Who is Jamie Tartt in Ted Lasso?

Show

Ted Lasso

Played by

Phil Dunster

First episode

“Pilot”Season 1, Episode 1, aired August 14, 2020

Role

Main cast

Network

Apple TV+

Occupation

Striker, AFC Richmond

Show run

2020 to present

Also known as

Tartt

Jamie Tartt arrives in Ted Lasso as the arrogant star of a struggling team, the kind of player who would rather shoot from anywhere than pass. Played by Phil Dunster, he becomes one of the show's most rewarding transformations, from locker-room bully to generous teammate.

On Ted Lasso, Jamie Tartt's story runs through Keeley Jones (Ex-girlfriend), Roy Kent (Rival turned Friend), Ted Lasso (Coach), Rebecca Welton (Club Owner), and Coach Beard.

Who is Jamie Tartt?

Jamie is Richmond's most talented forward when Ted takes over, a young striker on loan from Manchester City. He is also the team's biggest problem: vain, selfish on the ball, and openly dismissive of teammates like Sam and of veteran captain Roy Kent. At the start of the series he is dating Keeley Jones.

Ted sees that Jamie's attitude is hurting the team and benches him to make the point that no one player is bigger than the team. Over time the show reveals where Jamie's swagger comes from: a harsh, bullying father who has never been satisfied with anything his son does.

Personality and comedy

Early Jamie is a walking ego, hogging the ball, preening for cameras, and treating every match as his personal highlight reel. Phil Dunster plays that vanity for big laughs, but he also lets the cracks show, and the show slowly turns Jamie into one of its most sympathetic characters.

Later seasons find a lot of comedy in Jamie's new sincerity. His odd-couple partnership with Roy, the player he once feuded with, becomes a highlight of season three, especially when the two spend a day in Amsterdam and Jamie teaches Roy to ride a bike.

Key storylines

Manchester City recalls Jamie midway through season one, and he returns to face Richmond in the season finale, where his pass sets up the goal that relegates his old club. After a stint on a reality dating show called Lust Conquers All, City drops him, and he asks Ted for a second chance. Ted lets him rejoin Richmond in season two.

The turning point comes when Jamie's father berates him in front of the team after a heavy loss, and Jamie finally stands up to him, then breaks down in Roy's arms. From there Jamie becomes a true team player, handing a penalty he earned to Dani in the promotion decider, telling Keeley he loves her, and in season three forgiving his father for his own sake. By season four he has moved on to FC Barcelona and turns up as a guest, promoting his own brand of vodka.

Behind the scenes

Phil Dunster plays Jamie. He was a series regular for the first three seasons and appears as a guest in season four.

Dunster received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2023 for season three, and critics have praised his performance as one of the standouts of the cast.

Jamie Tartt: frequently asked questions

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