Ted Lasso fan-favourite Phil Dunster finally breaks his silence over speculation he’ll be returning to the hit Apple TV series for season 4. His appearance on the upcoming season was thrown into question when his name was left of the official cast list, which was announced back in July. However, Dunster sparked rumours of his involvement in the brand-new series when he was spotted on the Ted Lasso Richmond set in September 2025.
Speaking about his return, the Jamie Tartt actor gave fans reason for hope when he told The Telegraph: “Never say never”, adding, “fingers crossed”.
Jamie was last seen in season 3, which seemed to wrap up his arc quite nicely. The once egotistical player had evolved past his pig-headedness into a responsible team leader and had also managed to reconnect with his father.
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However, that doesn’t mean Dunster is ready to walk away from the role.
The actor appeared on the Always Be Comedy podcast to address exit fears, stating: “I think that there was some belief at this time that [I wouldn’t return] because I had booked something else, that was [the reason] that I wasn’t doing it. That wasn’t the case.
“I would always pick up that phone, and I would always say ‘How high?’ [if series creator Jason Sudeikis] said ‘jump’. But yeah, so I don’t know. Who knows?”
He continued: “I don’t know which direction they’re taking the show in, but there are lots of favourites of the characters who will still be in it. ‘We move’, as the kids say these days.”
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Related: “Global phenomenon” Ted Lasso confirms return window with first look at new coach
Since his comments, it’s been revealed that season 4 will focus on the women’s team, with the synopsis detailing: “Ted (Sudeikis) returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team.
“Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would.”
Ted Lasso season 4 will debut in summer 2026 on Apple TV. Season 1-3 are available to watch now on the streamer.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. Â For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. Â She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
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