The debut season of Saturday Night Live UK brought a whirlwind of unforgettable characters, from spot-on royal impersonations to Weekend Update regulars that had fans howling. Now, as the show gears up for its second season, cast members Emma Sidi, Ayoade Bamgboye, and Weekend Update anchor Paddy Young sat down with us to pull back the curtain on the creative chaos behind the comedy.
When it comes to crafting original characters, Bamgboye admits he's in awe of Sidi's process. "This is my Jedi for characters from scratch," he says. Sidi, known for her bizarre Weekend Update personas—like a QVC host with a mysteriously elongating finger—reveals that the secret often lies in the hands. "There are a lot of handsy comedians," Young chimes in, clearly amused. But the real test? Making yourself laugh first. "I think it's making yourself laugh with something rather than starting the other way around," Sidi explains. Instead of overthinking, she just tries on a "little face" and builds from there. And where do these ideas strike? Naturally, in the shower.
The trio also shared their picks for British comedies that American fans of SNL should absolutely check out. Bamgboye recommends the BBC's Motherland, starring Anna Maxwell Martin and Diane Morgan, while Sidi points to the quirky Ann Droid, a recent BBC gem about an elderly care robot. Young, staying true to sketch tradition, suggests the 1998 classic Big Train, featuring Simon Pegg and Julia Davis. And for a dose of political satire, Bamgboye throws in The Thick of It, the profanity-laced comedy from Veep creator Armando Iannucci.
Live TV is a beast of its own, and the cast doesn't shy away from the pressure. Bamgboye admits he's terrified of going live, but finds the cold opens "electric." The unpredictability is part of the thrill—whether it's a last-minute rewrite or a sketch that goes off the rails. "You just have to roll with it," Young says, hinting at the chaos that often ensues behind the scenes.
As for dream hosts, the cast has a few ideas. While they didn't name names, they teased that a certain British comedy legend would be a perfect fit. And if Paddy Young ever got the chance to do a Weekend Update Joke Swap, he promises it would be absolute pandemonium. "I'd bring the chaos," he laughs.
With Season 2 on the horizon, fans can expect even more boundary-pushing humor and unforgettable moments. For more on the show's political impressions and what's coming next, check out our previous chat with the cast. And if you're looking for a weekend binge, we've got seven books that fly by to keep you entertained.
