Estimates suggest nearly 1.8 billion people tuned in to watch Spain beat Argentina in the final of the men’s World Cup last month – but the players weren’t the only larger-than-life figures on the pitch. During the final’s half-time show, amidst the pop sensations, dancers and Muppets, a starring role went to two “soccer” coaches named Lasso and Beard.
Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt strode out on to the pitch, playing their Ted Lasso characters for the world – and if it was a surprise for viewers, it was just as unexpected for their co-stars.
“I had no idea,” adds Aisling Sharkey, who plays Hayes’s team-mate – and on-screen twin sister – Niamh. “I was watching with my mates, and everyone was like, ‘Oh my God, you know him, you know him!’ I said, ‘Yeah, I do, actually!’ He texted me happy birthday. And here he is at the World Cup.”
The series ended, for good, it seemed, in 2023 – or so its creators thought. Now, three years on, Ted and Beard are back in Richmond, but with a new twist inspired by co-creators Sudeikis and Hunt’s last few months filming series three.
That inspired Sudeikis, Hunt and their writers to tackle something different. Working with real experts, including Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, they wrote a new series exploring the world of women’s football. Ted has been roped in to help launch Richmond’s first women’s team, the Lady Greyhounds, as they embark on their first season.
'We had to beat each other up'
New Richmond AFC stars Aisling Sharkey and Rex Hayes on getting fit, their on-screen rivalry and the humanity of football
Rex Hayes This version is about a women’s football team, the Lady Greyhounds, and the differences between men’s and women’s football. We learn a lot about that, and how there are really specific differences for women’s players. But it’s not that different. It’s still the same show.
Tell us about the characters that you play?
Aisling I’m the younger sibling, which says more than enough, even though they’re twins. Twin politics plays a part.
Rex In the audition, I said my line and Aisling started really taking the piss out of what I just said. And I was like, “I’m not having that.” Partly as the character, and partly as Rex. I started giving it back and I think that got us the job.
Rex We both have little brothers and I’ve definitely drawn on that relationship with Aisling. It’s hard to imagine her as not my real-life twin now. It’s quite bizarre that she actually isn’t!
Aisling In Ireland, we have Gaelic football and it’s like a political thing to support Gaelic football or soccer. My ex-boyfriend was also a referee, so I was going to so much s**t university football! I spent so many mornings on a pitch with a runny nose and getting a cold. So I’ve seen a lot of football.
I heard there was a boot camp to turn the actors into believable football players. How was that?
Rex I’ve got decent skills, I would say. But my ability on the ball and my fitness was definitely better when we finished filming compared to when I started.
Rex If Liverpool want to call me up as a super-sub for any of the next WSL season, I’m open. Just give me a call.
Aisling That’s already happening anyway with the Lionesses. They win all the time. Also in America, women’s football – women’s soccer – is way bigger than it is over here, because the men’s soccer isn’t as good.
I happen to be a football fan, so this show was an easy sell for me, but I speak to so many people who are massive fans who don’t enjoy football, and fell in love with it via the characters. You fall in love with human beings, and then by proxy, you want Richmond men’s team to do well. And I feel like that’s the same thing here. I think it will teach people a lot about women’s sport, but it’s also going to teach you about human beings.
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