Whether you love the gruff Roy Kent, the bubbly Keeley Jones, or the titular charismatic soccer coach (or football, if you prefer) with a heart of gold, the titular wholesome comedy series Ted Lasso's ensemble cast. Played by the talented Hannah Waddingham, Rebecca is the owner of AFC Richmond, and has been instrumental in the underdog team’s success story over the course of the series.
Now with Ted Lasso season 4 officially on the way, I’m excited to see what the Apple TV+ has in store — especially for Rebecca. While Waddingham’s return has not yet been officially confirmed, it’s impossible to imagine the series without her. Frankly, if for some reason Rebecca’s character didn’t come back for Ted Lasso season 4, I’m not sure that I’d even consider watching.
What We Know About Ted Lasso Season 4
Ted Will Be Coaching A Women's Soccer Team
The news of Ted Lasso season 4 came as a surprise — albeit a happy one — when it was officially announced on March 14, 2025. So far, the only confirmed casting for the next season is its star and executive producer, Jason Sudeikis. Brett Goldstein has been confirmed to return also, as executive producer, but it’s unclear whether he will reprise his role as Roy Kent.
Keeley pitches the idea to Rebecca for a Richmond women’s team — which would also provide a pretty strong case for Hannah Waddingham’s return.
As for what fans can expect in the season, Sudeikis let slip a hint while being interviewed on the Ted Lasso season 3 finale when Keeley pitches the idea to Rebecca for a Richmond women’s team — which would also provide a pretty strong case for Hannah Waddingham’s return.
So how is it that season 3 of Ted Lasso wrapped everything up so nice and neatly, only to return for a fourth season? In truth, it was never confirmed that season 3 of Ted Lasso would be the final one. What was stated, as Sudeikis told 60 Minutes, was that the original intention was for the show to only have three seasons:
“It was only ever supposed to be three seasons. If the characters and the story have [more] to say, more to give, then, you know, you never know.”
Hannah Waddingham's Comments On If She'll Return
The Rebecca Actress Would Love To Come Back To Ted Lasso
Even with the official announcement of Ted Lasso season 4, there are still a lot of questions left unanswered, such as who else will be returning from the show’s cast. At the moment, there’s no word yet on whether Hannah Waddingham will come back as Rebecca Welton, but the actor has stated that she is eager to return. In 2024, she told Entertainment Tonight:
“I would always play her, even if she’s got like, a walk-in frame. I’m in. I’m there. They are some of the greatest loves of my life. That cast and the writers are so magnificent. You’d be stupid not to, you know? So, yeah, I’m totally there. Are we gonna be there? I don’t know.”
Granted, Waddingham said this before the season 4 announcement was made, and insisted that she was ignorant of anything on the horizon so she was likely unaware at the time that it was coming. Now that the news is official, at least we know that Waddingham is enthusiastic about being a part of it — but in what capacity remains to be seen.
Why Ted Lasso Season 4 Wouldn't Work Without Rebecca
Rebecca's Character Arc Was The Beating Heart Of The Show
While it’s obvious that Jason Sudeikis has to come back as Ted Lasso’s eponymous lead, for me, it just wouldn't be right to have another season without Hannah Waddingham. Without her contribution, the first three seasons of Ted Lasso would have been sorely lacking.
Let's Be Real, Ted Lasso & Rebecca Welton Wouldn't Have Worked As A Couple
A romantic relationship between the two leads in Ted Lasso was hinted at for three seasons, but it's for the best that it never came to .
Rebecca’s character is essential to Ted Lasso for a number of reasons. First, there’s her character arc in season 1. Initially, Rebecca only took ownership of the Richmond team so that she could run it into the ground as revenge against her cheating ex-husband, Rupert. She hired Ted as the coach with the hopes that an ignorant American would only help bring about the team’s downfall. Yet over time, Ted’s endless positivity and kindness ended up winning her over, and she quickly went from the show’s antagonist to one of its strongest characters.
Secondly, Rebecca has been an amazing system of for Ted. When Ted had his first panic attack in season 1, she was the first person to be there for him and help him through it without judgment. Whenever things seemed at their darkest, Rebecca was behind him a hundred percent, encouraging him not to give up. More than that, Rebecca holds her own as a strong, independent woman who faces adversity with grace and poise, and she’s not afraid to get tough, too.
It should go without saying that the series would not be the same without Waddingham and her character. Without Rebecca, the AFC Richmond team would never have gotten as far as it did, and neither would Ted Lasso.
Why Rebecca Should Be The Protagonist Of Season 4
Ted Lasso's Story Is Complete
Of course, the name of the show is Ted Lasso, so the show wouldn't make sense without the optimistic coach. But if the focus of the next season were shifted to Rebecca’s character, it would give so many opportunities to explore new and compelling storylines.
10 Ted Lasso Storylines That Still Need To Be Resolved
Ted Lasso season 3 was supposed to be the end of the sports comedy, yet another installment may be on the horizon, and these storylines must continue.
At the end of season 3, Ted returned to the U.S. to be with his son Henry, and became the soccer coach of Henry’s team. While Jason Sudeikis hinted that season 4 will have him coaching a women’s soccer team, the finale gave Ted a satisfying conclusion, which would allow the series to close the chapter on his character. But if I’m right, and the women’s team Ted ends up coaching in season 4 is the one founded by AFC Richmond, he'll obviously be the protagonist.
As for Rebecca, there is still so much left of her story to tell, and boosting her role as a ing character to the main protagonist could be a winning move. In the season 3 finale, Rebecca decided to sell 49% of the AFC Richmond team to the fans — a bold move, on her part, which is certain to come with its own set of challenges. There’s also the possibility of a new women’s team, which, if history has any connotation, will have to fight to be taken seriously.
By having Rebecca as the lead in season 4 of Ted Lasso, it would allow the show to explore more feminist themes, while still retaining a message of kindness and empathy. And it isn’t just about giving Rebecca more time in the spotlight - it’s also about letting Ted have some peace. With his divorce, his anxiety disorder, and being away from his son for so long, Ted deserves to have a happy ending. We got to see him resolve a lot of his issues in Ted Lasso season 3, and frankly, I think the poor guy deserves a break.
