Sky has finally unveiled the complete cast for its highly anticipated British adaptation of the legendary comedy institution, Saturday Night Live. The broadcaster has confirmed that Saturday Night Live UK will make its debut on Sky and NOW on 21 March 2026, promising audiences a "bold, exciting and incredibly funny" new series.
A British Cultural Force
The six-part Sky Original series will be broadcast live each week, capturing the high-stakes, unpredictable energy that has made the American version a global phenomenon since its creation by Lorne Michaels in 1975. Now reimagined through a distinctly British lens, the show aims to become a major cultural force in UK television.
Each episode will follow the classic SNL format, featuring an opening monologue, topical sketches, live musical performances, and a UK-specific version of the iconic news satire segment, Weekend Update. Every show will be written, rehearsed, and performed within the week leading up to its live broadcast in front of a studio audience.
Meet The Cast Of Eleven
The production will feature eleven talented performers taking to the stage each week, joined by a different guest host and chart-topping musical guest. The confirmed cast represents a diverse range of comedic talent from across the United Kingdom.
Hammed Animashaun, from East London, brings experience from BBC's Black Ops and theatre productions like A Midsummer Night's Dream. He described joining SNL UK as "a privilege," noting the show's historic prestige.
Ayoade Bamgboye, with roots in London and Lagos, transitioned from advertising to comedy, winning Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe. Her television work includes Channel 4's Rise and Shine.
Larry Dean, the Glaswegian comedian, has appeared on Live at the Apollo and the Royal Variety Performance. He expressed excitement about following in the footsteps of comedy heroes like Jim Carrey and Mike Myers.
Celeste Dring from Wolverhampton, known for BBC's Lazy Susan and This Country, called the opportunity "a no-brainer" for creative collaboration.
George Fouracres, also from Wolverhampton, is a Shakespeare's Globe Associate Artist with sketch group experience and a Netflix credit in Steve.
Ania Magliano from Buckinghamshire, familiar to viewers from Taskmaster and Live at the Apollo, highlighted the appeal of working with other comedians on such an iconic platform.
Annabel Marlow of Henley-on-Thames brings a musical theatre background, having performed in Six The Musical and created her own Edinburgh Fringe show.
Al Nash, another Buckinghamshire native seen on Michael McIntyre's Big Show, sees SNL UK as an exciting opportunity for the entire UK comedy industry.
Jack Shep from Bedfordshire, with credits including Channel 4's Big Boys, describes himself as "primed for SNL" through his comedic approach to performance.
Emma Sidi from Woking, known for BBC's Starstruck, expressed enthusiasm for bringing character comedy back to British television, inspired by classics like French & Saunders.
Paddy Young from Scarborough, with roles in Channel 4's Everyone Else Burns, developed his comedy passion through early theatre exposure in his hometown.
Live Television Event
The announcement marks a significant moment for British comedy, bringing a format with over 1,000 episodes across 51 American seasons to UK audiences. Sky's commitment to a live broadcast schedule promises to deliver the spontaneous, anything-can-happen atmosphere that has defined SNL's success for decades.
With rehearsals and writing compressed into weekly cycles, Saturday Night Live UK aims to capture the immediacy of current events and cultural moments through satire and sketch comedy. The combination of established performers and fresh talent suggests a dynamic approach to the beloved format.
As March 2026 approaches, anticipation builds for how this British interpretation will honour the legacy of its American predecessor while establishing its own unique voice in the landscape of UK entertainment.
