The Return of Ted Lasso and the Future of Nate Shelley
As we approach the release of the fourth season of Ted Lasso, fans are eagerly awaiting news about the return of one of the show’s most polarizing characters, Nathan “Nate” Shelley. Played by Nick Mohammed, Nate has been a central figure in the series, known for his complex and often controversial journey throughout the third season. While the finale was widely believed to be the end of the show, it saw Nate reuniting with Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and his former team after a difficult and emotionally charged arc.
Mohammed recently spoke about the possibility of Nate returning, but he remains tight-lipped about the details. “Dunno!” he said with a grin. “It’s such a bad media-trained response, but I’m not allowed to say. So we’ll have to see…”
If Nate were to return, however, Mohammed hinted that he might be in a better place. “Just speaking generally, not specifically about season four,” he added, “I’d like to think he’s happier than he was.”
A Career on the Rise
Mohammed’s career has seen a significant boost since his role in Ted Lasso. Known primarily as a comedian in the UK for over two decades, the show became his breakthrough into international stardom. It opened doors for him in both comedy and drama, leading to roles in projects such as Slow Horses, where he played a mayor caught up in a terrorism plot, and Celebrity Traitors UK, which broke records last year.
“I feel like I’ve been given license by the industry to tackle slightly more dramatic roles,” he said, referencing Slow Horses. “But Traitors was the closest I’ve felt to being a sportsperson! Everyone was watching the episodes live to avoid spoilers… It brought everyone together. It was as though people were watching their team play. When I betrayed Joe Marler, it was like the worst possible thing—like I had missed a penalty.”
A New Role for the FIFA World Cup
Mohammed is also taking on a new role tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup. As part of a campaign for SBS, he is posing as the “honorary executive chair of the World Cup Watchers’ Rights Association.” The campaign aims to support workers who want to watch the matches, even if they’re at work. However, he quickly clarified that some jobs, like those of brain surgeons or air traffic controllers, still require full attention.
The ads, which also feature comedians Matt Okine and Mel Buttle, as well as former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, are more of a lighthearted gesture than a legally binding promise. But they do highlight the influence Mohammed still holds with football fans.
A Love for Sport Rekindled
Despite his initial disinterest in football, Mohammed has developed a newfound appreciation for the sport through his work on Ted Lasso. Growing up in Leeds, he was dragged to matches by his father, but he always leaned towards the arts rather than sports. “I was an artsy kid,” he said. “I was far removed from the world of macho sport, like football.”
It wasn’t until working on Ted Lasso that he began to appreciate the passion surrounding the game. “We got to film in locations like Wembley and London Stadium, surrounded by proper sports nuts. Some of the guys were like semi-pro footballers. In fact, Cristo Fernandez, who plays Danny Rojas in the show, he’s now become a pro footballer. You can’t help but be infected by that passion.”
The Impact of Ted Lasso
The show has had a profound impact on its audience, particularly during the pandemic when it served as a comfort watch for many. Mohammed continues to receive messages from fans who feel a deep connection to the series. “It’s quite overwhelming,” he said. “It’s always very moving when someone gets in touch and says, ‘This show really meant a lot to me because I struggle with my mental health’ or ‘This came to me at a particularly difficult time.’”
He also reflected on the show’s success, noting that its optimistic and hopeful tone resonated with audiences. “Season one premiered at a time when I think the whole world was receptive to something that was inherently hopeful and optimistic. I’m not for a second suggesting that’s the only reason that the show was successful, but I think it certainly helped.”
A Different Side of Nick Mohammed
While fans may be familiar with his character Nate, they might be surprised to see Mohammed perform in his long-time on-stage persona, Mr Swallow. A camp and chaotic mentalist and magician, Mr Swallow has made a name for himself in comedy circles. However, the contrast between his stage persona and his role in Ted Lasso is stark.
Mohammed joked about the difference: “When I come on as Mr Swallow, it’s a world away from me, and certainly a world away from Nate. In some regards, it’s like starting again. It’s like when I used to do weird characters at the Edinburgh Festival and people were like, ‘Oh god, is it like this for an hour?’”
A Misunderstood Joke
Mohammed recently found himself in trouble after posting a video on social media in character, joking about needing to move show dates due to filming commitments. While not directly revealing details, he held up a “BELIEVE” sign referencing Ted Lasso, leading fans to speculate that he was returning for the new season.
“It was a joke! I did it very tongue-in-cheek,” he said, reflecting on the post that made headlines in the US. “I moved those dates because of Traitors, not Ted Lasso. I thought it would be very daft, and then it got a bit of traction and backfired. News outlets in America didn’t reference I was in character at all. And I was like, ‘Do you genuinely think that’s what I’m like?’”
Looking Ahead
While the future of Nate Shelley remains uncertain, fans can rest assured that the Ted Lasso universe will continue to evolve. The new season will focus on a different women’s team, marking the start of a new journey. “It’s still the Ted Lasso universe tonally,” Mohammed said. “It’s still optimistic, and it’s hopeful, and it’s warm.”
And despite the secrecy surrounding the new season, he admitted, “I can’t wait to see it!”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast on SBS, SBS Viceland, and SBS On Demand from June 12 to July 20. Meanwhile, Ted Lasso (season four) premieres on Apple TV on August 5.
