SNL reveals full cast lineup of rising star comedians for new UK version

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant SNL UK cast

The full cast lineup for the new UK version of Saturday Night Live has been announced.

The time has finally come… after the announcement was first made all the way back in April of last year, Sky has now revealed the 11 comedy players who will take to the stage as the inaugural cast of Saturday Night Live UK – which is the first-ever British incarnation of NBC’s legendary late-night comedy show over in the US.

The six-episode Sky Original series will kick off next month on 21 March, ending the wait for UK audiences to hear the iconic line: “Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!”

The SNL UK cast have been named as Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young – while the cast of writers will be announced soon.

Over in the States, Saturday Night Live has been on air since 1975, making it one of the longest-running live shows on US television.

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But for us Brits, it’s set to be something entirely new.

Broadcast live each week, this brand-new UK version is apparently tipped to bring the ‘high-wire, anything-can-happen energy’ that makes SNL a cultural force in America, but now reimagined through a distinctly British lens.

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Each week, a new guest host will take the helm and aim to put their own distinctive stamp on the SNL formula, alongside a chart-topping musical guest. 

Written, rehearsed, and performed in the week of each show, every episode will be staged in front of a live studio audience, just like the US version, and will feature an opening monologue, topical sketches, live music, and a UK take on SNL’s iconic news satire, Weekend Update.

SNL UK cast
SNL has revealed its full cast lineup of rising star comedians for the new UK version / Credit: Sky Originals

“The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now,” commented James Longman, who is the Lead Producer of SNL UK, “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.”

Cast members come hail from all over the UK, with everywhere from Glasgow and Scarborough, to Buckinghamshire, Wolverhampton, and of course, London on the map.

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Saturday Night Live UK will air on Sky next month on 21 March, and future announcements on hosts and musical guests are to be announced soon.

Featured Image – Sky Originals

Manchester City told no after appeals for rule change in the EFL Cup

Danny Jones Danny Jones Marc Guehi not allowed to play in EFL Caraboa Cup final 2026

Manchester City have been told no over proposed rule changes after requesting an exception to be made and for Marc Guehi to be able to play in the EFL Carabao Cup final.

The Cityzens made it through to the last two following their 3-1 win against Newcastle United in the decisive tie at the Etihad Stadium, beating the North East side 5-1 on aggregate over the course of the two-legged semis.

However, Man City have now reportedly had their appeal rejected, with the EFL stating definitively that Marc Guehi will not be playing in the final.

With Pep Guardiola’s squad having suffered a number of injuries across their backline of late, it goes without saying that they could do with as many available defenders as possible.

As confirmed by Sky Sports and other sources, the governing body for the wider English pyramid has stated clearly that Guehi will be ineligible for selection by City in the final.

Put simply, this is because Guehi – having just joined the club this January transfer window – is already cup-tied, after playing for his former employers, Crystal Palace, in previous rounds of the Carabao Cup.

While most new signings have previously been able to represent their new side in the same competition after leaving their old team, in this case, the domestic knockout tournament has already progressed too far, basically.

Since there is just one last fixture to play before we find out the winner, one of Man City or Arsenal is crowned champions for 2026, the EFL have insisted that Guehi can’t play in the final.

Following manager Guardiola’s comments after the win on Wednesday night, in which he said he would ask for the rules to be amended, Sky gave a quick explainer to those left confused.

As broadcaster Mark Chapman mentioned, this just so happens to be the first year that this particular scenario has occurred in the event’s 86-year history.

Pep made it apparent that he doesn’t agree with the stipulation and that the England international will be unable to play “because of a rule that I don’t understand”; many supporters, be they Blue or otherwise, argue that changing regulations is simply ‘common sense’.

Nevertheless, it looks like the EFL are sticking with it, and come the EFL Cup final at Wembley from 4:30pm on Sunday, 22 March, Guehi will have to settle for watching from the stands against their current title rivals on two fronts.

What do you make of the debate?

You can see his Pep’s most recent post-match press conference in full here.

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Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot via YouTube)/Manchester City FC (via X)

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