Bold claim: SNL U.K. has assembled a powerhouse writing room that could redefine weekend satire in Britain. And here’s the surprising part: the lineup blends veteran voices with fresh talent, all united by a genuine passion for making the show feel both sharp and irresistibly entertaining.
SNL U.K. has announced its writing team, with head writer Jonno Johnson (known for Parlement) at the helm. Johnson exudes excitement about the roster: “The pool of funny, talented writers we have to work with on SNL U.K. is astonishing. Some have years of experience, others are stepping into their first writing roles. Every single one makes me thrilled to come to work each day. I couldn’t feel luckier to be making this show together.”
The team features a blend of familiar names and rising stars:
- Celya AB (James Acaster’s Springleaf)
- Omar Badawy (So You Think You’re Funny winner)
- Gráinne Maguire (The Last Leg)
- Laura Claxton (Never Mind The Buzzcocks)
- Chris Cantrill (Alma’s Not Normal)
- James Farmer (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown)
- Humphrey Ker (Welcome to Wrexham)
- Omodara Olatunji (Say! Less!)
- Joseph Moore (Two Hearts)
- Lorna Rose Treen (Chortle’s Best Sketch Act Award)
- Hari Kanth (Horrible Science)
- Louis Waymouth (The Late Late Show with James Corden)
- Keith Akushie (Siblings)
- Bella Hull (Have I Got News For You)
- Ayo Adenekan (ISH Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer for Black Mediocrity)
- Nathan Foad (Newark, Newark)
- Al Roberts (Stath Lets Flats)
- Ellie Fulcher (Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) for Soho Theatre)
Charlie Skelton (8 Out of 10 Cats) will lead Weekend Update as head writer.
The UK version of the iconic format is set to premiere on March 21, airing on Sky and its streaming service NOW. Sky’s unscripted originals chief Phil Edgar Jones commented, adding a note of anticipation: as SNL U.K. races toward launch, the writing team is busily crafting top-tier, funny sketches for a remarkable cast. He recounted attending table reads, saying they left him laughing to the point of tears, and expressed eagerness to bring the laughs to a broader audience.
SNL U.K. is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK team in collaboration with Broadway Video for Sky and NOW. Executive producer Lorne Michaels remains at the helm, with James Longman as lead producer and Liz Clare directing.
