Welsh actor Rex Hayes has joined the fourth season of Ted Lasso, describing the experience as “surreal” after watching the series since its 2020 debut. Hayes will play Siobhan, a new footballer whose rivalry with her twin sister Niamh sometimes carries on to the pitch, as the programme shifts focus to AFC Richmond’s women’s team.

The new season sees Ted Lasso return from Kansas to coach the club’s second-division side, the Lady Greyhounds, alongside familiar coaching staff and a new group of players. Hayes, who has played football since childhood, secured the part after submitting a tape demonstrating their skills, and credits Welsh-language education, S4C and the Eisteddfod with supporting their acting career.