Tina Fey 'hosting the launch' of Saturday Night Live UK
It has been claimed that Tina Fey - who was previously head writer and performer on Saturday Night Live - is "hosting the launch" of the British take on the long-running US comedy sketch show on March 21.
Tina Fey is reportedly hosting the launch episode of Saturday Night Live UK.
It has been claimed that the 55-year-old comedienne - who was head writer and performer on the long-running American sketch comedy show from 1997 until 2006 - will kick off Sky's British version on March 21.
A TV insider told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "Though there might be some surprise to find there isn’t a Brit presenting the show, there is some logic to this signing.
"There’s a sense that the American show is handing the baton on to Britain by having Tina hosting the launch.
"Plus, she’s a massive icon in the world of comedy and proof of how huge someone can become through appearing on SNL.
"From here on, there are likely to be stars from the UK at the helm every week, though the exact names have yet to be confirmed."
At the time of publication, Sky has neither confirmed nor denied the award-winning actress' reported signing.
The British version of NBC's Saturday Night Live will follow the same format of its US counterpart - which has been running since 1975 - in that it will be broadcast live each week with a guest host and a musical guest.
On February 4, Sky announced Saturday Night Live UK's cast members.
These are Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.
Announcing the up-and-coming comics, James Longman, lead producer of Saturday Night Live UK, said: "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."
In August 2025, former Saturday Night Live US cast member Pete Davidson declared a UK version is a "smart idea".
The 32-year-old comedian - who appeared on the American version from 2014 until 2022 - told Sky News: "It's a smart idea to have Saturday Night Live over there because it's not that it's a different brand of comedy, but it is a little bit.
"A lot of the biggest stuff that's in the States is stuff that we stole from you guys, like The Office or literally anything Ricky Gervais does.
"This is the first time I've ever heard anything American going to the UK, so I think it's great. I think it's great to have two opposite sorts of takes on things, but both be funny. That just shows you how broad comedy can be, you know?"
In April 2025, Sky announced Saturday Night Live UK.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Sky’s chief content officer, said at the time: "For over 50 years, Saturday Night Live has held a unique position in TV and in our collective culture, reflecting and creating the global conversation all under the masterful comedic guidance of Lorne Michaels.
"The show has discovered and nurtured countless comedy and musical talents over the years, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Lorne and the SNL team to bring an all-British version of the show."
