Roy Kent and Keeley Jones are undeniably one of the most beloved couples inTed Lasso. Over the course ofTed Lasso’sthree-season run, the relationship between Roy and Keeley has evolved a great deal. The dynamic between the two characters fromtheTed Lassocastkicked off in season 1, and led to a number of memorable moments for both.
Ultimately though, Roy and Keeley did not wind up together atthe end ofTed Lasso. But while a happy ending wasn’t in store for the couple, that’s not to say that the series didn’t make the most out of the pairing. Their chemistry culminated in several stand-out scenes, many of which provide evidence that perhaps they should have stayed together after all.
10Keeley Cuts Through Roy’s Gruff Exterior
Season 1, Episode 6
Even before Keeley and Roy become romantic, Keeley has a humorous way of breaking down the walls Roy tends to put up. When Keeley becomes involved with AFC Richmond’s Public Relations, Roy tells her to keep him out of it as he’s not one of her “show ponies.” Keeley takes it in stride - literally, walking next to him on a treadmill - and points out, “You wear a number, trot around while people clap, so I wouldn’t be too high and mighty,” which makes even Roy chuckle.
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Keeley’s high emotional intelligence is necessary to see through Roy’s gruff exterior. Someone less brazen than Keeley would never break through to Roy. Now that Keeley is single and involved with AFC Richmond in an advisory capacity, Roy suddenly sees her in a new light, not as someone prattling on while he’s trying to read his book, but as a funny, ambitious woman. This moment shows their compatibility as friends even before Roy and Keeley become anything more.
9Roy Is Protective But Sweet On Their First Date
Season 1, Episode 8
Keeley feels insecure when Roy fails to text her back promptly. To assuage her fears that he might be dating someone else, Roy confesses something deeply personal: he had been doing yoga with older women and later went to a drag bar to cheer one of them up following her divorce. Roy’s instinct to keep people at a distance isn’t as strong as his desire to make Keeley feel secure.
Keeley is so moved by his admission that she kisses him—an intimate moment that a paparazzo catches on camera. Roy swiftly takes the pap’s memory card and gives it to Keeley as a memento of their first date. Only Roy could manage to be both rude and sweet at the same time. Though Keeley acknowledges Roy’s desire to take things slow, their kiss crackles with undeniable chemistry, setting the tone for their fiery yet heartfelt relationship.
8Keeley Helps Roy Find His Worth Outside Football
Season 1, Episode 9
Roy is wallowing in self-pity about the state of his football career, lamenting that football is all he knows and all he is. Keeley, ever resourceful, calls over his six-year-old niece, Phoebe (Elodie Blomfield), and asks her to describe her Uncle Roy. Phoebe says his beard is scratchy, he swears a lot, and she loves him. Keeley gives Roy a sly smile, proving that Roy is more than his status as a player.
Keeley uses humor to puncture Roy’s self-importance, teasing him by saying, “I find men who feel sorry for themselves so sexy.” She intuitively understands that Phoebe’s words will resonate with Roy far more than any argument she could make. Phoebe has always brought out a softer side of Roy, and his willingness to bring Keeley into that part of his life shows just how seriously he’s taking their relationship.
7Keeley Comforts Roy Silently After His Last Match
Season 1, Episode 10
Roy makes a spectacular tackle in the final game, and the crowd goes wild. Keeley alone is laser-focused on Roy, who is not getting up. She is the first to realize he’s injured. Keeley comes to find him alone in the locker room, and he screams at her to go away, but Keeley instinctively knows what he needs, even before than he does.
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Keeley has joked all season about football being just a game, but ultimately she understands how much the sport means to Roy. She is so scared watching him lay on the turf. In the locker room, Keeley persists, and the last shot of the scene is Roy reaching for her hand and melting into her shoulder. No words are needed; her presence alone provides the comfort he can’t ask for.
6Roy Tells Rebecca Not To Settle For “Fine"
Season 2, Episode 1
Keeley coaxes Roy into going on a double date with Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) and her new suitor. After the meal, Rebecca asks for their opinions. Keeley is politely enthusiastic but Roy does not hold back. He tells Rebecca she should not “settle for fine,” but she should wait for someone that makes her feel like she’s been “struck by lightning.”
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Roy is usually reluctant to give advice on other people’s personal lives, so it’s a testament to how much he cares for Keeley he agreed to the double date at all. His passionate speech about finding the right person resonates with Rebecca, who ultimately breaks up with her date. Keeley gazes up at Roy, glowing, because she knows exactly what it feels like to be struck by lightning.
5Keeley Is Turned On By Roy’s Vulnerability
Season 2, Episode 2
Roy catches Keeley masturbating to the teary-eyed speech he gave during the press conference announcing his retirement. This awkward yet revealing moment leads to an honest discussion between them. Keeley shares that she’s turned on by his passion and emotional vulnerability—qualities she hasn’t seen much of since he retired. Eventually, Roy gets out of his own way and embraces the press conference as part of their foreplay, using it as a way to reconnect with Keeley and thank her for appreciating every part of him.
Keeley’s attraction to Roy’s emotional side is both beautiful and an important lesson for him. Roy often needs time to process new concepts, and Keeley’s patience allows him the space to grow. By the end of the episode, Roy slipping on the headphones and going down on Keeley while embracing her admiration is not only a powerful moment for their relationship but also one of the steamiest scenes inTed Lasso.
4Keeley Is Happy To Postpone Sexy Christmas
Season 2, Episode 4
Keeley and Roy plan a Sexy Christmas celebration, but Roy shows up at the last minute with his niece, Phoebe, making Christmas “significantly less sexy.” Keeley, however, is more than happy to pivot to Sexy Boxing Day and spend the holiday with Phoebe and Roy. She even manages to get Phoebe to open up about what’s bothering her—a feat Phoebe’s mother couldn’t accomplish. It turns out Phoebe has gingivitis, and the trio spends Christmas searching for a dentist in a charming homage toLove, Actually.
He’s willing to embrace the idea of Sexy Christmas for her, while Keeley is equally willing to postpone it to spend time with his beloved niece. Keeley’s connection to Phoebe is special, showcasing how seamlessly she fits into Roy’s life. Their shared commitment to making plans together is what makes their relationship so strong.
3Roy Learns To Respect Keeley’s Space
Season 2, Episode 7
Roy and Keeley are essentially living and working together, and the lack of personal space begins to take its toll. Keeley confides in Rebecca that nothing is technically wrong, but Roy is always around, describing him as a “hairy shadow.” The tension boils over when Keeley snaps at Roy for constantly talking duringSex and the City, telling him she sometimes just needs space. Hurt, Roy lashes out, comparing himself to a “needy, clingy fridge magnet.”
Keeley and Roy undeniably belong together, but sharing a life isn’t always easy. While Keeley’s frustration comes out poorly, Roy eventually realizes they’re teammates, and part of that means respecting her need for independence. In true Roy fashion, he apologizes not with words but through thoughtful action. He draws Keeley a bath strewn with rose petals and promises she won’t “see or hear” him for at least three hours—a gesture that perfectly balances his gruff exterior with his deep love for her. He even makesan apology playlist for Keeley inTed Lassothat was released on Apple Music.
2Roy Checks In On Keeley After The Leak
Season 3, Episode 8
Keeley and Roy are no longer together when Keeley is one of the victims of a hack. A private video of Keeley masturbating is leaked, part ofan overall awful ending for Keeley inTed Lassothat season 4 can fix. Roys runs into Keeley in the Richmond parking lot and checks in on her, asking how she is doing. He then hesitatingly asks who she made that video for. From the look on Keeley’s face, he knows immediately that question was out of line and apologizes.
Even after their breakup, Roy treats Keeley with respect and genuine care. His concern is evident as he checks on her, looking like he wants to reach out but doesn’t know if he should. His question about the video’s recipient reveals lingering jealousy, showing that he still has unresolved feelings. Although Roy missteps, his quick apology highlights his effort to navigate their new dynamic, even when it’s difficult for him.
1Roy Can Admit The Breakup Was His Fault
Season 3, Episode 10
Roy intends to drop off an apology note he wrote Keeley, but she surprises him and makes him read it aloud, as she still can’t read his handwriting. Roy takes full responsibility for their breakup, pulling away because he was “stuck in [his] own shit” but reminds her that she is and always will be “Keeley Fucking Jones,” ending the note with a heartfelt declaration that he loves her.
Roy’s letter is the perfect apology, as it not only takes ownership of his mistakes but also praises Keeley’s greatness when she needs it most. Likely because he doesn’t expect to get back together—and didn’t even expect Keeley to be home—she invites him to stay. Later, Rebecca sees him wearing Keeley’s robe, implying their relationship is not fully over. Roy’s growth, combined with Keeley’s hard-won experiences, sets them on a path that leads them back to each other.
Ted Lasso
Cast
Ted Lasso is an American football coach who moves to England, hired to manage a struggling soccer team, despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, Ted will have to convince them that he’s fit for the job.
