Ted Lasso cast react to villain reveal and explain whether they saw it coming

*Warning: Contains spoilers for Ted Lasso season 4 episode 9.*

While the first three seasons of Ted Lasso had a villainous presence throughout in the form of Anthony Head's Rupert, and later episodes saw Nick Mohammed's Nate take an antagonistic turn, season 4 has thus far been villain-free.

That is, until this week's episode, which has revealed that Tracey Ullman's Zelda, who had been embraced by Keeley and Rebecca to help finance and manage Richmond's women's team, is in fact trying to steal it from under them.

While Rebecca and Higgins had believed that Rupert was behind a recent spate of shares being bought up, it was revealed in episode 9 that Zelda was behind this – although exactly why has yet to be revealed.

Radio Times spoke exclusively with two of the actors behind the Richmond players, Siobhan and Niamh stars Rex Hayes and Aisling Sharkey, and asked whether they saw the twist coming with Zelda's character.

Sharkey responded that she didn't "see anything coming with that," while Hayes added: "Tracey Ullman never lets you rest. She is so incredible to work with.

"We never stop laughing. Her genius is just amazing to watch and to witness and to be able to share that."

Sharkey said that Ullman never gave the same take or performance, while Hayes said it was "gorgeous" to witness.

"I think with a character that crazy, they did a really great job at either making it so obvious that she had to be a villain, but at the same time, because she was so wild and abrasive, it could be a complete red herring," Hayes added. "So I'm glad that the audience now gets to see gets to see the truth.

"But the fact that it's been a question throughout the season as to whether Zelda is a villain here or not, I think is testament to how great the writing is and how great she portrayed that role. It was such such an honour to be able to work with a legend like Tracey Ullman."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Sharkey said: "I feel like I learned so much just watching her process, which was just acting the maggot, and how fun comedy is supposed to be, you know? It's amazing."

Exactly how Zelda's storyline plays out will surely become clear in next week's finale, while the Richmond team will still be dealing with the loss of Annette Badland's Mae, who passed away in the stand during their latest game.

Ted Lasso season 4 is available to watch on Apple TV, with new episodes releasing each Wednesday. You can sign up to Apple TV for a seven-day free trial.

Add Ted Lasso to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

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.