Annette Badland, who plays Ted Lasso on Apple TV, has talked up about her audition with Jason Sudeikis for season 3 of the smash comedy.
The irrepressibly charming story follows small-time American football coach Ted (Jason) as he manages English football club AFC Richmond.
Despite his inexperience, Ted soon wins over the players, including the brash Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) and his employer Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), who is dealing with the aftereffects of a divorce.
But, the much-anticipated third – and maybe final – season in London appears to be dealing with the consequences from Nate’s (Nick Mohammed) departure for rival West Ham United.
No-nonsense landlady Mae, portrayed by Annette Badland, who told Metro.co.uk how she ended up managing Ted’s local drinking place The Crown and Anchor, is always there to console him.
Mae, of course, is a true Richmonder and is always available for a chat when Ted drowns his sorrows or celebrates the team’s victory at the local pub, which superfans can actually hire for an Airbnb stay.
Annette has been in Ted Lasso since the first season premiered in 2020, and she told us how Jason, 47, was instrumental in landing her the role.
‘I don’t think we were making self-tapes then, so I walked in and went on camera,’ she said of the audition. “Sure, please,” they said afterwards.
‘When I met Jason, he said he chose me for that character because I looked into people’s eyes,’ the Crown star revealed.
‘I guess that isn’t always the case with people or he wanted that directness for Mae.’
Fans of Ted Lasso will be able to feel Mae’s ‘directness’ as Annette will be hosting an Airbnb stay at The Prince’s Head in Richmond, where the drama is shot.
On the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of October, Airbnb will turn the pub into a makeshift hotel, with up to four visitors able to book a one-night stay for just £11 per night (plus taxes and fees).
The Doctor Who star told us that if her schedule allows, she intends to attend in person, calling the stay a “terrific concept.”
She added: ‘You open the door and there’s Richmond Green outside and it will be autumn. It will look absolutely fantastic.
‘And for the fans of the show, I think they’ll feel really a part of it. It’s a way to be part of the whole experience.’
Ted Lasso returns to Apple TV Plus on March 15.
Source My Celebrity Life.
