Hannah Waddingham steps up to lead actress category as 'Ted Lasso' returns

Hannah Waddingham enters the lead actress race for 'Ted Lasso' season 4 after Rebecca's expanded role this season

Hannah Waddingham will be considered for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for the upcoming awards season following her expanded role in Ted Lasso season 4.

According to Deadline, the actress, who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV comedy, will move from the supporting actress category after being submitted in that field for the show's first three seasons.

Waddingham previously received three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, winning the award in 2021. She has also earned two Golden Globe nominations for her performance in the series, along with two Actor Award nominations in the female comedy category.

The category change reflects Rebecca's increased prominence in Ted Lasso season 4, which focuses on the character's efforts to establish AFC Richmond's women's football team. The season begins with Rebecca travelling to Kansas to recruit Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, to manage the new team. Her storyline also features a high-stakes battle for control of the club and a major development in her personal life.

Meanwhile, Juno Temple, who plays Rebecca's friend Keeley Jones, will continue to campaign in the supporting actress category.

The fourth season premiered on August 5, returning the popular comedy after a break following its original three-season run. According to Nielsen figures cited by Deadline, Ted Lasso was the most-streamed programme in the United States on its season 4 premiere date, recording more than 200 million viewing minutes.

The series has won 20 Emmy Awards across its first three seasons, including consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series wins for its first two instalments.

Waddingham's recent credits include Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Lilo & Stitch, Smurfs and Prime Video's Ride or Die. She is also set to receive the Crystal Award for Advocacy in TV at the 2026 Women in Film Honors on November 5.