Tanya Reynolds, best known for Sex Education, has joined the fourth series of Ted Lasso as Alice, Ted’s assistant coach. She says she initially knew little about the Emmy-winning comedy but accepted the audition because playing a football coach was unlike her previous roles; Jason Sudeikis offered her the part after a Zoom meeting, prompting her to watch the earlier series and embrace its world.

The original three seasons ended in 2023 after winning 13 Emmys and attracting more than 25 billion minutes of viewing. Reynolds is also appearing in the play 1536, co-produced by Margot Robbie, and recalls Meryl Streep and Martin Short attending a performance, with the cast and Streep becoming emotional; her recent theatre work includes The Seagull opposite Cate Blanchett and an Olivier nomination for A Mirror.