Behind the feel-good vibes of Apple TV+'s hit show "Ted Lasso," real-life drama is unfolding. Actress and writer Keeley Hazell, known for her connection to "Ted Lasso" star Jason Sudeikis, is making headlines with revelations from her new memoir, "Everyone’s Seen My T-ts."
Keeley's Soccer Star Encounter
In her memoir, Hazell recounts a shocking incident from 2006 involving a then-boyfriend (referred to as "Theo," reportedly former soccer player Lloyd Miller) and British soccer star Joe Cole. According to excerpts, Hazell and a friend helped an intoxicated Cole after a night out, taking him to her parents' home. The situation escalated when Miller unexpectedly arrived, leading to a tense confrontation and Hazell revealing the truth about Cole's presence.
The 'Keeley' Role That Wasn't
Adding another layer to the drama, Hazell claims the role of Keeley Jones in "Ted Lasso," ultimately played by Juno Temple, was initially written for her. She met with Sudeikis to discuss the part in a "football show set in England." Hazell states she felt "punched in the chest" when she didn't get the role, which went on to earn Temple multiple Emmy nominations.
"The show hadn’t been picked up at this point, meaning, it was just a script waiting to be sold,” the English model and actress wrote, per Us Weekly. “But the idea of me being a lead in a TV show was enough to make me wet my pants with excitement.”
"Once I didn’t get cast as Keeley, I decided that acting could go f— itself.”
While Hazell had a small role in Sudeikis' 2014 movie "Horrible Bosses 2," and appeared in "The Royals", the Keeley role was a major setback.
"Ted Lasso" premiered on AppleTV+ in 2020, following a cheerful American football coach (Sudeikis) who finds himself coaching an English soccer team. Keely is a PR exec who is originally dating self-absorbed star player Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) before moving on to grumpy veteran player Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein).
The Show's Success
"Ted Lasso" became a global phenomenon, praised for its heartwarming storylines and positive message. However, these revelations from Hazell's memoir offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama and personal experiences that may have influenced the show's development.