The AFC Richmond Shake-Up: Who’s In And Who’s Out For The Ted Lasso Season 4 Cast (Plus, The New Women’s Team Stars!)
The news fans have been waiting for is finally here: Ted Lasso Season 4 is officially happening, and the cast list is undergoing a major shake-up that will completely redefine the beloved Apple TV+ series. As of December 2025, production is reportedly underway, with co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis confirming the renewal after the emotional conclusion of Season 3. The biggest revelation is the show’s new narrative direction, which will see Ted Lasso coaching a women’s team, necessitating a fresh ensemble of talent and leading to some surprising departures from the AFC Richmond we know and love.
This upcoming season promises a "whole different set of characters" as the story pivots from the men's Premier League to the formation of AFC Richmond's women's squad. This shift not only keeps the show's spirit alive but also introduces a wealth of new storytelling opportunities. We have the confirmed list of returning core cast members, the fan-favorite star who will not be back as a series regular, and the exciting new additions who will be lacing up their boots for the Greyhounds.
The Confirmed Core Cast Returning for Season 4
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the Season 3 finale, the heart of the show remains intact, with the main creative forces and fan-favorite actors confirmed to reprise their roles. This continuity ensures that the emotional and comedic foundation of the series will carry forward into the new narrative focused on the women's team.
- Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso): The titular character is confirmed to return, with Sudeikis himself announcing the renewal and the new plot direction on the "New Heights" podcast. The show will explore Ted’s journey coaching a women’s football team, potentially bringing his unique coaching philosophy to a new, diverse group of athletes.
- Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton): The owner of AFC Richmond and the driving force behind the women’s team initiative is confirmed to be back. Rebecca Welton’s arc, which concluded with her looking to the future of the club, will be central to the new season.
- Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent): The foul-mouthed, yet lovable, retired footballer and coach is expected to return. His relationship with the team and his continued development as a coach will be a key element, especially as he navigates the new dynamic.
- Juno Temple (Keeley Jones): The entrepreneur and PR maven, Keeley Jones, is also confirmed. Her professional life, which often intertwines with Rebecca’s, will likely see her taking on the marketing and public relations for the new women’s squad.
- Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard): Ted's loyal, eccentric assistant coach is on the confirmed list. His continued presence provides a crucial anchor for Ted and a source of quirky humor for the show.
- Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins): The ever-supportive Director of Football, Leslie Higgins, is also expected to return, providing his administrative stability as the club undergoes its massive structural change.
The Major Player Not Returning: A Shocking Departure
While the core cast is mostly intact, the transition to a women's team focus and the natural progression of the story arc have led to some significant departures. The most notable absence from the series regular roster is a fan-favorite who has been with the show since Season 1.
Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt) Exits as Series Regular
In a move that stunned many fans, Phil Dunster, who played the initially cocky, but ultimately redeemed, striker Jamie Tartt, is reportedly not returning as a series regular for Season 4. His character’s emotional growth and final scene in Season 3 seemed to indicate a conclusion to his arc with the Greyhounds. Dunster’s departure is reportedly linked to him signing on for a new, major HBO project helmed by Ted Lasso executive producer Bill Lawrence. While a guest appearance is not entirely ruled out, fans should prepare for a season without Jamie Tartt's regular presence.
Other Confirmed Exits
Another confirmed departure is James Lance, who played the journalist Trent Crimm. His character’s journey concluded with the publication of his book, “The Lasso Way,” seemingly finalizing his narrative. Additionally, many of the male AFC Richmond players, such as Kola Bokinni (Isaac McAdoo), Toheeb Jimoh (Sam Obisanya), and Cristo Fernandez (Dani Rojas), are not confirmed to return as series regulars, as the focus shifts away from the men’s team.
Meet the New Faces: The Women’s Team Cast
The most exciting and fresh aspect of the new season is the introduction of the AFC Richmond Women’s Team, which will be the central focus of Ted’s coaching efforts. This new direction requires an influx of talented actresses to portray the new athletes and staff. Apple TV+ has already announced several key additions to the ensemble, promising a diverse and compelling new dynamic.
Key New Cast Members Joining Season 4
The following actresses have been confirmed to join the cast, likely as key players on the new squad or as significant new characters in the club's hierarchy:
- Faye Marsay: Known for her roles in major productions like Andor and Game of Thrones, Marsay is a significant addition. Her casting suggests a strong, perhaps complex, character will be introduced, possibly a captain or a highly skilled player.
- Abbie Hern: Rising star Abbie Hern, who is set to appear in the upcoming series My Lady Jane, will also be joining the cast. She is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team, potentially portraying a younger, ambitious player.
- Tanya Reynolds: Best known for her role as Lily Iglehart in Sex Education, Reynolds’ casting is a major coup for the comedy-drama. Her comedic timing and dramatic range will be a perfect fit for the Ted Lasso universe, likely in a role that interacts closely with Keeley and Rebecca.
The introduction of these new entities, combined with the returning core, sets the stage for a dramatic and humorous exploration of women's football. The shift in focus allows the show to tackle new themes related to gender, equality in sports, and the unique challenges faced by a nascent professional team.
The New Narrative: Ted Lasso’s Coaching Challenge
The decision to have Ted Lasso coach a women's team is a bold move that fundamentally changes the show’s dynamic while staying true to its core theme: the power of empathy and positive coaching. The new plot, as confirmed by Jason Sudeikis, moves the action away from the high-stakes drama of the Premier League and focuses on the building of a team from the ground up.
This new challenge will test Ted’s "Believe" philosophy in a completely different environment. The new women's team will likely present a "whole different set of characters" with their own unique struggles and personalities, giving Ted a fresh canvas for his mentorship. The new season will also allow Rebecca Welton to fully realize her vision for AFC Richmond, mirroring her own journey of empowerment and leadership.
While the exact release date remains under wraps, the confirmation of the cast, the start of production in 2025, and the exciting new plot details have generated massive anticipation. Fans can expect the same blend of heart, humor, and depth that made the first three seasons a global phenomenon, now with a fresh roster of talent and a compelling new mission for the beloved American coach from Kansas City. The future of AFC Richmond is female, and the cast is finally taking shape.
Detail Author:
- Name : Therese Parisian
- Username : kuhic.estefania
- Email : carlee24@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1980-08-20
- Address : 1518 Batz Island North Alfredaside, VA 80826-5569
- Phone : +1-651-610-8344
- Company : Steuber and Sons
- Job : Motorboat Operator
- Bio : Quis aliquam quas omnis asperiores qui labore et. Atque aut laudantium dolor corrupti fugit voluptatem unde. Totam aut sequi sequi magnam sint.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/dahlia_vonrueden
- username : dahlia_vonrueden
- bio : Voluptas nam ut voluptas. Architecto et natus beatae ipsam.
- followers : 140
- following : 1692
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/dahlia.vonrueden
- username : dahlia.vonrueden
- bio : Harum consectetur dolor ut et quis aut reprehenderit. Voluptatem impedit rerum pariatur ipsam ut. Animi ducimus repudiandae totam sint vitae natus.
- followers : 1314
- following : 1125
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/dahlia_dev
- username : dahlia_dev
- bio : Vel quam voluptate non ratione mollitia et quod.
- followers : 2057
- following : 1369
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@dahlia.vonrueden
- username : dahlia.vonrueden
- bio : Aliquam eum impedit velit quidem sunt qui officiis.
- followers : 2162
- following : 2907
