Phil Dunster says that one of the greatest things about his series Ted Lasso is its depiction of protagonists that are striving to be better versions of themselves. “It’s a show where characters are given the opportunity to be kind,” he explains. “And whilst they don’t choose it every time, I think it’s an oddly novel thing to see on screen.” In the Apple TV hit, the British actor takes on the role of Jamie — a top player for the fictional AFC Richmond — whose laddiest of lads demeanour and hilarious one-liners won him a legion of fans across the globe. We caught up with Phil to chat about the joys of playing the Tartt, his love for football (he’s a Wimbledon supporter for life) and a top moment from his recent visit to The White House.

Shirt **Johnlawrencesullivan**, pants & shoes **Dunhill**

Ted Lasso has been such a global phenomenon over the past three years. Why, in your view, the series has resonated so greatly with the audiences?

People just love a good tash, I guess? One of the things I reckon it’s down to is people seeing a leader who leads by empowering rather than restricting those around him. Also, it’s a show where characters are given the opportunity to be kind, and whilst they don’t choose it every time, I think it’s an oddly novel thing to see on screen - people striving to be kinder versions of themselves.

Left Full look **Miu Miu**
Left Vest **Ami Paris**

Your character, Jamie, is going through a really big journey on the show - as an actor, what have been the biggest joys of portraying his arc?

Definitely the moments where, before, Jamie would have acted out of fear, greed or shame I got to play with the moments where the (BRILLIANT) writers showed him acting from a place of accountability, kindness or support. But the fun thing is that he doesn't always choose the ‘nicest’ path. He would still revert back to his old ways at times and that made him feel like a real boy.

Left Top & jacket **Wooyoungmi**, pants **Johnlawrencesullivan,** boots **Andersson Bell**
Right jacket **Ferragamo**

And what have been the biggest challenges with playing him?

I think the fact that he’s really cool, and I’m not being TOTALLY self-effacing here. He’s from a completely different world from me and grew up with totally different pressures. I wanted to do his personal history justice and not paint with broad brush strokes, and to be honest, it was only really until season 3 that I found I could trust my instincts with him more and more. It took a while for that to become more ingrained in how I play him. But yeah, he dresses in cool clothes and drives cool cars.

You said recently that being on the show has strengthened your already big love for football - what about this sport speaks to you? Which team are you supporting?

AFC Wimbledon. I support them because they’re “By faaar the greatest team the world has ever seen.” I mean the football they play is pretty shoddy at the minute but I just love the club… The long-form stories in football is what makes it so exciting and lovable. The underdogs, the rivals, the Davids vs. Goliaths… It’s also the variables that mean that we tune in week after week. The fact that football is totally unpredictable is what makes it so enjoyable.

You also said that you have to thank the show editors a lot for making you seem like a good player. That said, is there a football skill that you’re able to do that you’re pretty proud of?

I learned how to flip-flap which is a great move made famous by Ronaldinho (Marcus Rashford likes to use it these days too).

Left Vest **Ami Paris**, pants **Johnlawrencesullivan**, boots **Andersson Bell**
Right **Full Kenzo**, necklace **Sweetlimejuice**

It’s hard not to notice that you and Brett Goldstein have a great bond both as your characters and off-camera. What do you love about Brett - why is he a great person to work with and a great pal?

He’s great to work with because he always acting in service of the scene. He’ll never try and ‘win the scene’ like some actors can do. He’s very giving. Both as a fellow actor and a lover.

Left Jacket **Ferragamo**
Right Top & jacket **Wooyoungmi**, pants **Johnlawrencesullivan,** boots **Andersson Bell**

I saw that you recently visited The White House with the cast. What are some of the moments from that day that you will remember forever?

My favourite moment was probably when we were saying goodbye to the President and Kola Bokinni said, “Yeah, yeah - cheers,” and the look of realization that washed over his face. He turned to me and said “Bruv… I just said cheers to the president.” Looool!

Left Top & jacket **Wooyoungmi**, pants **Johnlawrencesullivan,** boots **Andersson Bell**
Right Full look **Louis Vuitton**

Did you pick up any souvenirs from your visit?

They very kindly gave us all “Biscuits with the Boss” stamped with the Presidential seal… That was pretty cool.

Who was someone that you were most excited to learn that they were a fan of the show?

I’m a big old fan of Paul Walter Hauser and I saw him at a shindig not long ago and he said, “I hear we’re fans of one another’s work.” I squealed.

Having this great experience with Ted Lasso, what are some roles that you would love to do next?

I think as an actor you want to have variety at the end of the day and so it’s really any project with a great script, great director, great cast etc… I’m working on the next series of Surface on Apple TV which I’m very excited about. The part is very different from Jamie which will be a lovely challenge… That being said, I’ll always have such a huge place in my heart for the Tartt.

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Bruno McGuffie

Fashion by Steven Huang

Grooming by Brady Lea using Dr. Barbara Sturm for skin and Hair by Sam McKnight

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Set by Thomas Phillips - Everything Now Design

Photographer’s assistant Bella Kemp

Stylist’s assistant Damini Rehal