Hannah Waddingham has offered a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Ted Lasso, hinting at a complicated working relationship with co-star and co-creator Jason Sudeikis.
The 51-year-old British actress, who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton, described an ongoing “give-and-take” dynamic with Sudeikis during production of the Apple TV+ series.
Speaking to Variety, she said: “There’s always going to be a bit of give-and-take within a scene, because of the nature of how Sudeikis works. He hears it in the room, and then we tweak.”
She added: “With that boy, you’ve got to roll with the punches. He and I have an ongoing love-hate relationship that he changes it last minute.”
The comments come as anticipation builds around the return of Ted Lasso, which is expected to arrive in summer 2026, two years after the original series concluded.
Waddingham previously appeared to confirm a likely release window while speaking on the red carpet at the BAFTA Film Awards. Asked when the new season might air, she told Deadline: “August, I think. Am I allowed to say August?” before quickly adding, “What if I’m wrong?” and then conceding, “I think it’s August.”
She also teased the direction of the new series, which is set to introduce a women’s football team at the centre of the story. “It’s a whole different deal, with our Lady Greyhounds. I can’t wait for everyone to see what they’ve come up with,” she said.
Waddingham added that she would be open to continuing in the role long term. “I’d do it until I’m walking on a Zimmer frame when I’m 80, I love it. I love Rebecca Welton, my character, and the writing is so magnificent. Jason Sudeikis and the writers room, it’s like a finely tuned machine.”
The new season will see Sudeikis return as Ted Lasso, who shifts from coaching Premier League side AFC Richmond to a second division women’s team. Brendan Hunt is also back as Coach Beard, alongside new cast member Tanya Reynolds as an assistant coach.
Ted’s son Henry has been recast, with actor Grant Feely taking over the role previously played by Gus Turner.
Celebrity Hollywood Hot Chicks Television
Last modified: June 5, 2026
