Hannah Waddingham reveals ‘love-hate relationship’ with Ted Lasso co-star Jason Sudeikis
The Emmy-winning actress has lifted the lid on the creative process behind one of television's biggest comedies, admitting flexibility is essential while its scripts are constantly evolving.
Hannah Waddingham has an “ongoing love-hate relationship” with her Ted Lasso co-star Jason Sudeikis.
Opening up about working with the Hollywood star, 50, the 51-year-old actress said their work regularly requires flexibility due to Jason’s habit of making last-minute script changes.
Hannah, who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+ hit Ted Lasso, spoke about the creative process behind the Emmy-winning comedy during an interview with Variety, saying:“There’s always going to be a bit of give-and-take within a scene, because of the nature of how Sudeikis works.”
She added: “He hears it in the room, and then we tweak.”
Hannah continued: “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 actress’ remarks were made in response to a question about whether production on season four had been smoother than previous instalments.
According to Variety, season three faced delays amid production challenges, with reports at the time suggesting that script rewrites contributed to an extended schedule.
Hannah, whose performance as Rebecca helped make her a global star, was discussing the production of the forthcoming fourth season of the series when she reflected on Jason’s approach to rewriting scenes.
Jason not only stars as the optimistic American football coach Ted Lasso but also co-created and co-wrote the show, which became one of the most successful streaming series of recent years.
Ted Lasso became a cultural phenomenon after launching in 2020, eventually recording hundreds of millions of viewing hours and earning widespread acclaim.
The series follows an American college football coach hired to manage struggling English football club AFC Richmond despite having no experience in the sport.
Hannah also addressed one of the show's longest-running fan discussions – whether Rebecca and Ted should become romantically involved.
She said: “I love that we buck against the norm.”
Hannah added: “And they are undoubtedly soulmates, but that can mean a myriad of things. I love all the relationships in it.”
The actress has long been one of the programme’s most celebrated cast members, with Rebecca’s evolving friendship with Ted becoming one of the emotional foundations of the series.
Away from Ted Lasso, Hannah has remained in demand across television, film and live entertainment.
She drew praise for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 and recently appeared in The Fall Guy alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
She is also known for roles in Game of Thrones, Sex Education and Hocus Pocus 2.
During the interview, Hannah also voiced concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence in entertainment, insisting performers should not allow their work to be manipulated through AI technology.
She also addressed rumours linking her to the role of Madame Morrible in the film adaptation of Wicked, saying the speculation was untrue.
Hannah said she first met Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo when they appeared together in a West End production of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2015.
Even though reports suggested she had been considered for the role, Michelle Yeoh ultimately played Madame Morrible in the film.
Outside acting, Hannah is a mother to an 11-year-old daughter and continues to support Make-A-Wish UK, the charity dedicated to granting wishes for critically ill children.
