Hannah Waddingham says Ted Lasso season four is like a "beloved dog that was buried" and now "exhumed".

The 50-year-old actress will return as AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV+ sports comedy-drama - which follows the story of an American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) hired to manage the fictional UK football team AFC Richmond - two years after most people involved thought the show had ended with the third run.

Hannah told Variety: "It feels like it was the most beautiful, beloved dog that was buried, and now we've exhumed it, and I am here for it.

"I was hankering and hankering and hankering and hankering to see where Rebecca had gone, where she was going to.

"She's my girl. She's in my bloodstream, so I'm thrilled that it's been exhumed."

Hannah's performance as Rebecca in the episode All Apologies earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021.

Now, she's excited to immerse herself in the character for another stint.

She added: "I can't wait to get involved with that and put my penneth in and go shopping for her looks."

Back in March, Kason Sudeikis - who also serves as executive producer of the multi-Emmy winning global phenomenon - confirmed it was coming back for more episodes.

He said in a statement: "As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap', in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it's exactly where they're meant to be."

Although a release date wasn't confirmed, Apple TV+ was "thrilled" Ted Lasso is coming back.

Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+, said: "Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief.

"Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show."