“Ted Lasso” Newcomer Grant Feely, 14, Says His Costar Brendan Hunt ‘Took Me Under His Wing’ (Exclusive)

**Grant Feely Embraces Football in ‘Ted Lasso’ with Help from Brendan Hunt**

Grant Feely, the 14-year-old actor who recently joined the acclaimed Apple TV series *Ted Lasso*, has shared how co-star Brendan Hunt played a pivotal role in familiarising him with the intricacies of football. Feely, who portrays Ted Lasso’s son, Henry, revealed his journey into the world of European football during the premiere of Season 4 on 4 August in New York City.

In a conversation with *PEOPLE*, Feely expressed gratitude towards Hunt, who took the time to teach him about the sport. “My mum and I received invitations to several Arsenal matches from Jason [Sudeikis] and Brendan, who really helped introduce us to soccer in England and across Europe,” Feely noted. He highlighted Hunt’s influence, stating, “Brendan especially took me under his wing, explaining all the rules and introducing me to the players.”

Feely, who hails from Brunswick, Georgia and currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama, admitted that his experience of stepping onto the *Ted Lasso* set was surreal. As a devoted fan of the show prior to his casting, his excitement about joining the production was palpable. “It was exhilarating because I knew the show inside out before I got the role,” he remarked. “Walking around the set and seeing the intricate builds and all the characters was a fantastic experience.”

This season sees Feely taking over the role of Henry, which was previously portrayed by Gus Turner in the show’s earlier seasons. Reflecting on his admiration for Sudeikis, he said, “I had already enjoyed his movies like *We’re the Millers*, and of course, I’ve watched all the previous seasons of *Ted Lasso*, so seeing him on screen was a thrill. He’s wonderful to work with.”

His co-star Elodie Blomfield, known for her role as Phoebe, Roy Kent’s niece, echoed Feely’s sentiments about the show’s familial atmosphere. “Returning felt like coming home,” she stated, emphasising the strong bonds formed among the cast. “We’re all fans of the series, despite being part of it, and it’s lovely to reunite with this community.”

Blomfield also spoke highly of Brett Goldstein, who plays her on-screen uncle, and described him as a significant influence in her life. “I’ve grown up acting alongside him, and he feels like a part of my family now,” she shared.

Alongside the thrill of acting, Feely also faced the challenge of portraying a talented footballer, which required significant practice. “I needed to improve my own football skills as my character is quite proficient on the pitch,” he admitted. “I had to get lessons from my brothers because I’m no expert myself! Even after practice, I’d joke that I’m not in a position to pursue a career in football.”

The casting journey for Feely was not a swift one. After his initial audition, he faced a three-month wait before hearing back, only to discover he was among the finalists. His path to the role included a trip to Los Angeles for a chemistry read, which solidified his connections with Sudeikis and Hunt, further enriching his experience.

Blomfield, too, has seen her passion for football grow through her involvement with the show. She remarked, “Being on the set has significantly changed the way I perceive football; it’s such an engaging sport.” She praised the veteran cast for their mentorship, stating, “I learned so much simply by being surrounded by them during our scenes.”

*Season 4 of Ted Lasso* premiered on 5 August, with new episodes available for streaming every Wednesday. As the series continues to thrive, both Feely and Blomfield look forward to contributing to the beloved show and further exploring the world of football.