Hannah Waddingham, the force behind the fearless Rebecca Welton in the hit TV series ‘Ted Lasso,’ has proven she’s more than just a savvy football club owner.
The surprising revelation? She’s a fantastic singer, a facet of her talent that unfolded unexpectedly on the show, leaving fans in awe of her versatile abilities.
As we eagerly await her upcoming Christmas special, ‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas,’ set to premiere on Apple TV+ on November 22, let’s delve into the delightful backstory of how this unexpected musical journey unfolded.
When Waddingham first joined the ‘Ted Lasso’ cast, her character, Rebecca, was known for managing AFC Richmond, being Keeley’s loyal best friend, and, of course, for her unbridled enthusiasm for Ted’s iconic biscuits.
Little did viewers know that Waddingham, with a background in musical theater, harbored a singing talent that would soon take center stage.
In a surprising turn of events, lead actor and co-creator of ‘Ted Lasso,’ Jason Sudeikis, was adamant about incorporating Waddingham’s singing abilities into the show.
As Waddingham recalls, “When I rocked up, he was just like, ‘Guys, we’ve got this person that’s got all this wealth of experience, we’re having her singing!'” Despite Rebecca being a football club owner, Sudeikis was resolute – singing was non-negotiable.
“We are not having this conversation; you’re just singing,” he declared, leaving Waddingham pleasantly taken aback.
The Ted Lasso cast reuniting with Hannah Waddingham for her Christmas special is everything🌟❤️ pic.twitter.com/7P6mS3Iad3
— Rachel (@weltonandwadds) November 13, 2023However, the revelation didn’t stop with Waddingham’s unexpected vocal performances. It turns out her co-stars, including Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, and Brett Goldstein, are self-proclaimed “musical theater nerds” with an insatiable love for Broadway tunes.
Their musical enthusiasm often led to impromptu song choices that occasionally left Waddingham bewildered.
She humorously recalls moments where they would suggest songs, and she would respond with, “Guys, I don’t know the words to that,” eliciting horrified looks from her co-stars who couldn’t fathom anyone not knowing their beloved musical numbers.
Fast forward to Waddingham’s holiday extravaganza, ‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.’ The show promises not only to showcase her singing talents but to deliver a festive experience like no other. Special guests, including Leslie Odom Jr., Luke Evans, and Sam Ryder, are set to join the merry celebration.
What’s even more heartwarming is the overwhelming support from Waddingham’s ‘Ted Lasso’ co-stars when she invited them to be part of her Christmas special.
Their enthusiasm was palpable, with eager questions like, “What are you gonna ask me to dance? Are you gonna ask me to sing?” echoing through the air. This camaraderie and genuine excitement highlight the tight-knit bond that has been forged both on and off the ‘Ted Lasso’ set.
A standout moment to watch for in the Christmas special is the quirky addition of Nick Mohammed, who plays Nate on ‘Ted Lasso.’ Apparently, he’s set to make a memorable entrance by hanging from the ceiling, adding a delightful touch of humor to the musical spectacle.
Waddingham shared the playful idea with Mohammed, explaining, “Well, we’ve got this idea that you would be trying to distract everyone so much that eventually we put a hook on your back and have you flying out into the fly floor.”
Mohammed’s response? An enthusiastic yes, with the added suggestion that he should stay suspended for the entire performance, legs dangling—an embodiment of the cast’s commitment to making the special truly unforgettable.
As the anticipation builds for ‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas,’ the unexpected journey from ‘Ted Lasso’ to a festive musical extravaganza showcases not only Waddingham’s talents but the genuine camaraderie and support among the cast.
This Christmas, get ready to be enchanted by the harmonious blend of holiday melodies and the infectious spirit of the ‘Ted Lasso’ family, led by the remarkable Hannah Waddingham. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss, filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, a touch of musical magic.
So, mark your calendars, warm up your vocal cords, and join Hannah Waddingham for a heartwarming celebration of the season on November 22. As Rebecca Welton would say, “Believe!”
ncG1vNJzZmiolZq9tMPIs2Wcp51kwbd7x5qlp5mYYsSisMOipaCgkaJ6p77OpmStnZRiuaK%2F0qhkraddlnqusdGrsGallaG8pcWMoqVmoJ%2Bism6yzqtknKCinsC1ucCsZg%3D%3D