'I'm the real Keeley, it stung when Ted Lasso cast Juno Temple'

Keeley Hazell, a former Page 3 model, has revealed the painful reality of being passed over for a role in Apple TV's hit series Ted Lasso. The show, which won 13 Emmys, catapulted the careers of several actors, but Keeley, 39, was not among them. Her name was in fact supposed to be the character's, with the show's writer and star, Jason Sudeikis, even telling her he'd written the part with her in mind.

Keeley's story is a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. Despite being a well-known model, she was told she needed to audition for the role of Keeley Jones, a topless model-turned-PR titan, because of 'the powers that be in the industry.' This was despite Jason Sudeikis having already written the character with her in mind. Keeley explained to Metro, 'I had to audition because I didn't have the resume that would allow me to just be given the part even though it was named and based on me with the intent of me playing myself.'

Keeley's experience highlights the Catch-22 faced by many aspiring actors. Juno Temple, who was ultimately cast as Keeley Jones, had already built a impressive resume, having starred in films like Atonement and Maleficent. Her parents, Julien Temple and Amanda Temple, were also in the industry, which likely gave her an edge. Keeley acknowledged this, saying 'it was based on her having more experience, and I think when one examines that, the easy answer and what I think the general public go to is the devaluing of me and maybe my skill set versus the examining of how Hollywood operates and how one is allowed experience and one gains experience.'

The rejection stung for Keeley, who had been eager to take on a new role after completing her last Page 3 outing a decade prior. She felt that being given the part would have changed her career trajectory. Instead, she was left to audition and was ultimately passed over. This experience has not deterred Keeley, however, and she is now gearing up to take her first show, Everyone's Seen My Tits, to Edinburgh.

Keeley's story raises questions about the double standards in the entertainment industry. Why was Juno Temple given the part despite not being the 'real' Keeley, while Keeley herself was deemed unqualified? This highlights the complex and often unfair nature of the industry, where experience and privilege can sometimes trump talent and potential. As Keeley noted, it's not just about devaluing her or her skill set, but about examining how Hollywood operates and how one gains experience.

Despite the setback, Keeley is determined to forge her own path in the entertainment industry. Her upcoming show, Everyone's Seen My Tits, is evidence of her resilience and determination. As she prepares to take the stage in Edinburgh, Keeley is no doubt looking forward to a new chapter in her career, one that is free from the disappointments of the past.

The rejection of Keeley Hazell from the role of Keeley Jones in Ted Lasso highlights the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, where experience and privilege can sometimes trump talent and potential. As Keeley herself noted, it's not just about devaluing her or her skill set, but about examining how Hollywood operates and how one gains experience.