News | Entertainment
8 Mar 2026 2:23
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    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 dec lared 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."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     07 Mar: Christina Applegate dumped Brad Pitt for Skid Row rock star Sebastian Bach
     07 Mar: Demi Lovato battled "insecurities" as a child star
     07 Mar: Harry Styles has found fame to be isolating at times
     07 Mar: Jamie-Lynn Sigler is still mourning the death of her "dear friend" James Van Der Beek
     07 Mar: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show has broken the all-time global viewership record
     07 Mar: Ryan Reynolds is set to make his debut as a soccer commentator
     07 Mar: Christian Bale believes everyone has "chaos to them"
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Corey Peters is deflecting the bright lights of the Paralympics ahead of his men's downhill runs at Milan Cortina tonight More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Fonterra dairy farmers now appear to be weeks away from a major pay day More...



     Today's News

    Environment:
    Evacuations in Australia's Northern Territories for a second time within weeks as water levels rise 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Christina Applegate dumped Brad Pitt for Skid Row rock star Sebastian Bach 21:35

    Rugby:
    Corey Peters is deflecting the bright lights of the Paralympics ahead of his men's downhill runs at Milan Cortina tonight 21:17

    Entertainment:
    Demi Lovato battled "insecurities" as a child star 21:05

    Entertainment:
    Harry Styles has found fame to be isolating at times 20:35

    Entertainment:
    Jamie-Lynn Sigler is still mourning the death of her "dear friend" James Van Der Beek 20:05

    Entertainment:
    Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show has broken the all-time global viewership record 19:35

    Entertainment:
    Ryan Reynolds is set to make his debut as a soccer commentator 19:05

    Rugby:
    At the Taupo Ironman pro series event, Trevor Foley has won the mens race in seven hours, 46 minutes and 44 seconds 18:57

    Rugby:
    Blues coach Vern Cotter is leaning into their ugly recent record against the Crusaders ahead of tonight's Super Rugby encounter at Eden Park 18:37


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd