The AFC Richmond Roster Shakeup: 5 Shocking 'Ted Lasso' Cast Changes & Season 4 Secrets REVEALED

The landscape of AFC Richmond is changing dramatically. As of December 2025, the news cycle is buzzing with concrete, official updates regarding the long-awaited continuation of the beloved Apple TV+ series, Ted Lasso. Despite the emotional conclusion of Season 3, which many believed was the series finale, production for a fourth season is officially underway, but not without significant alterations to the ensemble cast that fans have come to adore. This upcoming season is poised to be a major creative pivot, focusing on new storylines and a refreshed roster of characters.

This article dives deep into the confirmed cast shakeups, revealing which fan-favorite actor is stepping away from a series regular role, the surprising recasting of a critical family member, and the new faces joining the AFC Richmond family as the show sets a fresh course.

The Roster Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and the Major Recasting

The core philosophy of Ted Lasso has always been about growth, change, and moving forward, and the cast list for the new season reflects that theme perfectly. While the heart of the show remains intact, a few key players are either moving on to new projects or seeing their roles filled by new talent. The news of a Season 4 comes after months of speculation, with show creators like Bill Lawrence and star Jason Sudeikis finally confirming the return to the pitch.

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1. The Shocking Departure of a Fan-Favorite Series Regular

The most significant and perhaps most surprising cast change for the new season involves one of AFC Richmond’s most beloved players. Phil Dunster, who masterfully portrayed the reformed and complex striker Jamie Tartt, is reportedly not returning as a series regular. This news sends shockwaves through the fandom, as Tartt’s character arc—from arrogant villain to lovable, vulnerable team player—was one of the show’s most compelling storylines. Dunster’s departure is tied to a new professional opportunity: he has signed on to be a regular in a new HBO project. This new show is also helmed by Ted Lasso Executive Producer Bill Lawrence, suggesting the collaboration continues, just on a different field. While the door may be open for a guest appearance, his reduced role signifies a massive creative shift for the club’s on-field dynamics.

2. A Key Recasting: Ted’s Son, Henry Lasso

A more subtle, yet crucial, change involves the recasting of Ted Lasso’s son, Henry Lasso. The role, previously played by Gus Turner throughout the first three seasons, will now be taken over by actor Grant Feely. Feely is best known to television audiences for his portrayal of young Luke Skywalker in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi. Henry’s presence is central to Ted’s emotional journey and his decision to return home to the United States. The recasting of a child actor is common in television due to growth spurts and scheduling conflicts, but it marks a noticeable change for the Lasso family dynamic as the show continues.

3. The Confirmed Return of the Core AFC Richmond Family

Fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as the central pillars of the show are confirmed to return. The heart and soul of the series—the characters who remained in London—will be back, having had their options picked up by the studio. The confirmed returning main cast includes:

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• Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)
• Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton)
• Juno Temple (Keeley Jones)
• Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent)
• Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard)
• Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins)

This ensemble’s return ensures that the emotional and comedic chemistry that defines the series will continue, even with Ted back in the States. The focus will likely shift to the continuing adventures of AFC Richmond under new leadership, Keeley’s entrepreneurial endeavors with KJPR, and the evolving relationship between Rebecca and the club.

The Future of AFC Richmond: New Faces and New Directions

The new season is not just about who left, but also who is joining the team. The production has added several new cast members, which is a strong indicator of the new storylines the show will explore. The biggest hint at the show's new direction lies in the confirmed plot focus.

4. A Focus on the Women’s Team: New Cast Members Join the Squad

One of the most exciting developments is the new season’s reported focus on the formation of AFC Richmond’s Women’s team. This storyline was hinted at during the Season 3 finale and is now confirmed to be a major plot point. This shift is a perfect way to keep the spirit of the show alive while exploring new characters and challenges in the world of professional football (soccer).

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The new cast members joining the squad to help facilitate this narrative include:

• Tanya Reynolds
• Jude Mack
• Faye Marsay
• Rex Hayes

The addition of these actors strongly suggests the introduction of key players, coaches, or staff members for the new women’s team, offering a fresh, diverse perspective on the “Believe” ethos. The presence of Rebecca Welton, the club owner, will be crucial in championing this new venture, further cementing her legacy beyond her initial motivations.

5. The Nate Shelley Question and Other Unconfirmed Returns

While the main cast is confirmed, one major character's future remains a popular topic of discussion: Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed). The "Wonder Kid's" journey saw him return to AFC Richmond in Season 3 after his villainous stint at West Ham United, completing his redemption arc. His final fate saw him coaching a youth team, having found peace and a return to his roots. At the time of this writing, official confirmation of Nick Mohammed’s status as a series regular for Season 4 is pending, though the narrative leaves the door wide open for his return, perhaps in a mentorship role for the new women's team or simply as part of the extended AFC Richmond family.

Similarly, the return of other beloved secondary characters—such as Dani Rojas, Sam Obisanya, and Colin Hughes—is highly anticipated but has not been officially confirmed as series regular roles. Given their integral parts in the team's success and key emotional storylines, it is widely expected that they will feature heavily, even if not as full series regulars.

Topical Authority: The Creative Team and LSI Entities

The continuation of Ted Lasso is a complex decision, one driven by the passion of the creative team: Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly. Lawrence has previously stated that the decision for Season 4 was entirely up to Sudeikis, who also serves as an Executive Producer and writer. The fact that Sudeikis has chosen to return confirms his commitment to further exploring the world of AFC Richmond, even with Ted Lasso’s physical presence back in the United States.

The new season will undoubtedly explore several key topical entities and themes:

• AFC Richmond Women’s Team: The central new entity, focusing on gender equality and new challenges in professional sports.
• KJPR: Keeley Jones’ PR firm, which will continue to explore her career and relationship with Roy Kent.
• West Ham United: The rival club, which may still play a role under its new ownership or management.
• Mental Health Awareness: A core theme of the show, continuing to be explored through various characters.
• The “Believe” Sign: The iconic motivational tool, which remains the symbol of the club's spirit.
• Coaching Dynamics: The new structure featuring Coach Beard, Roy Kent, and possibly Nate Shelley, without Ted’s direct command.
• The Diamond Dogs: The unofficial therapy group, which will hopefully continue their insightful sessions.

While some fans held out hope for a spin-off focusing on a single character, such as Roy Kent or Keeley Jones, actress Juno Temple has stated that the focus is currently on Season 4, and a spin-off is being ruled out for the time being. The decision to continue the main series, albeit with a new focus, is a testament to the enduring love for the entire ensemble.

The upcoming season of Ted Lasso promises to be a transformative chapter. While the loss of Jamie Tartt as a series regular is a blow to the roster, the return of the core cast, the recasting of Henry, and the exciting new direction with the women’s team ensure that the show will remain fresh, unique, and full of the emotional depth that earned it critical acclaim and a massive global following.