Keeley Hazell claims in her memoir that the role of Keeley in Ted Lasso was originally written for her, a detail that would have altered the show’s casting history if true.
Hazell, a model and actress who has been publicly linked to Jason Sudeikis in the past, writes that she met with the show’s star and creator to discuss a part he had written for her in a football-themed series set in England. At the time, the project hadn’t yet been picked up, meaning the script was still waiting to be sold. Hazell recalls being thrilled at the prospect of headlining a TV show, saying the idea made her “wet my pants with excitement.”
However, the role ultimately went to Juno Temple, who has since earned multiple Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Keeley. Hazell notes that she read for the part herself but did not land it, a development she described as a gut-punch moment that influenced her feelings about acting at the time.
Hazell, 38, has since appeared in smaller capacities, including a supporting role in Sudeikis’ 2014 film Horrible Bosses 2 and appearances on the E! series The Royals. The Ted Lasso episodes she did later feature her in the character Bex, a role that appears in the later seasons after the team’s manager Rebecca and owner Rupert’s storylines.
Ted Lasso premiered on Apple TV+ in 2020, following an American football coach who ends up guiding an English soccer team. Keeley, played by Temple, is introduced as a public-relations executive who begins dating and then moves on from the team’s star player, before becoming a central figure in the ensemble. The series concluded its initial run after three seasons in 2023, then announced a surprise fourth season focusing on a women’s team. While Sudeikis and Temple are slated to reprise their roles, Hazell’s return has not been confirmed.
The Post reached out to Hazell and Sudeikis for comment, but no response was provided at the time of reporting.
Hazell’s memoir, Everyone’s Seen My Tits, lays bare the emotional roller-coaster of a rising actress navigating the industry and her own career setbacks. She writes of her determination to keep going, framing the experience as a test that ultimately strengthened her resolve to pursue meaningful roles.
In a broader sense, the tale underscores the unpredictable nature of TV development and casting, where even potentially life-changing opportunities can shift to others. The show’s ongoing popularity and Temple’s acclaimed performance continue to drive interest in Ted Lasso as fans await further announcements about Season 4.
Summary: A claim from Keeley Hazell’s memoir suggests the Keeley role on Ted Lasso was originally written for her, but Juno Temple ultimately landed it. Hazell reflects on the disappointment but continues to pursue acting, while Ted Lasso moves forward with Season 4 and the core cast returning. The situation highlights the sometimes fluid and surprising casting decisions behind beloved TV series, as audiences look forward to new chapters and potential cameos.
If you’re aiming for a hopeful takeaway, the episode reflects resilience and opportunities in entertainment: even when one path doesn’t pan out, other collaborations and performances can become defining moments in a show’s evolution, and the series’ continued success keeps fans engaged as new chapters unfold.