Ted Lasso delivered an emotional penultimate episode in Season 4, with Mae spending what would become her final day alongside the Lady Greyhounds before her death.

Episode 9 packed in several major developments. Keeley discovered she is pregnant with her first child with Roy, while viewers learned that Zelda — rather than Rebecca’s ex-husband Rupert — is attempting to take Richmond from Rebecca. The episode also ended with a tribute card honoring the late Anthony Head, who played Rupert in Seasons 1 through 3 but did not appear in Season 4.

But Mae’s storyline brought the episode’s most bittersweet moment.

The Crown & Anchor proprietor traveled with the women’s team on their bus, joined them in the locker room and opened up about a dream she had once been unable to pursue: becoming a professional footballer.

Mae explained that such an opportunity simply did not exist for women when she was young. Before the Lady Greyhounds’ match, she encouraged the players with a heartfelt message: “You’re talented. You belong on that pitch.”

The team then came back from a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2. Later, Rebecca learned that Mae had died and passed the heartbreaking news on to Ted.

Annette Badland, who has played Mae since Season 1, revealed that she only learned about the character’s fate shortly before receiving the Episode 9 script. She described the news as “quite a shock,” but also called it a privilege to have been part of the series.

Annette Badland Was Told About Mae’s Death Personally

Badland said Jason Sudeikis personally came to her room to tell her about Mae’s death.

She appreciated the way Mae’s final storyline allowed the character to experience things she had never been able to do before, including traveling with the team, being on the bus and becoming part of the women’s football world she cared so deeply about.

According to Badland, Sudeikis later adapted part of his storyline for Episode 10 following their conversation, although she could not reveal what happens because it would spoil the season finale.

The Lady Greyhounds Gave Mae a New Sense of Purpose

The creation of the women’s team was especially meaningful for Mae, and Badland said the actresses playing the Lady Greyhounds brought tremendous energy to the set.

She recalled filming the pub quiz sequence, describing the players as a “tidal wave” entering the pub. The scene took two days to shoot, and Badland said the actresses filled the building with an “effervescent” energy.

Badland also connected Mae’s story to the history of women’s football.

She said she supports the Lionesses and believes the growth of women’s football is “tremendous.” Mae, like Badland herself, grew up during a time when women were banned from playing football.

Mae had wanted to play the sport herself but never had the opportunity. Seeing young women able to pursue the game therefore represented something enormous for her character.

“As a woman, that that’s attainable now is tremendous,” Badland said.

Mae’s Final Pep Talk Was a Meaningful Full-Circle Moment

For Badland, Mae’s speech to the Lady Greyhounds was an important way to complete her character’s journey.

Rather than simply having Mae accompany the team on the bus, the episode allowed her to share her own history and explain what the game had meant to her.

Badland praised Sudeikis for giving Mae that moment, saying he cares about both women’s football and his characters.

The speech also made clear that Mae was more than a spectator. She was actively involved in encouraging the players and passing on her love of the sport.

‘The Best Passing She Could Possibly Have’

Mae’s final day included traveling with the team, joining them in the locker room and watching their dramatic comeback.

Asked whether she believed Mae died happy, Badland said she thought it was the best possible way for her character to spend her final day.

“Not that she would want to go,” she explained, but seeing the women develop and being surrounded by the team made the moment particularly meaningful.

Mae’s Connection With Ted and Rebecca

The episode also showed the immediate emotional impact of Mae’s death on Rebecca and Ted.

Badland said she was moved by the way the show portrayed Ted’s grief, particularly because Mae and Ted had become more closely connected during Season 4. Mae had also formed a relationship with Ted’s son.

She recalled that Sudeikis often described Mae as the matriarch of the Richmond community.

Although Mae was loud and energetic, Badland said there was another side to her: she was also a “lioness.” It took time to earn Mae’s trust and affection, but once someone had it, she would protect them.

That made Mae’s relationships with Ted, Rebecca and the wider Richmond community especially significant.

“She wasn’t simply another person on the journey,” Badland said. “It was very specific.”

Badland Will Miss the Laughter and Camaraderie

Looking back on her four-season run, Badland said she was particularly proud of being part of Ted Lasso because of the response from viewers.

She will miss the laughter and camaraderie on set, but said the messages she has received from fans have shown her how deeply the series can affect people.

She recalled hearing from viewers who watched Ted Lasso with family members undergoing difficult experiences, including cancer treatment.

For Badland, knowing the show could give people a reason to laugh and believe during painful moments was a “huge gift.”

“I will miss it desperately,” she said.

A Secret Souvenir From the Crown & Anchor

The Crown & Anchor has been one of the show’s most recognizable locations, alongside Nelson Road, and Badland spent countless scenes there as Mae.

She revealed that she still has her “w–ker” badge, which she had already possessed for some time. She was also given another item from the set, although she refused to reveal what it was.

The mystery object is connected to a storyline involving Ted’s decision to return to coaching the women’s team. Badland said it appears at the beginning of Season 4 and will also play a role in Episode 10.

“I’m not going to spoil it for you,” she said.

Her Favorite Moments Were With the Women

Badland did not choose one specific favorite scene from her four seasons on Ted Lasso.

Instead, she said she particularly enjoyed Mae’s development during Season 4, when the character was given more substantial stories and interactions.

The locker room scenes were important to her, as were the moments with the women and the bus.

For Mae, Badland said, those scenes represented freedom and sharing — experiences that allowed the character to become even more deeply involved in the team she cared about.

And while she admitted those were probably her favorite moments, she jokingly added that the men at the pub should not be told.

Source: Compiled from various sources