Brendan Hunt Says “Ted Lasso” Team ‘Was F—ing Giddy’ When Tracey Ullman Joined Season 4 (Exclusive)

**Tracey Ullman Joins the Cast of ‘Ted Lasso’ as Eccentric Entrepreneur Zelda Southport**

In an exciting development for fans of the acclaimed series ‘Ted Lasso’, Tracey Ullman has officially joined the cast, making her debut as the quirky businesswoman Zelda Southport. Her inaugural appearance occurred in the fourth episode of the current season, which premiered on 26 August. Ullman’s character is expected to bring a unique perspective to the on-screen narrative, particularly as discussions around women in football and sexism continue to evolve.

Zelda Southport is introduced at the Women’s Football Business Summit, where she makes a pointed statement to a room full of predominantly male executives. With a sharp wit, Ullman embodies the character, questioning the genuine interest of these executives in the women’s game. “Your money keeps women’s football in England afloat. Bravo. But I wonder what would happen if you actually cared about women’s football beyond the great press and occasional laundering,” she boldly quips, setting the tone for her character’s fierce personality.

Brendan Hunt, co-creator and one of the stars of ‘Ted Lasso’, expressed considerable enthusiasm regarding Ullman’s involvement in the show. He highlighted that from the outset, Ullman was their ideal choice for the role of Zelda. Hunt described her as a character who would serve as a mentor to both Keeley and Rebecca, played by Juno Temple and Hannah Waddingham, respectively. The creators initially envisioned a younger executive to fill this role but shifted focus after contemplating the value of an older female character who could effectively challenge and teach them.

“By having Zelda as a more experienced figure, it introduces a layer of mentorship that’s not common within the series,” Hunt explained. He further noted the rarity of female mentorships, particularly in Rebecca’s journey, and how this element adds depth to the story. “It’s an intriguing narrative twist that viewers haven’t often seen showcased,” he commented.

Hunt recounted the moment Ullman agreed to take on the role. With her status in the industry, they knew she would be an exceptional addition to the ensemble. His excitement was palpable: “We never had to search for other names because Tracey Ullman signed up and we were absolutely thrilled.”

In her initial scenes, Zelda is depicted as an inventive type, claiming to have created both the banana clip and the claw clip, the latter designed out of spite during an acrimonious divorce. “Never underestimate the power of anger as fuel,” she advises, much to the amusement of Keeley, while Rebecca looks on with skepticism. This quirky introduction encapsulates Ullman’s talent for breathing life into eccentric characters, and her performance is anticipated to resonate with the show’s loyal audience.

Ullman’s seamless integration into the cast has not only been limited to her abilities as an actress. Hunt mentioned the joy of working with Ullman off-screen as well, noting her love for football and her support of Arsenal, adding another layer of camaraderie to the set. “She fit right in; she’s a great hang,” he remarked, indicating that her presence has brought a vibrant dynamic to the cast.

With each new episode of ‘Ted Lasso’ promising to deliver fresh content, fans can look forward to more of Ullman’s Zelda as the season progresses. The show consistently tackles themes of identity, teamwork, and relationships, and Zelda’s character seems poised to add a new dimension to these explorations.

‘Ted Lasso’ continues to air new episodes on Wednesdays via Apple TV, ensuring that viewers can stay updated with the latest developments in the lives of their favourite characters. The addition of Ullman as Zelda Southport is just one more reason to keep tuning in to this beloved series.