You’ve seen him charming everyone’s socks off on Love Island USA, but there’s a good chance you actually "met" Miguel Harichi years before he ever stepped into a villa for real. Life has a funny way of being circular. Or maybe just predictable if you’re as charismatic as he is.
Back in 2021, long before the internet was obsessed with his relationship with Leah Kateb, Miguel was just an actor in London trying to land a gig. He ended up on the set of Ted Lasso. Not as a footballer, though. He wasn't kicking a ball around Nelson Road or getting yelled at by Roy Kent. Instead, he was playing a version of himself—or at least, the version of himself we’d all eventually come to know on Peacock.
The Danthony Cameo: Miguel Harichi Ted Lasso Role Explained
If you blink, you might miss him, but Miguel Harichi is officially part of the Ted Lasso cinematic universe. He appears in Season 2, specifically in the episode "Goodbye Earl."
Remember when Jamie Tartt, AFC Richmond's resident "pretty boy" ego-machine, left the team to join a reality show? That show was called Lust Conquers All. It was a blatant, hilarious parody of Love Island.
Basically, Jamie thinks he’s the king of the villa. He’s convinced he’s the main character. But then the show within the show actually airs, and we see Jamie’s world crumble. Who is he standing next to? A guy named Danthony.
That’s Miguel.
He plays one of the contestants on Lust Conquers All. In a weirdly prophetic moment of television, Jamie Tartt is the one who gets dumped from the island (well, the "villa"), while Miguel's character, Danthony, gets to stay.
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A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy?
It’s kinda wild to think about. Miguel was literally acting out the role of a reality TV bombshell years before he became the biggest bombshell of Love Island USA Season 6.
When fans started digging through his IMDB after his Fiji success, they lost their minds. One Reddit user pointed out that he was "on a spoof of Love Island before actually going on Love Island." Honestly, the writers of Ted Lasso should probably get a side gig in fortune-telling.
What Miguel Actually Remembers About the Set
You’d think being on one of the biggest comedies in the world would be a core memory. But for Miguel, it was just another day at the office. In an interview with People, he admitted he hasn't even seen the episode.
"Funny enough, people actually found out I did a role—I was basically an extra in the Ted Lasso series," he told the magazine. He described his role as being "the character in the TV" while Ted was watching.
He's not being humble; he's just being real. When you're a working actor and model in London, you do the job, you collect the check, and you move on to the next audition. He mentioned that he doesn't usually watch his work back unless it's modeling because he'd rather just appreciate the final photo than scrutinize his performance.
Beyond Richmond: Miguel’s Acting Career
While Miguel Harichi Ted Lasso is the trivia fact that gets everyone talking, it’s not his only credit. The guy has been around.
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He’s cropped up in various commercial projects and even had a small part in a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie. He’s lived that "London-to-LA" lifestyle for a while, balancing fitness modeling with whatever acting roles came his way.
Most people don't realize how much of a grind that life is. You’re playing "Danthony" one day and shooting a fitness campaign the next.
- Role: Danthony
- Show: Lust Conquers All (within Ted Lasso)
- Episode: Season 2, Episode 1 ("Goodbye Earl")
- The Irony: He outlasted Jamie Tartt.
Why It Matters for Love Island Fans
The reason this cameo went viral isn't just because people love Ted Lasso. It’s because it proved Miguel had "it" long before he was famous. Even as a background character in a parody, he looked like he belonged there.
There’s a specific kind of confidence required to stand next to Phil Dunster (who plays Jamie) and hold your own. Miguel had it.
The "Lust Conquers All" Connection
The Ted Lasso creators didn't just throw Lust Conquers All in there for a quick laugh. It was a commentary on Jamie Tartt’s desperation for fame. Jamie wanted to be the biggest star in the UK, so he went on a show that rewards vanity.
In the show, Jamie is devastated because he realizes he’s not the "top dog" he thought he was. Seeing Miguel—a guy who would eventually become a legitimate reality TV sensation—standing there as the guy who actually stayed in the villa adds a layer of meta-humor that the writers probably didn't even intend.
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What’s Next for Miguel?
Now that the world knows he can actually act (and not just "reality TV" act), things are looking up. He’s spent 2024 and 2025 building a massive brand with Leah Kateb. They’ve become the "it" couple of the franchise, but Miguel clearly hasn't closed the door on scripted work.
With the rumored return of Ted Lasso for a fourth season, wouldn't it be hilarious if Danthony made a comeback? Probably won't happen, but in the Lasso-verse, anything is possible.
If you're looking to spot him yourself, fire up Apple TV+. Skip to the first episode of Season 2. When Jamie Tartt is standing around looking stressed in his neon swim trunks, look at the guy next to him. That’s our Miguel.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're a die-hard fan of either the show or the man, here is how you can dive deeper:
- Watch Season 2, Episode 1: Specifically look for the Lust Conquers All segments. It’s a masterclass in British parody.
- Check his IMDB: Search for "Miguel Harichi" to see the other small roles he’s played; it’s a fun rabbit hole for anyone interested in the "making of" a reality star.
- Follow the PPG content: Since Love Island, Miguel has been more active on YouTube and social media, often sharing behind-the-scenes stories of his time in London.
The reality is that Miguel Harichi wasn't just a "bombshell" who appeared out of nowhere. He was a working professional who happened to manifest his own future on one of the best TV shows of the decade.