As Ted Lasso Season 4 continues to unfold, the Lady Greyhounds have become the heart of Richmond, and two of its stars are opening up about the emotional journey their characters have taken. In an exclusive chat with Collider, Tanya Reynolds (Alice Chilton) and Abbie Hern (Gemma Jay) reflected on the season's major turning point and teased what fans can expect from the upcoming finale.
Season 4 introduced Ted (Jason Sudeikis) returning to coach the newly formed women's team, but he wasn't their first coach—Alice was already at the helm and ready to walk away. Ted convinced her to stay, and together with Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), they've built a formidable squad. A key player is striker Gemma Jay, whose complicated history with Alice has been a central tension. In Episode 8, "Follow the Anger," Alice's tough-love approach pushed Gemma to her breaking point, resulting in an injury that threatened her career. When Alice breaks down in tears, Ted silently sits with her, offering support without judgment. Later, his "there's crying in football" speech to the team indirectly validates her feelings, giving Alice the courage to convince Gemma not to quit.
Reynolds admitted she was initially worried about how audiences would perceive Alice. "I was really worried that people would hate Alice," she said. "I'm sure there are people out there that do hate Alice. I've been surprised that a lot of people have given her a very warm response. So that's been really lovely." Hern echoed the sentiment, noting the team's nervousness about being accepted. "It's a new team. Are they going to accept us and accept the concept of the whole thing? People have been really, really lovely and supportive."
The pivotal scene where Ted finds Alice crying was particularly meaningful for Reynolds. "It would have been her absolute worst nightmare to be that vulnerable at work, a place where she's always trying so hard to be tough and strong," she explained. "Ted responded in a way that was probably the best way that Alice could have hoped for. Just not asking her any questions about it... By doing nothing, he's just showing that this is okay." She added that his indirect message through the team "means the world to her" and marked "a real turning point for both her and Ted."
That moment galvanizes Alice to give Gemma a heartfelt speech, which Hern describes as a turning point in their relationship. "Once they feel safe with each other, then I think they could be a really great team," she said. The actresses confirmed that the dynamic between Alice and Gemma has shifted, with mutual respect now paving the way for a stronger partnership.
As for the Season 4 finale, both stars offered a one-word teaser. Reynolds called it "hopeful," while Hern cryptically said "circle" before they both settled on the show's signature word: "Believe." Fans can expect an emotional conclusion that stays true to the series' uplifting spirit.
Beyond Ted Lasso, Reynolds previewed her role as a changed Caroline Bingley in The Other Bennet Sister's three-part Christmas special coming to BritBox later this year. Meanwhile, Hern reflected on the premature cancellation of Prime Video's My Lady Jane, praising her former co-star Kate O'Flynn (now of Widow's Bay) and expressing regret over the Queen Elizabeth arc that never got explored.
With the finale approaching, fans are eager to see how the Lady Greyhounds' journey concludes. If the stars' hints are any indication, it will be a satisfying, hopeful end to a season that has redefined what it means to believe.
