After four seasons and 30 episodes, Ted Lasso is saying goodbye to the beloved Mae Green, a wonderfully feisty, warm, and wise pub owner, friend, and football fan. In the wake of her unexpected departure, however, Annette Badland vowed to keep Mae’s contagious spirit alive in her.

“I must listen to Mae, because I’m not like Mae. That was a gift, to be able to indulge in that, to explore it, to live it while we were working. So to shape up and do as she would do, rather than being a little afraid person in the corner of the room,” Badland told DECIDER over Zoom ahead of Season 4, Episode 9.

“Mae Rides the Bus” gave Mae a chance to live out her long-lost dream of becoming a footballer by going on the road with AFC Richmond’s women’s team, giving an inspirational pregame locker room speech, and enthusiastically celebrating in the stands. But after the Lady Greyhounds won big, the episode ended in tragedy.

To pack an even more painful punch (and confirm viewers’ worst fears), after Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) broke the terrible news to Ted (Jason Sudeikis), the show cut to a touching tribute card honoring the late Anthony Head, who played Rupert Manion.

While we’ve been assured “there are some really beautiful scenes in Episode 10 that honor [Mae],” we wanted to hear about the fan-favorite character’s life and death straight from Badland. So read on to learn how she learned about the show-altering storyline, her favorite Mae memories, her creative plan to return to the show, and more.

DECIDER: Annette, you and Mae have become such crucial fixtures in Ted Lasso‘s world. I was genuinely devastated at the end of Episode 9. I’m still not over it. Who do we talk to about this?!

ANNETTE BADLAND: Everyone! [Laughs]

How did you discover where Mae’s story was headed this season? Did Jason have that conversation with you? And what was your initial reaction to learning her fate?

Yes, Jason told me himself. He came to my dressing room. The kids were in the foyer, and I came through, and Chip [Hamilton, Jason’s assistant/Ted Lasso‘s coordinating producer] said, “Oh, Jason wants to see you.” And I said, “Oh, I’ll go to his trailer.” And he said, “No, no, he’ll come to your room,” which I thought was a bit odd. And I joked with the kids and said, “Oh, Jason wants to come to my room! You might not see me again!” [Laughs] And then Jason came and spoke to me and told me the storyline. So, I began to think, “Oh, this is great!” Because he told it episodically, as the events and scenes happened. And then it came to, “And she passes.” And you kind of go, “Oh.” But we talked afterwards and discussed it, and I gave him a couple of ideas which have changed Episode 10, which I can’t talk about. But you never know. There is a film called It’s a Wonderful Life, where an angel keeps popping back.

Yes! And we know Jason loves It’s a Wonderful Life. So that’s a great idea.

Maybe Mae can pop back up as a sort of conscience. 

I’m all for it. What was that last day on set was like for you? Was this a particularly emotional goodbye? I know fans are going to be devastated, and I just hung up with Tanya Reynolds and Abbie Hern, who said they didn’t believe it when they heard. They thought it was a joke.

Yes. It was tricky. There were a couple of times I was called, and things were happening about my death that I would have preferred not to have encountered. Again, I can’t reveal too much, but it was very strange to have the people at the studio responding to me once they found out that I wasn’t going to be around again. 

I was especially disheartened by this loss, not only because you’ve been with Ted Lasso since the start and are such an important part of the series, but because I loved seeing Mae’s elevated presence and passion for the women’s team in Season 4. What did those scenes in Episode 9, on the bus with the team and delivering the pregame locker room speech, mean to you? 

They were tremendous, because I support women’s football, and I’m thrilled that the guys do. And Mae came from a time when she couldn’t play, and that happened to a lot of women. And the girls are just fabulous. They’re effervescent and alive, so they’re great to play with. And it all just became a very supportive, lively experience. It was very immediate, so I relished it. 

After Rebecca shares the devastating news with Ted, Episode 9 ends with a tribute card to the great Anthony Head. I’m so sorry for that loss. I remember he had a big Season 1 episode in the pub with Ted and Rebecca. What are your memories of him on set?

Oh, he’s funny, bright, inclusive, generous. The humor. The wry humor. And a very beautiful man. I didn’t know he was ill, so I had wondered why he wasn’t in the series. I was very sad when I heard he died. So I’m very proud to be in his episode.

What have you loved most about bringing Mae to life these past four seasons? 

Ooh, being able to be very rude on television. [Laughs] Yeah, given license. I think that she doesn’t give in. I respect Mae enormously. I think she’s probably been there, done it, had a difficult time, got through. She sees a bit like Ted; she does see what people are, really. That scene with Juno, she understands human beings and what’s going on inside them. It was so great to bring that out to an older woman who’s still in their feisty [stage], and still alive, still relishing the world. 

You played her feisty personality and comedy so brilliantly. Fans loved her All the President’s Men scenes with Higgins in Episode 8. We’ll think about that Kool-Aid man line for the rest of our lives.

[Laughs] When we started filming it, that wasn’t in it. And the guys came up with that in the middle and said, “I don’t know if it can go in or not!”

When Mae told Higgins to follow the anger, do you think she knew that Zelda was the one behind the shares?

Yes.

I know Mae said she would never sell her shares. Now that she’s gone, what could that mean for Zelda’s plan and how Rebecca keeps a majority in the finale?

Oh, well… [Laughs] She had a large pile of shares, as well. She had a significant amount. No spoilers about what happens in Episode 10, I’m afraid.

Another big question in Mae’s absence will be what will happen to the iconic Crown & Anchor pub. I can’t even imagine Baz, Jeremy, and Paul learning the news, or even Henry, because you had so many incredible scenes with Grant Feely, who told me he adored you when we chatted. Do you have any hopes for the pub or maybe a successor that you can share?

I loved Grant, by the way. It’s a mutual admiration society. He’s terrific. What can I tell you? The unexpected happens. How about that? 

What do you hope people take away from the character? What legacy do you hope Mae leaves behind? 

Stay feisty. Stay engaged. Don’t sit in a back room. Get out there and live. 

I love that. Ted Lasso has had such a profound impact on viewers. As someone with such an impressive career — more than 200 credits on IMDb — how has this role changed you? Any big takeaways you’re walking away with?

I must listen to Mae, because I’m not like Mae. That was another gift, to be able to indulge in that, to explore it, to live it while we were working. So to shape up and do as she would do, I think, rather than being a little afraid person in the corner of the room. That would be the main thing. 

I’m curious if —

Ted would be pleased if you’re curious, by the way.

Aw, yes! But not judgemental. And you were front and center for that inspiring darts scene.

Yes, the dartboard scene! Just tremendous. 

Were you able to take anything of Mae’s from set? Anything from the Crown & Anchor or her fun wardrobe?

I was given something. Again, I can’t reveal what it is, but it’s very Mae. And I didn’t steal it; they presented it to me. So I’m thrilled, and it’s in my cupboard under the stairs, so when you open the door, you see it. 

If you can’t reveal what it is, I feel like it must be in the finale. So I’ll keep an eye out.

Yeah. You could run a competition!

Before we wrap, are there any final words you want to share about your experience on the show or with fans?

I love dancing with the lads. Just the camera, myself, and the boys. We have a little WhatsApp group, and we send messages. We’ve stayed friends. We’re planning on eating together again soon. 

And I’m just thrilled to be involved. Jason said to me, “I cast you because you look into people’s eyes,” but I think that says more about him than me. He’s got a whole cast of people who are genuine, and look into your eyes, and speak, and mean it. And that’s quite rare.

From the moment we first met Mae in Season 1, and she told Ted that he didn’t want people calling him “a wanker” to now, she’s become such a beloved character. It’s been such a pleasure, but I don’t want to say “goodbye” because we’re making It’s Mae Wonderful Life happen. So I’ll see you next season?

[Laughs]

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

Ted Lasso Season 4’s finale premieres Wednesday, October 7 on Apple TV.