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1st September 2026
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is no stranger to having multiple alumni starring in long-running series together (Downton Abbey and The Crown, to name a few), and Ted Lasso is the latest addition. Phil Dunster has been a familiar face, with Faye Marsay joining the cast in season 4. However, 2019 graduate Shannon Hayes’ role as Soccer Girl has been inspiring to watch – it has been such a treat to watch her shine over the years. Starting as a small role, Soccer Girl has now turned into a character who is part of the ensemble in season 4. We caught up with Shannon to discuss what it’s been like seeing her character grow, and how her training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has helped her on the show.
How has training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School prepared you as a working actor?
Bristol Old Vic really helped me with the tools for stage work in particular. I had already come into BOVTS having done screen work but had never formally trained. So my time at the school really introduced me to acting as a technique for the first time. It connected me with great voice teachers (Carol Fairlamb was amazing), and I also met Joel Trill whilst there, who still helps me with accents now! Additionally, the undisturbed time to work on the doing of acting was amazing. It forced me to do things I wouldn’t normally do (like sing and dance!), and that challenge pushed me as a performer in the best way. I felt more confident returning to the ‘industry’.
What skills did you have to learn or brush up on for your role in Ted Lasso?
I was a huge football player when I was younger, and in Ted Lasso I play a footballer, so just returning to that was great. I did a football boot camp two weeks before shooting and got to learn from semi-pro players. We would also have dedicated sessions outside of shooting if we had something specific to prepare for one of the episodes like a goal we would score, etc.
What has it felt like seeing your character shape and grow across the series?
My first entry into Ted Lasso was around 7 years ago, and it was a very small role. I shot it and forgot about it (and never expected to do it again in this way 7 years later!). So to be a regular now has been really cool.
What advice would you give anyone who is working in the industry today?
1. Stay off of socials – I think the comparison trap is such a hard thing in this industry and social media makes it worse.
2. Run your own race – truly there are no rules, and it’s often not about your talent, so try not to get lost in trying to understand WHY things do or don’t happen. Just focus on doing the best work you can do, and that feels authentic to you.
3. Remember that despite it all, this is meant to be fun! Don’t let all the other things tarnish the joy of getting to do it.
Any news or projects you’re able to share?
Not yet! But Ted Lasso S4 is out now… and each episode is released weekly… keep your eyes peeled 😉
