Is Colin Hughes In Ted Lasso Gay? Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 3 "4-5-1" Ending Explain

Is Colin Hughes in Ted Lasso gay? Here's an explanation of what happened in Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 3 "4-5-1".
As we all know, Ted Lasso is a show that always strive to be as inclusive and positive as possible. So far, this series has publicly addressed many serious issues, such as divorce, mental health, professional failure, toxic masculinity in sports, parental abuse, and so much more. Ted Lasso once again proves its progressivism as the show officially brings to the screen its first queer representation through the third episode of Season 3.

#1. Is Colin Hughes in Ted Lasso gay?

Source: Apple TV+

Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 3 "4-5-1" confirms that Colin Hughes (Billy Harris) is a member of the LGBTQ+ community as the show introduces his new love interest, Michael (Sam Liu). During this episode, we get to see Colin kiss his partner Michael in his home at the start of the day.

Utterly thrilled is was the cold open, and even more thrilled to see all the little seeds they planted in the first two season finally starting to bloom. It cannot be overstated how vital queer representation is. Big ol’ thank you to the brains behind this @_BillyHarris #tedlasso pic.twitter.com/cI7pvLrPZB

— alyssa ⭐️ (spoilers, babes) (@theolasso) March 29, 2023

Colin decides to keep their relationship private, presumably due to the stigmas revolving the LGBTQ+ community in sports. When Michael shows up at Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh)'s restaurant during the team's celebrating party, Colin introduces him to everyone. He refers to Michael as his "pal" and "greatest wingman", trying to conceal the fact that Michael is actually his boyfriend.
But it seems like Colin couldn't keep this secret hidden anymore. Later that night, as journalist Trent Crimm (James Lance) exiting the restaurant, he suddenly notices Colin and Michael kissing in the alley nearby.

Source: Apple TV+

Knowing Trent's habit of expose writing, it's highly possible that he would publicly out Colin to the whole world. Would there be any way to prevent this? Will Colin rely on his team and his partner, or will he try to handle this matter alone? Would it affect Colin and Michael's relationship? We would have to wait to find out.

 

#2. Is Colin Based On Any Soccer Player In Real Life?

Source: Apple TV+

The popular fan theory saying that Colin is gay or bisexual has been floating around since Season 2, after Colin specifically mentioned Grindr, a gay dating app. However, it is only officially confirmed now.
When speaking to RadioTimes.com, co-showrunner Brendan Hunt revealed that the producers have always had the idea of representing a gay player on the team. "We've known for a while that Colin was gay. It was just a matter of when we were going to finally get to that. It's still a taboo in football, but there are more active players who are coming out", he said.

Source: Apple TV+

In an interview with Digital Spy, Hunt also shared that the show almost mentioned Colin's sexual orientation in Season 2, but it got postponed in the end.
"We decided it actually tells the story better if we show another year, which we will realise retroactively of hiding, of having to still not be his honest self", he explained. The fact that Colin is hiding it so well that no one on the team seems to suspect anything will give an idea of the struggles that he is going through.
"When people go back and watch the show now after this revelation, they'll be like, 'Wow, he was hiding that for so long. Colin has to go that long not being who he is.' I think that helps tell the story better", Hunt added.