STEPHEN MANAS is not an instantly recognisable actor from Ted Lasso.

But we will see a lot more of the 30-year-old Frenchman who plays AFC Richmond's talented left-side midfielder RICHARD MONTLAUR (Number 8) in Series 3 of the award-winning show, which returned to Apple TV + on Wednesday, March 15.

He landed his life-changing role after a period chasing happiness and life experiences, in India, Manila and Tokyo, when he met an agent specialising in international casting in the summer of 2019 at the Cannes Film Festival, and just one month later, he was signed up to the first series of Lasso and has been involved ever since.

Stephen has a colourful role in show, usually dating beautiful women, driving an orange Lamborghini, clubbing with his team mates, a bull dog on the pitch, not afraid of red cards and hard tackles, and well-known and taunted for his on pitch theatrics. His back story in the show is that he was raised on a goat farm and previously played for Newcastle United where his nickname was Dicky Law.

Stephen ( 4th from left) lines with AFC Richmond

In an exclusive interview, Stephen is philosophical about his success. "It is very true that in this profession you need a lot of luck but you can reduce that amount of luck by working very hard, which is what I have done. The harder you work, the more luck will strike you," he says in his natural French accent. "But there is no doubt Ted Lasso was my big break, it felt as if it was meant to be. I was comfortable with the role but I really wanted to do my best."

In France, as in the UK, the multiple Emmy award-winning show is not as popular as in the US and Canada because it is aired on the subscription channel, which means he is not regularly stopped on the street or asked for selfies or top of the list for TV chat shows.

In fact, the only time has been recognised is when a football fan recognised his face from AFC Richmond team in the Ted Lasso FIFA game 23. "He knew me and recognised me because of the FIFA game not the Ted Lasso TV show which was launched last November. That was extremely fun haha!"

As a Paris-based Frenchman his favourite team and players are perhaps predictable. He supports Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and names Antoine Griezmann, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry as the players he admires. He also follows Liverpool and Arsenal but has little time for Brazilian and PSG superstar Neymar, who he reckons is 'too flashy.'  He says: "I don't like flashy players, except if they are regularly at the top constantly like CR7, Zlatan."

Stephen enjoying an off duty pint with co-star Phil Dunster, who plays Jamie Tartt

He is also full of praise for the show's creators and writers Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly and Brett Goldstein. "There is such a lot of work that has gone into the show, a lot of love and so much talent. Every part is so very carefully crafted and it is like one big family.

"At first when I joined the show I was very stressed because my English was not the best but they welcomed me with open arms during the filming and we even went on holiday together. We were like a band of brothers. I do feel I have been very blessed. Jason totally led by example on set and always told me 'If you don't understand, just ask.'"

Stephen, who only played football on a hard surface between 11 and 13 wearing sports shoes rather than proper football boots for the casting tape, reckons his best position is forward because he is 'fast and if someone can make a good pass I can run and try to score.'

He is the first to admit that the three seasons of Ted Lasso have had a massive impact on his life as well his financial security. "I am much more confident and happier than I have ever been and Ted Lasso has helped me to get to that stage."

His filming requirements stopped him exploring London as much as he would have liked, especially as he based himself in St Pancras which offered a challenging 'commute' to the regular film locations at Hayes and Yeading football club and the West London Film studios.

"I love London – it's a great city. I was there for some time before to study. It's huge, Richmond is a beautiful area, so peaceful and so clean but I wanted to live in the centre of London and experience the life of living in the city of London. I don't feel safe in Paris sometimes but I always feel safe and having fun and enjoying my time in London."

Stephen with AFC team mate Cristo Fernandez, who plays Dani Rojas.

He firmly believes that Series 3 will 'blow fans away.' He added: "This series has been a long time coming but you can expect a lot more of everything. There are lots of storylines to be sorted out and because of the show's success with Series One and Two there was a much bigger budget. It was like Apple saying 'we trust you now' and gave the writers a lot more time on the creative side to perfect everything.

"Jason, Brendan, Joe and Brett are all very humble but very hard working and have such an eye for detail as well as great ideas. Jason often has the final word and even at the last minute or last second scripts and scenes can be changed to make it better. He just knows what works."

In line with other stars of Ted Lasso he is careful about discussing the future and whether there will a Series 4 or a big movie or nothing but freely confesses: "If there is more and if they need me, I will always give it everything I can and be there for Series 25 if Jason wants it !"

In the meantime Stephen plans a motor cycle road trip across America to "discover the country."