The cast for the UK version of Saturday Night Live has been unveiled, in advance of the show debuting in March.
Saturday Night Live recently celebrated its 50th year on air in the US, and those five decades have helped launch the careers of countless comedy legends.
From Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Bill Murray, and Eddie Murphy, to Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, and Kristen Wiig, SNL has broken some of the biggest names in American entertainment.
And now the UK is giving it a go, via the first ever British incarnation of the hit NBC show.
Who are the stars of Saturday Night Live UK?
The 11 comedians starring in the first season of SNL UK are: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.
This is how Sky is describing spinoff: “Broadcast live each week, this brand-new UK version brings the high-wire, anything-can-happen energy that makes SNL a cultural force, now reimagined through a distinctly British lens. A new guest host will take the helm each week, putting their distinctive stamp on the SNL formula alongside a chart-topping musical guest.
“Written, rehearsed and performed in the week of each show, every episode is staged in front of a live studio audience and features an opening monologue, topical sketches, live music, and a UK take on SNL’s iconic news satire, Weekend Update.”
You might recognise two faces from Taskmaster
Taskmaster is one of the most popular comedy shows on British television, and two contestants from previous seasons are in the new SNL: Ania Magliano and Emma Sidi.
Ania was on Season 20 of Taskmaster, and says she wants to be part of Saturday Night Live UK because: “I love performing stand-up, but the chance to work collaboratively with other amazing comedians was a huge draw for me. And honestly, being part of SNL UK is just incredibly cool.
“SNL is a major comedy institution that I never expected to be a part of, so the idea that I get to go live on Saturday nights is mad – I can’t wait.
Emma – who was on Taskmaster Season 18 – says: “I love comedy and character comedy especially, and I think there isn’t that much character comedy on TV in the UK right now.
“My favourite comedies to watch growing up were French & Saunders, The Fast Show, Reeves and Mortimer, all those pioneering shows from the alt comedy scene. Saturday Night Live is a huge opportunity to get that kind of comedy back on TV and online.
When is Saturday Night Live UK on?
Saturday Night Live is heading to Sky and Now in the UK on March 21, 2026.
A Sky Original, the first season will consist of six episodes, and yes, each of them will kick off with the line: “Live from London, it’s Saturday night!”
Writers for the show are yet to be announced, while there’s no word yet regarding if, when, or where SNL UK will screen in the US.
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