Saturday night television is about to get a major shake-up as Saturday Night Live UK (SNL UK) prepares to make its long-awaited debut. The British adaptation of the iconic US comedy show will premiere this weekend, with its first wave of hosts and musical performers now officially confirmed.
At the helm of the opening episode is none other than Tina Fey, a familiar face to fans of the original Saturday Night Live. Broadcaster Sky has announced that Fey will front the inaugural episode, bringing her extensive experience to the UK spin-off.
Fey previously served as head writer on the US version between 1997 and 2006 and has returned as host on six occasions since. She will be joined by Brit Award-winning band Wet Leg, who are set to perform as the first musical guests.
SNL UK Hosts And Musical Guests Line-Up Confirmed
The second episode will see Jamie Dornan take on hosting duties, alongside another Brit Award-winning act, Wolf Alice.
For episode three, Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed will step into the spotlight as host, with Kasabian confirmed as the musical performers.
Behind the scenes, the show is backed by Lorne Michaels, who created the original series in 1975 and will serve as executive producer on the UK version. He will be supported by a writing team of 20 and a regular cast of 11 comedians, including Emma Sidi and Ania Magliano, alongside Hammed Animashaun and Jack Shep.
Format And Air Date: What To Expect From SNL UK
The UK edition will follow the well-established format of its American counterpart. Each week, a different host will join the main cast for a series of sketches performed in front of a live studio audience. Episodes, which run for 75 minutes, will be written during the same week they air.
Viewers can expect an opening monologue from the host, a mix of live and pre-recorded sketches, musical performances and a British take on the show’s satirical news segment, Weekend Update.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, producer James Longman shared his hopes for the show’s tone.
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“It’s a perfect time for this kind of show. The world is rough out there at the moment, so it’s a really good time to laugh,” James said this morning, hinting that the show would feature plenty of topical and satirical laughs.
“There’s so many things to be funny about, and so it’s just finding the right angle for us. The key for us is to be funny.”
SNL UK launches on Saturday, 21 March on Sky and NOW, with a six-episode run confirmed.
Full SNL UK Cast List
The confirmed line-up of comedians includes:
Hammed Animashaun
Ayode Bamgboye
Larry Dean
Celeste Dring
George Fouracres
Ania Magliano
Annabel Marlow
Al Nash
Jack Shep
Emma Sidi
Paddy Young
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