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Did Jason Sudeikis' Romance With Keeley Hazell Inspire 'Ted Lasso' Character?

Home / Entertainment / Did Jason Sudeikis' Romance With Keeley Hazell Inspire 'Ted Lasso' Character?

By Favour Adegoke on August 22, 2021 at 10:15 AM PDT

Jason Sudeikis is one of the many actors that graces the big screens, with one intention only— to dazzle his fans and viewers through his mind-blowing acting skills. From "We Are The Millers" to "Ted Lasso," "Colossal," and many more blockbuster movies, this actor never relents in his mission to keep viewers glued to their screens.

However, while Sudeikis keeps us entertained and filled with laughter always, it is said that he is not immune to challenges in the real world, especially when it comes to his personal life. At the end of 2020, the 45-year-old separated from his partner nine years, Olivia Wilde. The pair first met in 2011 and got engaged in 2013. They also share two kids, a boy named Otis, and a daughter named Daisy.

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After their split, the actor reportedly started dating English model, Keeley Hazell, although it was reported that this romance went on for a brief period. Is Hazell the inspiration for a certain cast member from "Ted Lasso"? Keep reading below for more information.

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New Partners New Lives

Sudeikis and Wilde's relationship took a drastic turn that fans were in no way expecting, but they went along with it if it meant the pair were happy in their different lives. However, more eyebrows were raised when the ex-lovers immediately moved on to new partners.

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Olivia Wilde is all smiles as she steps out for a cup of coffee during the corona virus shut down in Los Angeles
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Olivia Wilde is all smiles as she steps out for a cup of coffee during the corona virus shut down in Los Angeles
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After the split, there were speculations surrounding their breakup on social media, but over time, none of these stuck. Wilde started dating musician, Harry Styles, while Sudeikis was briefly involved with Hazell.

Yahoo Entertainment reported that the pair became acquainted while the actor was still in a relationship with Wilde. The duo paired for a role on "Horrible Bosses 2." However, rumors of their involvement started flying around early this year, when photos of them together went viral in February.

In 2013, Sudeikis was featured in a series of commercials aimed at promoting the Premier League games for NBC Sports. In the adverts, he played the character, Ted Lasso. He revealed to GQ that sometime in 2014 or 2015, while they were having a dinner date, the actor noted that his former fiancé encouraged him to make a television series based on Ted Lasso.

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About 'Ted Lasso'

"Ted Lasso" is an American comedy series that was released on August 14, 2021. The series was developed by Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Bill Lawrence, and Joe Kelly. The series, which is currently streaming is based on NBC Sports format and characters.

Aside from Sudeikis, other prominent actors starring in the series include; Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple, Sarah Niles, and Brendan Hunt.

The series centers on a professional college coach, Ted Lasso, who was given a chance to coach an amateur English Premier League called AFC Richmond. Despite having a zero chance at the coming games, the coach decided to train the group of players to become the dream team.

On social media, fans compared the series plot to real life Terry Smith, who took over the coaching status of the Chester City F.C. in 1999, in order to groom and shape them into one of the best clubs in the world.

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Who Inspired Keeley Jones' Character?

Wilde initially gave Sudeikis the idea to form a television series out of the character he played in commercials, however, at the same time, the actor needed to come up with another eye-catching character that would resonate with fans.

The "Downsizing" actor told Entertainment Tonight recently that the character, Keeley Jones, played by Juno Temple, was inspired by his lover, Keeley Hazell. It's uncertain if the actor decided to name the character in the series after her for her help, but she played a crucial role in bringing the act to life.

Over time, fans misunderstood Sudeikis' relationship with Temple on the series, mistaking her for Hazell, however, the pair only have similar names. Although Hazell was featured in the first season of the series as Bex, her role was later written off.

To clear any misunderstandings, Sudeikis has never been romantically involved with the character Keeley Jones on "Ted Lasso."

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Are Jason Sudeikis & Keeley Hazell Still Dating?

On June 28, 2021, People reported that the actor and 34-year-old exchanged a warm embrace during an outing in New York City. A source also confirmed to the publication that the pair have been dating for a while.

Meanwhile, a new report from E! News in late July 2021 revealed that the former co-stars are no longer in a relationship. The report went on to state that although the pair were in a relationship, it was nothing serious.

Jason Sudeikis at apos Kimmel apos
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Jason Sudeikis at apos Kimmel apos
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Recently, Sudeikis went to London to film the second season of his series, and sources alleged that he was accompanied by Hazell. Apparently, the duo enjoys spending time with one another, as they know how to make one another laugh.

Another source noted that the model tried to be there for the actor when he was going through a rough patch, and only wants to support him from here on out.

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