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Ted Lasso star reveals all about key new character played by Tanya Reynolds, and how she shakes up the dynamic

Will Coach Chilton earn her place within the Diamond Dogs?

Two men and a woman all in blue and red AFC Richmond tracksuits, stand in a line on the edge of a football pitch, looking off-screen

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Published: Thursday, 6 August 2026 at 9:00 am

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Ted Lasso’s newest cast member Tanya Reynolds is one of the most exciting new additions to AFC Richmond – with her co-stars declaring she “fit right in”.

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The British actress, best known for her role as Lily in Sex Education, joins Ted Lasso season 4 as Alice Chilton, coach of the struggling Lady Greyhounds.

At one time a player herself, Alice is soon in the mix when Ted (Jason Sudeikis) returns to the club alongside his right-hand man Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) in order to help build up the female squad.

Reynolds's addition to the cast has excited fans, especially as a large part of her story has been shrouded in mystery ahead of the show’s release on 5 August.

But speaking exclusively to RadioTimes, actors Sudeikis and Hunt assured fans there’s nothing to worry about, and she’s a born Greyhound.

Tanya Reynolds and Jason Sudeikis star in Ted Lasso season 4; in this scene, they are stood on the side of a football pitch looking out at the scene

Tanya Reynolds and Jason Sudeikis star in Ted Lasso season 4. Apple TV

Hunt said: “What was incredible about Tanya was that she didn't shake it up; she just fit right in. Especially the scenes where we're triangulated at our desks and bantering with each other.

“Those were far and away the most fun scenes to shoot this season. But coaching-wise, Alice is a super important part of the three-headed monster of us, because she fills the Roy Kent role.”

“She's not a direct analogue for Roy Kent,” he added. “But she fills the Roy Kent role of being what you need to have on a staff, which is a professional, you know, an ex pro. Srhe was a player, she knows what these players are going through more than we possibly can, and has a really smart tactical mind, and she's interested in being a better coach, and Ted's interested in helping her along that path.”

After moving to Kansas at the end of season 3, Ted is coaxed back to south west London by Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and Keeley (Juno Temple) in order to help their female squad, who are currently in the Second Division.

Jason Sudeikis and Tanya Reynolds star in Ted Lasso season 4; in this scene, their characters are standing on the side of a football pitch, with several players running around in training

Jason Sudeikis and Tanya Reynolds star in Ted Lasso season 4. Apple TV

Alongside Reynolds are a brand new team of characters for us to get to know and fall in love with, including goalie Boots (Jude Mack), player Gemma (Abbie Hern), Centre back Lizzie (Faye Marsay) and defenders Niamh (Aisling Sharkey) and Siobhan (Rex Hayes).

But the new season almost looked completely different – with Sudeikis admitting they considered relocating the show to the US, before ultimately deciding to remain in Richmond.

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Sudeikis explained: "[In] the early, early stages, we had a couple ideas of maybe coaching over here in the States.

"To keep Rebecca and the Richmond family in the mix, maybe she bought a team over here, maybe a women's team over here. But then the natural thing just felt like… just locking into the women's team and then accepting the premise that 'No, he's going to go back.'"

Can the team rise to greatness once again? We’re not too far away from finding out.

Ted Lasso season 4 starts 5 August on Apple TV. Seasons 1-3 are streaming now – you can sign up to Apple TV+ here.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

Tilly PearceFreelance Writer

Tilly Pearce is a freelance TV journalist whose coverage ranges from reality shows like Love Is Blind to sci-fi shows like Fallout. She is an NCTJ Gold Standard accredited journalist, who has previously worked as Deputy TV Editor (maternity cover) at Digital Spy, and Deputy TV & Showbiz Editor at Daily Express US.

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