Sky Confirms First Saturday Night Live UK Cast Ahead of March Premiere
Sky has officially revealed the complete cast for the highly anticipated British incarnation of NBC's legendary late-night comedy programme, Saturday Night Live UK. The groundbreaking series is scheduled to launch on Saturday, 21st March, broadcasting live from a studio in London across six initial episodes.
Live Comedy with a British Twist
Each instalment will be filmed in front of a live studio audience, faithfully recreating the iconic SNL format. This includes the famous opening monologue and the satirical news segment, Weekend Update, offering a uniquely British perspective on current events and pop culture. A different special guest star will host the show each week, promising fresh energy and unpredictable humour.
James Longman, the Lead Producer, expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying: "The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now and this cast represents the freshest voices we have. They're bold, exciting and, of course, incredibly funny. The chemistry between them is something special and we can't wait to share this funny group of people with the world."
A Blend of Established Names and Rising Stars
The confirmed cast members are a diverse mix of established television personalities and exciting new talents from the comedy circuit. The full list includes:
- Hammed Animashaun
- Ayoade Bamgboye
- Larry Dean
- Celeste Dring
- George Fouracres
- Ania Magliano
- Annabel Marlow
- Al Nash
- Jack Shep
- Emma Sidi
- Paddy Young
Viewers will recognise several faces from popular panel shows and sitcoms. Notably, Ania Magliano and Emma Sidi are fresh from their appearances on Channel 4's Taskmaster, with Sidi also known for the BBC series Starstruck. Paddy Young has starred in Channel 4 comedies like Everyone Else Burns, while Jack Shep featured in the hit comedy-drama Big Boys.
Stage Talent and Comedy Circuit Favourites
The cast also boasts significant theatrical experience. George Fouracres performed in Hamlet at Shakespeare's Globe before his breakout screen role. Hammed Animashaun is known for his stage work, including A Midsummer Night's Dream, and his role in BBC's Black Ops.
From the stand-up scene, Larry Dean is a familiar face on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, having also performed at the Royal Variety Performance. Celeste Dring is recognised for BBC sitcoms Lazy Susan and This Country, and Al Nash, described as an Instagram heartthrob, has appeared on Michael McIntyre's Big Show.
A Legacy of Comedy Excellence
Phil Edgar Jones OBE, Sky's Executive Director for Unscripted Originals, highlighted the show's prestigious heritage. "We all need a laugh like never before, so we're beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US," he said. "The show's long-standing legacy of discovering and nurturing outstanding comedy talent speaks for itself, and this UK version will build on that legacy with the support of Lorne Michaels, a brilliant local production team, and an exciting new generation of voices. Saturday nights are looking bright!"
Saturday Night Live UK premieres on Saturday, 21st March, airing on Sky and available for streaming on the NOW service.
