'Ted Lasso' Star Phil Dunster on the Series Finale and Jamie Tartt's Emotional Evolution (Exclusive)

etonline.com:

ended its acclaimed three-season run on Wednesday with Jason Sudeikis' titular coach returning home to Kansas, though it's safe to say that none of the show's beloved characters ended up in the same place they were when the series began.None more so, perhaps, than Jamie Tartt, played by Phil Dunster, whose emotional evolution over the course of the Emmy-winning comedy has made him a fan favorite.

The star striker of AFC Richmond, Jamie was a prototypical diva in season 1, though Ted's kind and gentle coaching style began to break him down.

After a failed stint at Manchester City, Jamie returned to Richmond in season 2 as a changed man, and season 3 saw him become the ultimate team player, forgoing his own glory to lead his fellow Greyhounds to victory time and again.«When we started, all I really knew about him was that he was like, a bit of a diva — conceited, arrogant narcissist,» Dunster said of evolving the character over 's three seasons. «What a cool thing, to have gotten to try loads of different haircuts and different bad clothing choices along the way.»While the finale saw Jamie reconnecting with his abusive father — now in rehab — it's the relationships in and around the Richmond team that really helped shape his massive character change.

Leadership from Ted, tough love from ex-girlfriend Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), and disapproving grunts from rival-turned-reluctant friend Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) all affected the former playboy in important ways, Dunster explained.«The emotional side of him is probably Keeley, the spiritual side of him is probably Ted and the, like, physical and bravado side of him is probable Roy,» he noted. «But I think really, fundamentally for Jamie, I think that his biggest teacher has.