Welsh Star Kicks Off New Season of Ted Lasso with a Twist!

Rex Hayes, a Welsh actor from Cardiff, has been a fan of the comedy series Ted Lasso since it first aired in 2020. Now, Rex is joining the cast for the new season, stepping onto the football pitch in the same boots as the characters they have admired for years. Rex describes the experience as 'very surreal' and is excited to be part of the Richmond world. The fourth season of Ted Lasso brings a big change, as Ted returns from Kansas to coach AFC Richmond's second-division women's team, The Lady Greyhounds. Rex plays Siobhan, the twin sister of Niamh, portrayed by Aisling Sharkey. The sisters have a rivalry that sometimes shows up during matches. Rex says they love playing Siobhan, who is both passionate and silly, and can't wait for viewers to meet her.

Rex has been playing football since childhood, often kicking a ball around with their dad at Heath Park. Football was a big part of Rex's school life, as they played every lunchtime until finishing their A levels. Although Rex stopped football training at age twelve to focus on drama school, they rediscovered their love for the sport after moving to London. For the Ted Lasso audition, Rex had to send in a video showing their football skills, which impressed the casting director. Rex feels grateful for the opportunity to combine their acting and football talents in the show.

Rex credits their early years in Wales, including attending a Welsh-language school and participating in the Eisteddfod, for helping them succeed as an actor. Rex is thankful for the Welsh language and the opportunities provided by S4C and the Eisteddfod. This weekend, Rex will return to the Eisteddfod to support their mum, who will be singing. Rex is excited to watch their mum perform, just as their mum watched Rex on stage when they were younger. Although Rex's character in Ted Lasso is Irish, and there won't be any Welsh spoken in the show, Rex hopes fans will welcome the new female football team with open hearts. Rex believes in the show's message of being curious and not judgemental, and feels privileged to work with experienced actors like Hannah Waddington and Jason Sudeikis. The Lady Greyhounds team includes actors such as Faye Marsay, Abbie Hern, Jude Mack, and Tanya Reynolds. Rex and their screen sister are close friends in real life, and Rex is proud to wear the team's kit and play on the pitch. The new season of Ted Lasso will be available on Apple TV+ starting August 5.