Hannah Waddingham, the actress best known for her role as Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV+ series *Ted Lasso*, has expressed hope that the show will inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in football. Speaking ahead of the fourth season’s release on August 5, Waddingham emphasized the importance of encouraging young girls to engage with the sport from an early age, particularly through school programs.
Waddingham highlighted that many successful female footballers, including England internationals Mary Earps, Leah Williamson, and Jill Scott, faced significant challenges in gaining recognition and respect within the sport. She stressed that the groundwork needs to start in educational settings to help girls get on the pitch and be taken seriously.
The London-born actress, who stands 5ft 11in, first gained broad international recognition through her role on *Ted Lasso*, which has been praised for its unique blend of humor and heart against the backdrop of football culture. The renewed focus of the show’s upcoming series, which shifts to coaching a women’s football team, has been met with enthusiasm by Waddingham, who portrayed the character of the formidable AFC Richmond owner.
Before *Ted Lasso* brought her widespread fame, Waddingham had an extensive acting career spanning television and stage. She appeared in British television staples such as *Doctors*, *Hollyoaks*, *Benidorm*, and took roles in popular series like *Game of Thrones* and *Sex Education*. She also earned acclaim in musical theatre, with Olivier Award nominations for performances in *Spamalot*, *A Little Night Music*, and *Kiss Me, Kate*.
At 51, Waddingham has embraced the success that came later in her career, describing her current level of fame as especially meaningful because it came with a strong sense of self-awareness. She has spoken candidly about balancing motherhood with her professional life, noting the ongoing challenge of managing “mummy guilt” as she returns to promoting the new season of *Ted Lasso*. Waddingham is a mother to an 11-year-old daughter, Kitty, whom she shares with former partner, Italian hotelier Gianluca Cugnetto.
In addition to her professional and parental commitments, Waddingham has recently entered a new relationship with spine surgeon Nick Beresford-Cleary, describing it as “really, really lovely” and emphasizing the importance of being happy and strong in oneself.
Waddingham’s advocacy for women in sport and her reflections on her own career highlight the broader conversation around gender equality in football and the entertainment industry. As *Ted Lasso* returns, the anticipation is not only for the continuation of a beloved series but also for its potential to inspire meaningful change in attitudes toward women’s football.