaptation has provided her with crucial assistance in managing her Parkinson's disease. The 45-year-old writer was diagnosed with the condition in summer 2023, coinciding with discussions about adapting her book series for television. The show, which depicts an illicit same-sex relationship between two ice hockey players, has become a hot topic since its recent premiere. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Reid described how a neurologist contacted her after hearing about her diagnosis during a promotional interview for the show. This could change things for me, because I'm not really getting the treatment that I should be getting, she expressed. Reid has long been on a waiting list for expert help due to her remote living situation. Prior to receiving this support, she explained the challenges she faced while writing, stating, I can barely control a mouse and I can't type for very long. The upcoming appointment with the identified expert may pave the way for improved treatment and strategies to facilitate her writing process. Heated Rivalry is set to premiere in the UK on January 10 on Sky and Now streaming service, marking a significant moment for Reid and her creative journey.