The new season of9-1-1: Lone Staris going to behot. And not just because it features two of the show’s fictional firefighters who are appearing in this year’s PEOPLESexiest Man Aliveissue.

“It’s a lot of heat in every way that you can imagine,” teasesBrian Michael Smith, who plays Paul Strickland on the hit Fox series.

Julian Works, who plays Mateo Chavez, adds: “The explosions get bigger, there’s going to be some passion, going to be some romance.”

That romance may include the first love interest for Paul — who is trans, as is Smith — something many fans have been hoping for.

2022 SMA Sexiest Firefighters

“They really want to give the people what they want,” says Smith of the writers. “We’re for the people and we have heard the people. I’m excited about what the people are going to get for this season.”

In addition to romance, Smith is looking forward to seeing new facets to Paul’s life and personality.

Doug Inglish

SMA Firefighters of the year

“Paul faced a lot of personal challenges in season 3. That was really cool to explore, so I’m looking forward to season 4 of exploring different sides of him that we didn’t get a chance to really see before,” he says. “Especially when it comes to how he’s grown.”

Mateo, meanwhile, will be continuing to explore his relationship with paramedic Nancy Gillian (Brianna Baker) beyond their charged moments over coffee in the firehouse.

SMA Firefighters of the year

He continues, “I think the sexiest thing at this point would be to show that he’s a man now and maybe wine and dine her. Take her out on a real date in front of people because that’s what he was kind of insecure about doing because she’s so much taller. … I think that would be cool to see us go on a nice romantic date.”

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9-1-1: Lone Starreturns Jan. 17 at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.

source: people.com