Actor Hannah Waddingham discusses her career, the return of Ted Lasso, and her approach to public life and professional conduct.
Key facts
- •Hannah Waddingham won an Emmy award in 2021 for her role in Ted Lasso.
- •The fourth season of Ted Lasso will center on a women's football team.
- •Waddingham's recent film work includes roles in The Fall Guy and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
- •She co-stars with Octavia Spencer in the upcoming comedy-drama series Ride or Die.
- •Waddingham previously appeared in Game of Thrones as Septa Unella and in the series Sex Education.
Actor Hannah Waddingham, known for her role as Rebecca Welton in the series Ted Lasso, is preparing for the show's fourth season. Now 51, Waddingham has balanced a long career in theatre with recent high-profile film roles and television appearances, including hosting Saturday Night Live UK.
Return to AFC Richmond
Waddingham confirms that Ted Lasso is returning for a fourth season, three years after the previous run concluded. She expressed that the cast remains close and that she felt a strong emotional connection to her character, Rebecca, noting that losing a role can feel like losing a friend.
Professional Conduct and Public Image
Waddingham emphasizes the importance of good manners and setting an example for her daughter. She addressed a 2024 incident at the Olivier Awards where she confronted a photographer for asking her to "show leg," clarifying that she called out the behavior because it was overfamiliar and reductive, rather than out of personal animosity toward the photographer.
New Projects and Career Range
Beyond Ted Lasso, Waddingham is starring in the new comedy-drama series Ride or Die alongside Octavia Spencer. Her recent film credits include Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and The Fall Guy. She rejects being labeled as "camp" or defined solely by specific archetypes, stating that she aims to bring lightness and joy to her performances.
Timeline
- 2021Hannah Waddingham won an Emmy award for her performance in Ted Lasso.
- 2023Waddingham co-presented the Eurovision song contest.
- 2024Waddingham confronted a photographer on the red carpet at the Olivier Awards.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Culture.
