Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9 ended with an emotional note that caught many viewers off guard—a tribute card dedicated to Anthony Head.

For fans wondering who he is and why the show honored him, here’s what to know.

Who Is Anthony Head on Ted Lasso?

Anthony Head is a veteran British actor best known to Ted Lasso viewers as Rupert Mannion, Rebecca Welton’s manipulative ex-husband, the former AFC Richmond owner and one of the show’s most memorable antagonists.

Outside of Ted Lasso, Head has had a long and varied career in television and film. Many will recognize him from his role as Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as appearances in series like Merlin, Doctor Who, and numerous stage productions in the U.K.

His portrayal of Rupert has been a key part of Ted Lasso since the beginning, as he’s brought charm, menace and complexity to a character fans love to hate.

Why Did Ted Lasso Include a Tribute Card?

Head has not appeared in Ted Lasso Season 4, but he is mentioned a handful of times as Leslie and Rebecca assume he’s the mystery person buying up all the shares in order to get majority ownership in the club.

The tribute card at the end of Episode 9 honored the late actor, who died at the age of 72 this past summer, June 2026. 

His daughters, Emily and Daisy, confirmed his death, noting that he “passed away peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family.”

At the time, many on Head’s co-stars paid tribute to the actor, including Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), who wrote, “Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which was an incredible skill because he was the best person. Infinitely charming and kind and fun and a joy. He will be sorely missed. Love to his family.”

Waddingham, who played his on-screen wife, told Marie Claire, “There is no Rebecca without Rupert. He undoubtedly made my Rebecca what she was. He was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met. Even finer as a human. He loved the craft, loved his fellow actors entirely, knew everybody on the crew’s name, and was always there for everyone else.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9?

While a tribute would’ve been fitting at the beginning of the season, Season 4 Episode 9 revealed that it wasn’t Rupert buying up the shares in secret and in the shadows, but rather Zelda Southport (Tracey Ullman), who Rebecca didn’t trust but allowed to take on an unofficial position in the club. With Zelda trying to gain control of the club, it clears Rupert’s name, allowing the series to pay their respects to him properly. 

In fact, many held out hope that he would appear in one final episode, as production wrapped in January, before his death, however, Annette Badland, who played Mae Green, told Deadline, “I assumed he would be in this last [season], and didn’t know, as I think very few people knew, he was ill and just couldn’t do it.”

The tribute card at the end of Episode 9 is a reminder of just how much his presence has meant to the series, as he played his role well, becoming one of the most hated characters on television. 

Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9 delivered plenty of twists, but one pregnancy reveal has everyone talking.

The penultimate episode packed in several major moments, starting with the shocking death of Mae Green, who passed away while cheering on an away game for the Lady Greyhounds, a devastating yet strangely fitting sendoff.

There was also a major power-play twist. It turns out it wasn’t Rupert, Rebecca’s ex-husband, quietly buying up shares to take control of AFC Richmond. Instead, it was Zelda Southport (Tracey Ullman). From the moment she appeared, Zelda gave off questionable vibes—and Rebecca clearly sensed it, even warning Keeley that people like Zelda can’t be trusted before seemingly softening and welcoming her into the fold.

But knowing Rebecca, it’s hard to believe (and I don’t want to believe) she’s let her guard down. She’s always had a sharp instinct for people (she was married to Rupert, after all), so there’s a good chance she’s playing the long game and keeping Zelda close because she already suspects the truth. If Rebecca and Leslie are onto her, they could even be feeding her false leads, using Rupert and the Milk sisters as a distraction while they build a case.

And with Mae reportedly holding a significant number of shares, her death could ultimately be the key to stopping Zelda’s takeover.

But the biggest moment of the episode had nothing to do with Richmond’s future—it was a personal twist no one saw coming.

Keeley’s Surprise Reveal Changes Everything

Early in the episode, Keeley collapses in the stands while cheering on the team. A visit to the doctor reveals two possible causes: high blood pressure or pregnancy.

That’s when it clicks, as Keeley checks her calendar and realizes she hasn’t had her period in eight weeks.

The timing is significant. It’s been about six weeks since she and Roy got back together, meaning their long, drawn-out will-they-or-won’t-they arc has quickly jumped ahead to something much bigger.

Keeley takes multiple pregnancy tests, all of which come back positive. Still, she keeps the news from Roy at first, choosing to confide in Rebecca instead, who quickly pieces it together over dinner when Keeley avoids raw fish and sticks to water versus the usual wine.

“We’re having a baby,” Rebecca declares, as they erupt in cheers at the restaurant.

As Richmond heads into a crucial match against Bristol City, Roy is tasked with keeping Keeley calm and away from streaming and feeling the stress of the game.

After a dramatic 3–2 win, Keeley finally shares the news with him. Any hesitation quickly fades, as she realizes how excited she is and how naturally Roy fits into this next chapter.

His reaction? He calls it the best news ever! 

After everything Keeley and Roy have been through, this moment feels earned, even if it is rushed in the context of season 4. Fans complained the season spent too much time building up to their reunion, but now it’s full steam ahead. 

I’m personally hoping this doesn’t take a devastating turn, as the episode planted some subtle concern with mention of Keeley’s high blood pressure, which she’s already been researching when it comes to hypertensive pregnancy. 

Still, for now, fans should bask in the happy news that the first Richmond baby is on its way! 

What did you think of the reveal? Are you excited to see Keeley and Roy become parents? Do you think it was rushed? 

Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9 aired on Sept. 30, and the penultimate episode dropped plenty of plot twists and cliffhangers. 

Among them was the Lady Greyhounds’ defeat against Bristol City, a joyous moment for every Richmond fan watching from the stands and streaming the game on their devices at home. 

But the celebration was short-lived for Ted and Rebecca Welton, as they received the news that there was an “incident” involving Mae Green. 

Who Is Mae Green on Ted Lasso?

Mae Green, played by Annette Badland, is the pub owner and barmaid of The Crown & Anchor in Richmond. She’s been a recurring character in the series since season 1, building rapport with Ted, Coach Beard and both the men’s and women’s teams. She even gave Ted and the Richmond teams a place to relax after intense moments, and rented the apartment above the bar to Ted upon his return in season 4. 

In the episode “Mae Rides The Bus,” Mae joins the team for a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride to see the game in person, opting to sit in the supporters section to enjoy the experience as a true fan rather than the box with Rebecca and Leslie.

Before the game, she bonds heavily with the team, even giving them a pep talk in the locker room and revealing she once had big dreams of becoming a footballer when she was younger. 

“Growing up, all I wanted to do was be a footballer, but women weren’t allowed to play officially…I had a right foot like a rosebush. But my left, even worse! But you girls are different. You’re talented. You belong on that pitch. And I love to see it. So go out there and make an old lady happy. And beat the fucking shit out of them,” she states in her final monologue. 

What Happened to Mae Green on Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9?

It’s implied that Mae dies as the Richmond game is unfolding against Bristol City. In one moment, we see her dancing to “Jump,” and in the next moment, the fans are calling for assistance as the medical team rushes out. “It’s Ms. Green,” a man tells Rebecca, delivering the unfortunate news. 

Rebecca looks distraught after being told the news, though there’s no confirmation as to what she was told. She then visits the Richmond team in the locker room, cutting Ted’s victorious celebration short. The scene shows Rebecca passing along the news to Ted, who bows his head down, though, again, we don’t hear exactly what happened. 

However, the assumption is that Mae had a medical emergency while watching Richmond score the final winning goal—possibly from getting too excited during the celebration (Keeley’s blood pressure situation seems to be a bit of foreshadowing)—and passed away shortly after, which would explain the somber mood that followed. 

Did Mae Green Die on Ted Lasso Season 4 Episode 9?

While it is not confirmed during the episode that Mae died, Badland spoke with Deadline shortly after to confirm the character’s death. 

“That’s what happens. You’re involved with folks, and they disappear. They go, and she loved her life,” Badland said, adding, “She made the very best of her life and really relished it. So she went, I suppose, for her, in the very best way.”

Mae died doing what she loved to do—supporting the Richmond team during an away game as a fan! 

Balland admitted to Deadline that she didn’t know what was going to happen till about “November.”

“We were only an episode away filming that. I was shocked, but I’m very proud being in the show, and I admire Jason [Sudeikis]. I think the series is so successful because people smell it’s very genuine. The audience know it’s not made cynically. It’s not a product. It’s something Jason wants to say about the world and how we are, so you have to trust that.”

“I don’t know when I’ll die. You just don’t know. So, being told that it was going to happen quite close to it being filmed, you just have to go. ‘Well, that’s [that]. He told me in the storyline, so he started at the beginning [with] “I invite her to come, and blah blah, and she won’t drive, and then she comes to the grounds and she goes in the bus,” and I’m going, “Oh wow, this is…” and then “She passes.” [Gulps.] But hopefully that’s what will happen for the audience too,” she expressed.

What Comes Next After Mae’s Death Plot Twist?

As for our hopes following Mae’s death? That she leaves the pub to Ted and his son, as it would be fitting for them to carry on her legacy, making the pub the official place for Richmond fans to celebrate every win and loss! Not to mention, it would be a deeply beautiful way to honor their number one fan from the start.

There’s also the storyline of the shares, as Rebecca believes her ex, Rupert, is seemingly forcing people to sell theirs so he can take majority control of the team. In the final moments, it’s confirmed that Zelda Southport (Tracey Ullman) is scooping them up instead, but we likely shouldn’t worry because Mae may just have one more ace up her sleeve. (I almost hope that Leslie and Rebecca know this and they’ve been keeping Zelda close by for that reason.) 

Badland confirms that Mae has shares and they will come into play moving forward, stating, “Well, she had a very large pile of shares. I mean, they were about “yay high” (gestures to table height she sits at.) She uses them to good effect. Her instructions are for them to be used in a particular way that is quite good.”

It seems like a fitting sendoff for Mae—getting to witness the winning game in person, followed by one final act to save Richmond.