Hannah Waddingham, the Emmy-winning actress known for her role as AFC Richmond’s Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, is preparing to return to the show when its fourth season premieres on August 5. The London-born performer has spoken about the series’ impact on encouraging young women to participate in football, emphasizing the importance of support beginning at the school level.

Waddingham acknowledged the challenges faced by prominent female footballers such as Mary Earps, Leah Williamson, and Jill Scott, noting that societal recognition for women in the sport often comes after significant struggle. She expressed hope that Ted Lasso’s portrayal of football—and its new focus on a women’s team—might inspire more girls to engage with the sport from an early age.

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Waddingham’s rise to global prominence owes much to her role in Ted Lasso, which garnered her an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Prior to this breakthrough, she built a varied acting resume featuring appearances in television series like Doctors, Hollyoaks, Benidorm, Sex Education, and Game of Thrones. She is also a respected figure in musical theatre, having received Olivier Award nominations for performances in productions including Spamalot, A Little Night Music, and Kiss Me, Kate.

At 51, Waddingham has reflected on the timing of her fame, suggesting that achieving success later in life has allowed her to embrace her identity without apology. This confidence resonates with audiences and aligns with her outspoken nature off-screen. In 2024, she hosted the Olivier Awards and attracted attention for confronting a photographer who made a sexist request during the event’s red carpet. Waddingham condemned the behaviour publicly and highlighted the importance of calling out inappropriate conduct to foster respect for women.

Balancing her professional obligations with motherhood remains a central concern for Waddingham, who is raising her 11-year-old daughter Kitty with her former partner, Italian hotelier Gianluca Cugnetto. She has spoken candidly about the persistent challenges of managing career ambitions alongside parental responsibilities, describing the experience as a constant source of tension and “mummy guilt.” However, she stresses the need for older women to support younger generations in demanding respect and fairness.

After years of focusing on motherhood and putting romantic relationships on hold, Waddingham recently resumed dating. She is currently in a relationship with spine surgeon Nick Beresford-Cleary, who accompanied her to the London premiere of her latest project, the Prime Video action comedy Ride Or Die, in June. Waddingham characterizes the relationship as positive, highlighting personal happiness and self-confidence as key.

Waddingham’s career remains active and diverse. In 2025, she appeared in Netflix’s psychological thriller The Woman in Cabin 10, the Mission: Impossible sequel Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, which achieved significant box office success. Looking ahead, she will lend her voice to the upcoming 3D animated film High In The Clouds, featuring collaborations with renowned musical artists, including Sir Paul McCartney.

Reflecting on the three-year hiatus between Ted Lasso’s third and fourth seasons, Waddingham remarked on the unusual experience of missing a fictional character she portrays. With the new season’s emphasis on a women’s football team, she expressed enthusiasm about revisiting the role of Rebecca Welton and continuing to contribute to a show that has resonated widely with audiences.