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SNL UK is set to grace screens later this week on Sky as the British comedy sketch show makes its first appearance.

In anticipation of the series premiere, Sky has announced the hosts for the initial three episodes afterconfirming the writing team, reports the Mirror.

American comedy icon Tina Fey will helm the inaugural episode, having previously been a head writer on the original Saturday Night Live from 1997 to 2006 and making subsequent appearances.

The Golden Globe and Emmy-winning comedian, actress and writer, famed for creating and starring in Mean Girls, is joined by indie band Wet Leg as the episode's musical guest.

Following her stint, 50 Shades of Grey and The Fall actor Jamie Dornan will host the second episode of SNL UK.

He will be accompanied by British rock group and two-time Brit Award winners Wolf Alice.

Meanwhile, BAFTA and Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed, renowned for Sound of Metal and Four Lions, will host the third episode.

Ahmed will be joined by rock band Kasabian as the week's musical guest.

SNL UK will comprise a total of six episodes, which will be broadcast weekly on Sky One.

The show debuts this Saturday (March 21) and Sky previously released a teaser for the upcoming programme, introducing the writing team.

The teaser has amassed over 3 million views on YouTube since it was released on March 6.

Many flocked to the comments section, with one person posting: "Officially excited, applied for tickets to be in the audience, would love to be there for opening show..

"Can't believe they've got Tina Fey to Host the first ever episode!".

A second penned: "Hmm, interesting. We were hearing at first that the cast was going to consist entirely of people who have never been on TV before.

"I was never sure that was practical. Still, it's a pretty fresh line-up, not saturated with over-exposed UK comedians. Just going off of this, it looks like they have good chemistry. I'll certainly give it a shot. I'd like nothing more than to be blown away by a show like this in 2026."

A third shared: "I'm so excited for this - we love SNL, and we've wanted a UK one for YEARS (even knowing a previous version didn't do so well.) We have faith. It will be great.

"BUT - slightly bemused that they went for 'off-brand chicken shop/getting p***** in the back of the cab' for their intro rather than 'theatres/Trafalgar Square/high end club' like the NY SNL. I guess that was what they were going for? To be fair, though, that's probably more accurate of the average Saturday night out in the UK."

Another person chimed in: "I really hope this works out! I think Britain's ready for this, we all need a good laugh."

Leading the team as head writer is Jonno Johnson and Charlie Skelton as weekend update head writer. Skelton's past work includes 10 O'Clock Live and 8 Out of 10 Cats.

Other contributors include Bella Hull, a writer for Have I Got News For You, Gráinne Maguire from The Last Leg, Hari Kanth of Horrible Science, and Humphrey Ker, known for his work on Mythic Quest and Welcome to Wrexham.

Additional members of the writing team encompass Al Roberts, Ayo Adenekan, Celya AB, Chris Cantrill, Ellie Fulcher, James Farmer, Joseph Moore, Keith Akushie, Laura Claxton, Lorna Rose Treen, Louis Waymouth, Nathan Foad, Omar Badawy, and Omodara Olatunji.

The writers represent a blend of experienced professionals and rising stars.

Head writer Johnson previously stated: "The number of funny, talented writers we have got to work on SNL UK is ludicrous. Some of them have been doing this for years, some of them it's their first ever writing job. All of them make me giddy to come to work each day. Could not imaginably feel luckier that we get to make this show together."

Meanwhile, Sky executive Phil Edgar Jones OBE commented: "As SNL UK races towards launch our brilliant team of writers are already hard at work crafting some sublime and (importantly) funny sketches for our equally brilliant cast to perform. I've been lucky enough to attend a couple of table reads and I am delighted to report I cried laughing. We cannot wait to share the fun with a wider audience."

SNL UK will premiere on Sky One on March 21

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