Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 25, 2025 · Entertainment

From Page 3 to Ted Lasso: Keeley Hazell's Escape from a Violent Ex

Hazell opened up to columnist Bryony Gordon about her toxic relationship with a drug dealer that she says 'changed the course of her life'

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Keeley Hazell Spills the Tea on Her Toxic Relationship, Abusive Ex-Boyfriend, and Life-Changing Trauma

In a jaw-dropping interview with The Scholarly Note's podcast, "The Life of Bryony", actress Keeley Hazell opens up about her tumultuous past, including a violent run-in with an England football player that left him bloodied and bruised just weeks before the World Cup. The 38-year-old bombshell shares shocking details about her toxic relationship with a notorious drug dealer, which she claims changed the course of her life.

To hear more about how Hazell lost out on playing herself in Ted Lasso and other stories from her incredible life, search for The Life of Bryony now

Hazell, who has appeared in hits like "Horrible Bosses 2" and "Ted Lasso", recounts growing up on a rough council estate in Lewisham. She was just a teenager when she turned to glamour modelling as an escape route, becoming a Sun Page 3 girl. However, her life took a dark turn with the arrival of her abusive ex-boyfriend.

"I thought I'd left all that behind me," Hazell reveals, "but it's funny how some things can come back to haunt you." She recalls a particularly harrowing night out at Embassy nightclub, where she and the England football team were partying together. After a chaotic encounter with an intoxicated footballer, Hazell took him back to her childhood bedroom in her mum's council house.

"That's when Theo, my ex-boyfriend, showed up," Hazell says, her voice trembling. "He went into the room while JC was still sleeping and... well, let's just say he gave him a good beating." The footballer sprinted out of the house, and the incident made headlines in all major newspapers.

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Hazell's experiences as a Page 3 model rubbing shoulders with Premier League stars inspired Jason Sudeikis to create her character in "Ted Lasso". However, she reveals that she was initially meant to play herself in the show before Hollywood executives opted for an actress with more experience. "I think they thought I was too... unpredictable," Hazell quips.

The actress recounts numerous times when she could have left the abusive relationship but chose to stay. One of these moments was when her ex-boyfriend released a sex tape featuring them without her consent. "It was like someone had hit me with a brick," Hazell recalls, still visibly shaken. "I knew I couldn't go back to him after that."

Hazell's journey from rock bottom is nothing short of inspiring. After leaving glamour modelling behind, she pursued acting in America and landed roles in several successful films and TV shows. "It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders," she says, reflecting on her decision to leave the industry.

Leaving glamour modelling behind in 2009, Hazell has since gone on to appear in Horrible Bosses 2 and Apple's Ted Lasso alongside former partner Jason Sudeikis

In "Everyone's Seen My T*s", Hazell chronicles her experiences from troubled teenager to Page 3 star and beyond. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.

To hear more about Keeley Hazell's incredible journey, listen to this week's episode of "The Life of Bryony" on The Scholarly Note's podcast platform. With her trademark candour and wit, Hazell spills all the tea on her life, including how she almost became a part of the hit show "Ted Lasso". Don't miss it!

LISTEN NOW

Hazell's experiences as a Page 3 model mixing with Premier League footballers inspired Jason Sudeikis to create the character of Keeley in Ted Lasso

Search for "The Life of Bryony" wherever you get your podcasts or click this link to listen directly: [link]

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