A Welsh actor is heading to the world of fictional football after landing a spot in the returning cast of Ted Lasso, one of the most beloved comedy series of recent years.
Rex Hayes, who hails from Wales, has joined the show as part of a new football team set to feature in the upcoming series. For Hayes, getting the call was something he is still getting his head around.
“Surreal” was the word he used to describe the moment he found out he had been cast, and honestly, it is hard to argue with that. Ted Lasso became a genuine cultural phenomenon during its original run, picking up armfuls of Emmy awards and building a fanbase that stretched far beyond the usual football crowd.
The show, which stars Jason Sudeikis as the relentlessly optimistic American coach trying to manage an English football club, was a surprise hit when it first landed on Apple TV+. It mixed sharp comedy with genuine emotional warmth in a way that caught a lot of people off guard, and viewers have been waiting for its return ever since.
Hayes joins a production that carries serious expectations. The original cast and creative team built something that resonated with millions of people globally, so stepping into that world as a newcomer is no small thing. But landing a role tied to a brand new football team in the show suggests his character could have a significant part to play in whatever direction the new series takes the story.
For Welsh talent making their way in the television industry, moments like this matter. Wales has produced no shortage of acclaimed actors over the years, and Hayes adding his name to a high-profile international production keeps that tradition going.
No further details about his character have been revealed just yet, but the buzz around the new series is already building. Fans of the show have been vocal about their excitement for its return, and the addition of fresh faces to the cast has only added to the anticipation.
Ted Lasso is expected to return on Apple TV+ later this year.