After decades of shaping comedy royalty in the US, Saturday Night Live is finally crossing the Atlantic. Launching on 21 March, Saturday Night Live UK arrives on Sky with a brand-new cast of British performers ready to make late-night TV their own.
Since its debut in 1975, SNL has been the ultimate comedy launchpad — introducing the world to legends like Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Andy Samberg. Now, a new generation of UK talent is stepping into the spotlight, hoping to follow a similar path.
The British edition will stay true to the iconic format: celebrity hosts, musical guests, topical sketches, and a UK take on the fan-favourite satirical news segment, Weekend Update. Filmed in a brand-new London studio, the show’s initial six-week run features 11 cast members, each bringing their own comedic voice to the stage.
Here’s who to watch.
Hammed Animashaun
London-born Hammed Animashaun is already familiar to BBC audiences thanks to his role as undercover officer Kay in Black Ops. With a strong theatre background, Animashaun feels right at home performing live.
“I think of myself as an actor first,” he says. “Theatre is my first love, so transferring that experience into live comedy is something I’m really excited about.”
Ayoade Bamgboye
British-Nigerian comedian Ayoade Bamgboye made a bold career switch — leaving advertising behind to pursue stand-up. Just four years in, she’s already won Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Calling SNL UK the “perfect training ground,” Bamgboye says the fast pace will allow her to experiment, learn quickly, and push her comedy further than ever.
Larry Dean
The Glasgow-based stand-up is no stranger to big stages, with appearances on Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, and The Stand Up Sketch Show.
“So many of my comedy heroes came through SNL,” Dean says. “Acting and stand-up have always been my dream — this is exactly where I want to be.”
Celeste Dring
Wolverhampton-born Celeste Dring brings serious TV credentials, having appeared in This Country, Wanderlust, and The Windsors, where she played Princess Eugenie. She also performs as part of comedy duo Lazy Susan, who previously landed a BBC pilot.
“It was a no-brainer,” Dring says. “The chance to be creative with such a talented group — and do something completely new — was irresistible.”
George Fouracres
Another Wolverhampton native, George Fouracres describes SNL UK as his “dream job.” A seasoned theatre performer and associate artist at Shakespeare’s Globe, he thrives on bold, intense characters.
“I always wondered why the UK didn’t have something like SNL,” he says. “Now we do — and I get to be part of it. It’s surreal.”
Ania Magliano
One of the most recognisable faces in the lineup, Ania Magliano has appeared on Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster UK. Nearly a decade into her comedy career, stand-up remains her creative foundation.
“It’s through stand-up that I really found my voice,” she says, after years of sold-out tours and festival success.
Annabel Marlow
A self-confessed SNL superfan, Annabel Marlow even ran an online fan account dedicated to the show. A comedian, musician, and theatre performer, she’s eager to blend characters with original music.
Her stage credits include originating Katherine Howard in Six the Musical and roles in Muriel’s Wedding and The Wizard of Oz.
Al Nash
While new to TV, Al Nash is a social media standout, known for viral sketches and sharp satire on TikTok and Instagram.
“Sketch comedy is everything to me,” Nash says. “Being part of SNL UK feels massive — not just personally, but for UK comedy as a whole.”
Jack Shep
Jack Shep’s CV includes standout roles in Big Boys, Netflix’s One Day, and Changing Ends.
“I see myself as a comic rather than a stand-up,” he says. “Acting, writing, doing stupid stuff — it all feels very SNL.”
Emma Sidi
Emma Sidi is best known for her scene-stealing role as Kate in Starstruck, alongside appearances in Stath Lets Flats, Industry, and Black Ops.
“Character comedy is what I love most,” Sidi explains. “SNL is a huge opportunity to bring that style back to UK TV.”
Paddy Young
Scarborough-born Paddy Young grew up immersed in theatre before transitioning into comedy. His credits include Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping and Everyone Else Burns.
“I was obsessed with comedy long before I knew how to do it,” he says. “SNL feels like the culmination of all those years.”
