The long-awaited British adaptation of the legendary American comedy institution, Saturday Night Live, has officially unveiled its inaugural cast. Eleven talented comedians and performers have been confirmed to star in SNL UK, which is set to premiere on Sky and its streaming service NOW on March 21, 2026. This six-episode Sky Original series promises to deliver a distinctly British take on the iconic format, blending live sketches, musical performances, and satirical news segments.
A Fresh British Spin on an Iconic Format
Saturday Night Live has launched the careers of countless comedy legends in the United States, from Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey and Will Ferrell. Now, the UK version aims to cultivate a new generation of comedic talent. Each episode will be written, rehearsed, and performed within a single week, broadcast live from a London studio to a live audience. The show will feature the classic opening monologue, a British interpretation of the Weekend Update news segment, and a variety of sketches alongside live music.
Leading the production as commissioning executive is former Top Gear showrunner Lisa Clark. The series will also welcome a different guest host and chart-topping musical guest each week, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving programme.
Introducing the Inaugural SNL UK Cast
Here is a detailed look at the eleven comedians who will be saying 'Live from London, it's Saturday Night Live' this spring.
Hammed Animashaun
East Londoner Hammed Animashaun, 34, brings acting experience from BBC's Black Ops and the film The Festival. A theatre enthusiast, he cites Lenny Henry and Dave Chappelle as inspirations and views SNL UK as a prestigious opportunity to transition his stage skills to live comedy.
Ayoade Bamgboye
London-based comedian Ayoade Bamgboye, originally from Lagos, is a rising star from the Edinburgh Fringe. She sees SNL UK as the perfect training ground to accelerate her comedy career, having quit advertising to pursue performance just a few years ago.
Larry Dean
Scottish comedian Larry Dean, a veteran of Live at the Apollo and the Royal Variety Performance, is thrilled to merge his love for sketch comedy and stand-up. He counts Richard Pryor and Jim Carrey among his heroes and views this role as a dream come true.
Celeste Dring
Known for BBC's This Country and the double act Lazy Susan, Celeste Dring described joining the cast as a 'no-brainer'. She is eager to collaborate with talented peers and bring her sketch comedy background to the live TV format.
George Fouracres
Wolverhampton's George Fouracres has always dreamed of being part of SNL. With a background in dramatic roles at Shakespeare's Globe and sketch comedy with group Daphne, he is excited to play intense, glamorous characters on late-night television.
Ania Magliano
Buckinghamshire-born Ania Magliano, familiar from Taskmaster and Live at the Apollo, was drawn to the collaborative nature of SNL UK. She sees it as an incredible chance to bring her stand-up voice into the world of sketch comedy.
Annabel Marlow
From Henley-on-Thames, Annabel Marlow is a musical comedy specialist with credits in Six The Musical and her own Edinburgh Fringe show. She is keen to create characters and contribute musically to the series.
Al Nash
Al Nash, known for his viral Instagram sketches and appearances on Michael McIntyre's Big Show, believes SNL UK represents an exciting moment for British sketch comedy. The Buckinghamshire-based creator is obsessed with the format and honoured to participate.
Jack Shep
Bedfordshire's Jack Shep, recognised from Channel 4's Big Boys, describes himself as a comic rather than a stand-up. He relishes the unique challenge of producing a new show weekly and the opportunity to work alongside other comedians.
Emma Sidi
Emma Sidi, 34, brings extensive experience from shows like Starstruck and Taskmaster. A character comedy specialist inspired by French & Saunders, she sees SNL UK as a vital platform to revive alternative comedy on UK television.
Paddy Young
Rounding out the cast is Paddy Young, star of Channel 4's Everyone Else Burns. He calls SNL UK the most exciting comedy event in years, praising its scale and world-class catering, and brings a background nurtured in Scarborough's theatre scene.
Anticipation Builds for March Premiere
Executive producer James Longman expressed enthusiasm for the cast, stating, 'The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now and this cast represents the freshest voices we have.' Phil Edgar Jones OBE of Sky added that bringing SNL to the UK, with support from original producer Lorne Michaels, will build on the show's legacy of discovering outstanding talent.
With a blend of established names and emerging voices, SNL UK is poised to inject new energy into Saturday night television. The series promises to honour the spirit of the original while offering a uniquely British comedic perspective when it launches live on March 21, 2026.
