A Relationship Timeline of Roy & Keeley’s ‘Ted Lasso’ Love Story (So Far)
Ted Lasso‘s return has reignited our love for former footballer Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and communications queen Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), and despite an uncertain status after Season 3, RoyKeeley stocks are rising as Season 4 unfolds.
While we keep our fingers crossed for a potentially romantic reunion for these friendly exes, we’re taking a fond look back at their relationship timeline, exploring the highs and lows of their love story over the years. We’re kicking things off in Season 1 and charting their relationship through Season 4’s ongoing run. Below, relive their epic romance, including their first kiss, breakup, and more.
Do you want Roy and Keeley to get back together? Let us know what you’d like to see for the pair next in the comments section below.
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The first spark (Season 1, Episode 5)
When it comes to the start of Roy and Keeley’s romance, their beginning is a bit bumpy when she bids on him during a charity auction as a means of making her then-boyfriend, Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), jealous. Eventually, Keeley apologizes and tries to help get him sponsorship deals, but is initially turned off by his commentary and judging her for dating Jamie to begin with. Ultimately, the pair finds some common ground, though, and sparks begin to build during Episode 5’s parking lot encounter that juxtaposes with Ted’s (Jason Sudeikis) emotional farewell to estranged wife Michelle (Andrea Anders).
First kiss (Season 1, Episode 7)
When A.F.C. Richmond spends a night out during an away game, Roy walks Keeley back to the hotel and up to her door. As she turns to explain that she’s staying in a room with Rebecca, Keeley finds herself pressed against the door with Roy leaning in to give her one heck of a first kiss. And while the kiss itself is an ultimate high in their relationship timeline, Roy’s quick turnaway from her leaves Keeley questioning where they stand.
First date (Season 1, Episode 8)
Roy and Keeley sort things out after their first kiss and embark on their first date, which includes an unexpected paparazzi encounter. When Roy spots the photographer, he manages to get the card containing the snapshots, handing it over to Keeley, declaring them “photos of our first date” before telling her he’s going to cook her something at home.
Keeley comforts Roy (Season 1, Episode 10)
When Roy faces the fact that he’ll need to step away from the pitch as a footballer, he returns to the locker room alone to find Keeley there ready to comfort him. It’s a more emotional moment for the couple who lean on one another in times of need. Despite the newness of their romance, it’s proof that they’re committed.
Keeley's attraction to Roy's vulnerabilities (Season 2, Episode 2)
In Season 2, Roy struggles with the absence of football in his life, opting to coach his niece’s team and becoming a little reclusive. Meanwhile, Keeley encourages Roy to explore connecting with football through other channels, such as a TV commentator gig. When he catches her having a private moment, he’s shocked to discover it’s his emotional retirement press conference that gets her engine revving. Ultimately, he’s convinced into taking the new job and embraces showing his vulnerabilities in front of her. It’s a win-win all around.
Sexy Christmas (Season 2, Episode 4)
It’s sexy Christmas — need we say more? Initially planning to spend the holiday together solo, Roy is forced to bring his niece Phoebe (Elodie Blomfield) along for the festivities, making it arguably less sexy but also 10 times sweeter. While Phoebe is acting out of sorts, Roy and Keeley determine they’re going to help the young girl, who, it turns out, is battling stinky breath. What follows is an odyssey to find a medical professional who can help, proving to the audience that Roy and Keeley make quite a team when helping a child in need.
Working together (Season 2, Episode 7)
While Keeley attempts to get her own PR business off the ground, Roy being in her personal space begins to drive her a little mad, and he takes the feedback seriously. Eventually, putting together some alone time for Keeley, Roy makes sure she knows that he hears her and is taking steps to make sure that’s recognized in his actions. In other words, swoonworthy behavior.
Vanity Fair shoot (Season 2, Episode 11)
During Keeley’s Vanity Fair feature photo shoot, she reveals to Roy that Jamie told her that he still loves her. The metaphorical bomb drop leaves them both looking ill and devoid of any happiness, and makes our own stomachs sick. While she wants to be forthcoming, the timing is all wrong, and the tone is incredibly awkward, making this one of the pair’s lowest moments.
First Fracture (Season 2, Episode 12)
Despite the Jamie bomb drop, Keeley and Roy seem back on by the Season 2 finale, with him pitching a grand vacation away together, but her desire to kickstart her business leaves her conflicted. They decide to spend time apart. While it isn’t a breakup, it’s certainly the first real fracture in their romance.
Roy and Keeley's breakup (Season 3, Episode 1)
Sadly, Season 3’s premiere brought with it the devastating revelation that Roy and Keeley had broken up. Making matters worse? They reveal the breakup during a conversation with Roy’s niece, Phoebe, who is understandably saddened and confused by the news, just like us.
Reunion (Season 3, Episode 10)
After Keeley goes on a journey with her PR company, KJPR, and embraces a relationship with Jack (Jodi Balfour), she turns a new page and is met by Roy at her front door, who offers an apology for the way things panned out between them, among other things. The sincere approach leads to a steamier reunion than anticipated when he’s seen donning a robe upon Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) visiting Keeley’s place.
Just friends (Season 3, Episode 11)
When Jamie is in need of support, Roy and Keeley come running, and while they may have reunited, it doesn’t rekindle their relationship. Still, Roy holds out hope they’ll find a way back and admits to Keeley that he wants to be more than friends with her. At that point, she can’t do more than friendship, and by the finale of Season 3, fans are left with some hope for the future, but without resolution.
Acts of service (Season 4, Episode 2)
In Season 4, the duo is still “just friends,” but all the building blocks for romance remain, especially in Episode 2, which sees Roy take it upon himself to help Keeley spruce up the women’s locker room. The banter and sexual tension are palpable, and when Keeley faces future doubt around the team, Roy remains her biggest supporter. And that’s why their romance is worth rooting for.
