Just days ahead of the Saturday, March 21, series premiere of “Saturday Night Live UK,” one “Saturday Night Live” legend has landed the coveted spot as the series’ first ever host.
“Your Saturday Night Live UK first hosts and musical guests are here! SNL UK starts 21st March on Sky and @NOWtv,” the network captioned its Instagram announcement on Monday, March 16.
The first ever host of “Saturday Night Live UK” is none other than Tina Fey. The “Mean Girls” star will host as musical guest Wet Leg becomes the first to perform.
In the weeks that follow, Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan and British Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed will take the stage.
“Together, this first wave of hosts, musical guests and cast members marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the globally acclaimed SNL franchise,” a Sky press release read, per LateNighter, “blending its storied legacy with a fresh generation of British comedy voices.”
Tina Fey Set to Host ‘SNL UK’
Prior to her announcement as host, the 10-time Emmy Award winner joked that she would be open to the job “if someone wants to give me a free trip to England.”
“I’m on my way to the airport,” she told GoldDerby in June 2025.
However, Fey was a little less positive when asked about her thoughts on the spin-off series’ potential for success.
“I am very curious to see, because British humor is very different from American humor,” she explained. “In my limited experience, American and Australian humor is kind of the same, and British humor is weird and different. So we’ll see.”
Fans, on the other hand, were thrilled by the news of the “30 Rock” star’s appearance across the pond.
“TINA FEY!!!!!!!! Plus the cast!!!!! I’m not at all ready for this! 🧡🧡🧡” one follower wrote.
“I can’t wait for this!!!! Tina Fey over here passing the torch!! ❤️🙌🙌” another commented.
“Tina fey!! I’m sat,” a third chimed in.
Tina Fey Has a Storied History With ‘Saturday Night Live’
The comedian first joined the long-running sketch comedy series in 1997 as a writer. She was later promoted to head writer, marking the NBC series’ first female in the role.
She would later join the cast as co-anchor of “Weekend Update” in 2000, alongside late-night host Jimmy Fallon. Fey walked away from the sketch comedy series to work on her NBC sitcom, “30 Rock,” following the 2005-2006 season. However, she has made multiple appearances in the decades since.
Four of Fey’s Emmy Awards come from her work on “SNL,” including 2002’s award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for a 2016 appearance co-hosting with pal Amy Poehler.
