For FILMSTARTS editor Björn Becher, the fact that gay footballers still have to hide is a topic that “Ted Lasso” absolutely had to tell. He is all the happier that it is happening now.
Warning: Minor SPOILERS to the current third episode of “Ted Lasso” follow!
When I was invited to interview some of the people involved in the current third season of “Ted Lasso” before it aired, one question was thick on my mind. I wanted to talk to the makers and the stars about why the topic of “homosexuality in football” has been left out so far, when this series is the ideal place to show what is hushed up in modern men’s football: That there are, of course, rows and rows of footballers who are gay but hide it for fear of hostility.
It was not until 2021 that the Australian midfielder Josh Cavallo came out for the first time as an active professional. When Czech international Jakub Jankto went public in February 2023 at the age of 27, he also made it clear how much living in secret had burdened him: “I don’t want to hide any longer!” said Janko thus, making it clear that he finally wanted to live a life in freedom.
But then, a few hours before the scheduled interview date, I was sent the third episode of season three to preview – and it begins with a look into the private life of Colin Hughes (Billy Harris), who lives with his partner. But at the team night at the end of the episode, he passes that off as a mate, even as his wingman in female conquests. A little later, ex-journalist and now AFC Richmond watcher Trent Crimm (James Lance) sees them both kissing – the cliffhanger with which the episode ends.
THE 3RD SEASON “TED LASSO”: A GAY FOOTBALLER’S GAME OF HIDE-AND-SEEK AS A CORE THEME
It’s clear that Colin’s hidden sexuality is going to be a big theme this season. I don’t know how it will be implemented. I don’t know how his teammates will react if he comes out himself or maybe is outed against his will. I have no idea if the competition like Nate (Nick Mohammed) will use it for vile attacks or fans of AFC Richmond will make Colin a scapegoat when already inevitably the current surprise winning streak will eventually end. I’ve also only previewed the three episodes so far.
But of course I threw my actually planned question in the bin during the interviews and talked to the people in charge quite spoiler-free about why it is so important that “Ted Lasso” finally tackles this topic in the second season after the “Mental Health” topic, which is also taboo in modern football.
As Coach Beard actor and co-creator of the series Brendan Hunt revealed to me, it had been known for a long time that Colin was gay. There were already some hints and originally it was supposed to be revealed in the second season: “But we decided to wait another year. Because that shows even better how long Colin has had to hide who he really is.” In my opinion, this is also a good decision, because such a storyline would possibly have only lived in the shadows next to Ted’s struggle with his health in the second season.
