‘Ted Lasso’ Shake-Up: Jamie Tartt Actor Out as Season 4 Regular, First Look Stirs Buzz

Fans of Ted Lasso, brace yourselves. Big changes are coming to AFC Richmond, and one of the show’s most beloved characters won’t be part of the lineup like before.

Phil Dunster, the actor behind the swagger-heavy footballer Jamie Tartt, will not be returning as a series regular for Season 4. Apple TV+ made the announcement this week, and it hit hard for longtime fans of the Emmy-winning series.

Why is Jamie Tartt stepping back this season?

Turns out, it’s not a creative decision. According to Deadline, Dunster had a scheduling conflict. He signed on for a new untitled HBO comedy that stars none other than Steve Carell. Because of that commitment, Dunster’s time with Ted Lasso will be limited. He might still show up in a few episodes, but Jamie Tartt won’t be at the heart of the action this time around.

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For those who’ve followed his growth from selfish striker to team player, it’s a bit of a gut punch. His story arc was one of the most memorable and emotional over the first three seasons. From clashing with Roy Kent to growing under Ted’s mentorship, Jamie became more than just comic relief.

What’s new in Season 4?

Quite a lot, actually. The new season has officially started filming, and for the first time, production is based in Kansas City, Missouri. That’s a major shift from the English countryside vibe we’ve come to associate with Richmond.

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And the biggest change? Ted is now coaching a second-division women’s football team. That’s right. The series is heading into bold new territory. According to the official logline, this season is all about taking unexpected risks. Ted and the team are in unfamiliar waters, learning to “leap before they look.”

Jason Sudeikis returns as the endlessly optimistic coach. Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Jeremy Swift and Brendan Hunt are also back. So even with Dunster stepping back, the core heart of the show is intact.

There are some new faces joining the family too. Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern and Grant Feely are set to appear. Feely will play Ted’s son, Henry, taking over the role from Gus Turner. It looks like the show is ready to expand its universe while keeping those emotional roots close.

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Season 3 left fans with a lot of unanswered questions. Most notably, the slow-burn tension between Ted and Rebecca. It never quite turned into a full romance, but the chemistry was undeniable. With both characters confirmed for Season 4, that unresolved spark might get explored further.

Back in March, Sudeikis confirmed that the writing for Season 4 was officially underway. He shared the news on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast, saying that the team was excited to keep the story going.

There’s no premiere date just yet. But between cast changes, a new coaching challenge, and fresh characters, Ted Lasso Season 4 already feels like it’s going to be a big one. Even with Jamie Tartt on the sidelines, the story isn’t slowing down. It’s just taking a new path.