On January 28, Apple TV+ announced its hit television series Ted Lasso would air its upcoming fourth season in the summer of 2026. Taking on their biggest challenge yet, coaching a second division women’s football team, Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple and Brett Goldstein are set to reprise their roles.
While production is currently underway in both London and Kansas City, actor Karen Johal, who plays the role of Nicole Shelley in season 3, reflects on her experiences, from filming with the cast and crew to being directed by Jason Sudeikis, to why her collaborative relationship with casting director Theo Park has changed the way she approaches auditioning.
Key Insights
- Be adaptable. Rehearsals can take place right before filming on set, so be open to trying new things.
- Auditioning is part of the work, so have fun and make bold choices while bringing yourself to the character.
- Be familiar with the television series you’re being seen for. It will help you understand the tone of the script and what casting might be looking for.
From Self-Tape to Screen
The character description was brief, but I remember it was something like “smart, clearly successful and dotes on her brother.” It was a weird coincidence at the time, because I had just finished watching the first two seasons. I remember thinking it must be such a fun show to work on. It’s so endearing and funny, without leaning too much toward one or the other.
Every scene has a purpose in the overall framework, which is why it’s so popular. Ted Lasso is optimistic and sentimental at the core, but it’s also realistic and grounded.
For the self tape, understanding the tone of the show made things easier for me. I could use what I already knew about Nate’s character: what he might need from his sister, what kind of relationship they have, and how it affects him and the things he does. I have two younger brothers and there’s always been an underlying playful nature between us.
I made choices for Nicole from a place of truth. Even if the script has a serious tone, giving it an underscore just lifts it off the page. Understandably, we can get overwhelmed by everything we have to do for a self tape. It feels like we have one chance to put everything we are into an audition. So there’s a very real pressure to present.
Especially for something like Ted Lasso, it’s a huge show! I didn’t want to waste energy trying to make a cinematically beautiful self tape, offering a version that wasn’t real. So I kept it simple: good lighting, plain backdrop and a good reader (which was me).
The thing about this audition specifically, was that I remember having so much fun. I trusted myself, I relaxed into the process because I’d done the work. Decentering perfection, working freely, making choices and focusing on the relationship between these two siblings.
I booked the role off one self tape, so I think leaning into the enjoyment of the work really resonated.
Working as a Team
Working on Ted Lasso has now changed the way I approach auditions. The casting process was incredibly collaborative and I felt so supported. Theo Park and the entire casting team have always been so wonderful to work with, but they also offered a sense of validation I hadn’t had before. Feeling valued every time I go into their London office or self tape for them has elevated my work, and has given me that extra assurance.
The unseen work that casting directors do for us, makes me feel a part of a team. So this alleviates the pressure of auditioning and softens the blow of rejection. I get called in to work, then the casting team does their part and we all have a hand in the process. Even if I don’t book the role, I know that I have done my part and I have to trust that it is enough. Even when I don’t hear back or get the outcome I want.
Something that has always stuck out to me, about the conversations that can happen when we’re not in the room, is how Nick Mohammed was cast. He originally auditioned for Higgins and it was Theo Park who convinced him to re-submit for Nate. The fact that they knew he was meant to be in this show, and didn’t let him go, really affirms the constant advocacy that the casting team are doing on our behalf.
Be Open and Adaptable
As directors, Jason Sudeikis and Matt Lipsey created an open and welcoming rehearsal process for season 3. I’d arrived with my character preparation done and anticipated using all the typical acting techniques and tools. While, yes that was needed, it actually ended up being a space for creative inspiration to thrive. If things were changed in the script or ideas came up at that moment, they were presented as offerings. So the work felt naturally guided by uplifting the heart of the show.
I remember Jason specifically asked me if I watched the show, which of course I had, and he wanted to play with an idea that there is a sibling trait shared between Nate and Nicole that we’d be able to recall from previous seasons. So it was added in and really fun to play with. I really love working with directors who think about those moments, even if they aren’t overly obvious to an audience. It adds weight to the work.
The cast and crew had this symbiotic relationship, too. Everyone was lovely and they were incredible to work with. When there are so many components on a big set, it’s easy to feel out of sync, but my experience was faultless. From working with Nicky Austin in hair and makeup to Jacky Levy, our amazing costume designer. Everyone seemed to share the same temperament — it’s the calmest set environment I’ve ever worked in. I also had the best french toast of my life on my first day!
“I Believe in Hope”
The fourth season follows Ted coaching a women’s second division football team, and while I can’t say what that means for my character, the decision to take the narrative in this direction is about more than just continuing Ted’s story. In England in 1952, women were banned from playing football for 50 years. So I know that this season will not only platform the women’s game, but it will teach us to reflect on the limited views held about women’s sports in general.
Production has integrated football throughout all the seasons. Filming at Selhurst Park Stadium, home to the Premier League team Crystal Palace FC, included authentic gameplay, casting real people who play the sport, and working with specialized VFX to recreate the atmosphere of Premier League games. [There was also the] Colin Hughes storyline where he came out to his teammates, positively representing the LGBTQ+ community in media and sports.
That’s what I love about the show. Football is woven into the story, but it teaches us so much more about having compassion for each other. Sports show us the extreme highs and lows and how to deepen our understanding for one another.
I hope that Nicole shows up somewhere in the future, maybe as a lawyer for the women’s club or watching her brother manage a Premier League team again. Whatever happens, I hope that people continue to enjoy watching the show and learning from it. I know I will.
