Peter Serafinowicz, known for his role in Shaun of the Dead, made a surprise guest appearance on Saturday Night Live UK, portraying Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as the prime minister in a sketch set in the year 2046. The comedy show kicked off its Saturday evening episode with a political skit that depicted Farage occupying Number 10, pulling pints at his desk, while US President Donald Trump had seized control as the nation's king.
Satirical Look at Election Wins
The sketch took aim at the party's landslide victories during the recent local council and Scottish and Welsh elections. It began with 'Mr Farage' recording a personalised 120th birthday message for beloved naturalist Sir David Attenborough, before Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch, played by Ayoade Bamgboye, appeared as his deputy. 'Big news day, Prime Minister. Thanks to our deportations, the population of London is finally down to single fingers,' she said, drawing laughter from Farage. Taking a swipe at ongoing US-Iran tensions, she added: 'One last thing, King Trump assures us he has almost negotiated a ceasefire over the Strait of Hormuz.' Farage responded: 'Phew, for a minute there, it felt like we were on the brink of World War Four.'
Political Jabs and Time Machine Twist
The pair joked that since their parties joined forces, they had been 'unstoppable', comparing themselves to the spreading hantavirus outbreak dominating recent news. After checking a weather forecast showing London engulfed in flames—a satire of climate change—they headed out for a stroll. Sir Keir Starmer, played by George Fouracres, and Angela Rayner, portrayed by Celeste Dring, then emerged from behind a bookshelf that turned out to be a time machine. The former deputy leader warned Sir Keir that unless she ran the government, 'this future will come to pass,' to which he replied he would 'seize every moment' as Prime Minister. When Farage and Badenoch returned, they questioned who Sir Keir was, with Farage declaring himself the 'big chungus' of the 'great United Kingdom and the middle part of Wales.' They threatened to have Labour leaders removed, but Badenoch quipped: 'We deported security.'
Historical Figure and Host Appearance
The sketch concluded with Al Nash emerging through the time machine portal dressed as Sir Winston Churchill to launch the show, leading into host Hannah Waddingham's opening monologue. The award-winning actress, known for Ted Lasso, made light of her 'glamorous characters' before showing less flattering roles, such as her 'sexy little turn as the shame nun' in Game of Thrones. Throughout the episode, Waddingham participated in numerous sketches alongside the inaugural cast, with musical guest Myles Smith performing 'Stargazing'. The programme also marked Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday in a weekend news segment, where hosts Ania Magliano and Paddy Young interviewed a rhino, played by Hammed Animashaun, for their take on the broadcaster. The skit descended into mayhem when Sir David, again played by Fouracres, burst in to grapple with the rhino after it criticised him.
Series Finale Preview
Saturday Night Live UK, a Sky Original production filmed live in London, features a rotating guest host each week alongside regular cast members Hammed Animashaun and Ania Magliano. The series finale airs on May 16 on Sky and Now TV, with Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa hosting and musical guest Holly Humberstone. The show airs Saturdays at 10pm.
