Claims by Keely Hazell on Ted Lasso Role

Actress Keely Hazell expressed disbelief about her past experiences in her memoir. She stated that Juno Temple’s prominent part in “Ted Lasso” was initially meant for her, sharing, “Everyone saw my boobs.”

Hazell, who’s had romantic ties to Jason Sudeikis, the show’s star and creator, mentioned in her book that she met Sudeikis to discuss a role he had written for her in what she described as a “Soccer Show Set in England.” She recalled that at the time, the show existed only as a script waiting for production. The notion of being in a leading role excited her immensely, she said.

The 38-year-old recounted that Sudeikis, who is 49, had crafted a character named “Keeley” and after she read it, the role eventually went to Temple, who is now 36. Temple earned three Emmy nominations for her performance.

“I felt like I was punched in my chest,” Hazell reflected. “I decided that if I weren’t cast as Keeley, then acting might not be for me after all.”

Besides this, Hazell had a minor part in Sudeikis’s film “Horrible Bosses 2” and featured in the television series “Royals” that aired in 2015 and 2018.

“Ted Lasso” debuted on Apple TV+ in 2020, showcasing Sudeikis as an American football coach hired to manage a UK soccer team. Keeley, depicted as a PR executive, starts off dating the self-absorbed star player Jamie Tartt before developing a relationship with veteran player Roy Kent.

The comedy wrapped up its third season in 2023 and, surprisingly, was announced to return for a fourth season set to follow the women’s team.

Sudeikis was previously engaged to actress and director Olivia Wilde, but their relationship ended in early 2020. Following that, he was linked with Hazell in 2021, although reports surfaced of their split in 2022.

Interestingly, this timeline suggests that while Hazell had initially been connected to Sudeikis, he had written the role of Keeley before they started dating. She eventually played a smaller part on “Ted Lasso” as Bex, becoming involved with the character Rebecca after her breakup with former team owner Rupert.

In her memoir, Hazell characterized herself as someone who “stumbled and struggled,” adding that she is ready to portray the “real Keely.”

As for “Ted Lasso” Season 4, there’s no confirmed premiere date yet. While Sudeikis and Temple will reprise their roles, it remains uncertain if Hazell will return.