Hannah Waddingham gave a hilarious and heartwarming speech while accepting her award for Ted Lasso at the 2021 Emmys. Ted Lasso is an Apple TV+ comedy series about an American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) who is hired to manage English football team AFC Richmond, despite knowing nothing about the sport. Waddingham plays Rebecca Welton, the new owner of Richmond who is intent on destroying the club in order to get revenge on the previous owner, her ex-husband. However, over the course of season 1, Ted begins to win Rebecca and the rest of the team over with his sincerity, optimism, and kindness.

Ted Lasso was a surprise hit when season 1 premiered last year, and acclaim for the series has remained strong as season 2 continues, with new episodes dropping every Friday. The show broke Emmys history with a record number of nominations for a new comedy and ended up winning seven awards in total. This included Sudeikis for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Waddingham for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent, for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Related: Is Ted Lasso Based On A Real Person? Inspiration Explained

Waddingham’s acceptance speech (via the IMDb Twitter account) was particularly memorable, as the actress was clearly thrilled to have received the accolade. Mid-speech, the star excitedly yelled, “Oh my God, I’m giving a speech at the Emmys!” She balanced her enthusiasm with a heart-warming sincerity, however, thanking Sudeikis and emphasizing that he had “changed her life.” Waddingham also praised her co-star and fellow nominee Juno Temple, expressing that she wanted to break off part of the award to give to her because “there would be no Rebecca without Keeley.” Watch Waddingham's full acceptance speech below:

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The joyful, hilarious enthusiasm and sincerity in Waddingham’s speech are reflective of the two things that have made the show appealing to both critics and fans. Though Ted Lasso doesn’t shy away from more serious subjects, its fundamental ideologies of kindness, faith, forgiveness, and respect have made it an essential feel-good comedy. Waddingham’s joke about never wanting Temple out of her life also emphasizes the strong bond that the actresses have, which undoubtedly strengthens their characters’ friendship, too.

Despite AFC Richmond having some trouble in their last few matches, the Ted Lasso team did very well at the 2021 Emmys, taking home the prize for Best Comedy Series in addition to the three major acting accolades. The cast did a rousing performance of the team's iconic Roy Kent chant backstage, which was a fitting celebration for a comedy that has touched so many people over the past year. It wouldn’t be surprising if Ted Lasso season 1 is just the beginning of its Emmy domination, since the show only continues to impress in new episodes.

Next: Ted Lasso: Why Sam & Rebecca's Relationship Is Bad For The Team

Source: IMDb/Twitter