'Ted Lasso' Star Annette Badland Says Mae Was 'Very, Very Happy' Before Shocking 'Season 4' Death

Annette Badland has opened up about Mae Green's emotional final storyline in 'Ted Lasso'. She revealed that the beloved pub owner was having one of the happiest days of her life shortly before her unexpected death.

Badland, who has played Mae since the Apple TV comedy's first season, discussed the character's dramatic exit following the Season 4, Episode 9 storyline, in which Mae joins the Lady Greyhounds for an away match in Bristol. While the episode ends with the devastating news of Mae's death, Badland believes her character's final day was a fitting conclusion to her journey.

Annette Badland Reflects on Mae's Final Day

Mae's final appearance sees her travel with the women's Richmond team on their bus before joining them at the stadium. The day becomes particularly meaningful when Mae reveals that she had wanted to play football herself when she was younger, but women did not have the same opportunities during her childhood.

She later delivers an emotional speech to the players, encouraging them to recognise their own talent and embrace the opportunity that she never had. For Badland, giving Mae that experience before her death made the storyline particularly poignant.

'She was having one of the best days ever, you know? Things being fulfilled, and the female football as well as, you know, her immediate engagement with them,' she said. 'But that is happening and couldn't happen for her, and how difficult it is for women, and her as an older woman, still being accepted and involved.'

Badland added, 'Her last day was probably her best. She was certainly very, very happy.'

Mae's enthusiasm continues during the match. Rather than remaining in a more formal box, she chooses to join the supporters in the stands, where she can celebrate alongside other fans.

Badland said that choice was completely consistent with Mae's personality. The character would rather be among people enjoying themselves than sitting with what she jokingly described as the 'stuffed shirts'.

Mae's Death Comes After a Celebratory Match

The Lady Greyhounds eventually complete an impressive comeback, winning 4-2 after initially falling behind. Mae celebrates the team's success from the stands, but she subsequently collapses.

Viewers do not see Mae's death directly. Instead, Rebecca Welton receives the news and later tells Ted, creating an emotional sequence that allows the characters to react to Mae's absence rather than turning the moment into a medical drama.

Badland said she thought that approach was particularly effective because it allowed Mae to remain in the happy and fulfilled moment created by the match. 'I think it's more realistic,' she explained, adding that it was 'more elegant' to leave Mae in that happy place.

The actress also admitted that she has not yet watched the episode herself. Because the storyline is still so fresh, Badland said she may wait before watching her own final scenes.

Jason Sudeikis Told Badland About Mae's Fate

Badland revealed that 'Ted Lasso' creator and star Jason Sudeikis personally told her that Mae would die. She said the news came relatively close to receiving the script and described it as a shock, although she also regarded the storyline as a privilege.

Sudeikis later adapted elements of the Season 4 finale following their conversation, although Badland has kept the details secret. The actress has also teased that Mae's influence will continue to be felt in the final episode, even though the character is no longer physically present.

Mae's Legacy on 'Ted Lasso'

Mae has become one of the most recognisable supporting characters in 'Ted Lasso', serving as a maternal figure around the Crown & Anchor while developing close relationships with Ted, Rebecca and members of AFC Richmond. Badland said she was particularly pleased that Mae's relationship with the women's team became such an important part of her final season. The storyline allowed the character to connect her own experiences with a new generation of female footballers.

With Mae's final day ending in celebration, friendship and a sense of fulfilment, Badland believes the character received an ending that reflected who she was. 'Ted Lasso' Season 4's finale is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on 7 October 2026.