A year after being mocked by Saturday Night Live in a tasteless sketch about her teeth, Aimee Lou Wood is set to host SNL UK in a masterful power move. The star of Sex Education and The White Lotus has already proven she is not afraid to stand up for herself, and her decision to host the show is a bold, brilliant play.
Background of the Controversy
In April last year, Wood, whose star was rising after her heartfelt performance in The White Lotus, first hit back at the long-running comedy institution. She had been bullied for her “big gap teeth” for years, and the fixation on her appearance intensified with orthodontist videos circulating on social media. In an interview with GQ, she expressed mixed feelings: “It makes me really happy that it’s symbolising rebellion and freedom, but there’s a limit… The whole conversation is just about my teeth, and it makes me a bit sad because I’m not getting to talk about my work… If it was a man, would we be talking about it this much?”
The SNL Sketch
Shortly after, SNL targeted Wood in a sketch imagining Donald Trump and his team at the fictional White Lotus hotel. Her character Chelsea was portrayed by Sarah Sherman, who used an exaggerated Manchester accent and fake teeth. The sketch was widely condemned by fans, and Wood responded on Instagram, calling it “mean and unfunny” and sharing a user’s comment labeling it misogynistic. She stated she was not “thin skinned” but wanted “a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way” of being made fun of. SNL apologized and sent flowers via Sherman.
Hosting SNL UK
Now, one year later, Wood is hosting SNL UK, another class move from a star unafraid to speak up. In a teaser for Saturday’s episode, she turns the teeth mockery on its head. Walking over to the cast, who are covering their mouths, she says, “I cannot wait to get started; you know, especially after the whole ‘thing’ in America with the teeth. So it’s going to feel good to just wipe the slate clean.” When they hide their mouths, she asks, “Oh my god. Have you guys got fake teeth in?” The cast then reveal they have grown “big, glorious moustaches” and pull her into a group hug.
A Powerful Narrative Reclamation
The skit, crucially funny, is a powerful play from Wood. Hosting SNL could be catharsis after “being bullied for my teeth forever.” She has spoken about paranoia over being too “ugly” for The White Lotus and overcoming mental barriers. By reclaiming the joke, Wood can move on and focus on her acting.
Wood’s Career Highlights
Wood’s role as Aimee in Sex Education won her a Bafta, balancing humor and heartbreak, including a storyline about sexual assault. As Chelsea in The White Lotus, she was the standout star among heavyweights. At next week’s TV Baftas, she is nominated for two awards: one for The White Lotus and one for her co-created BBC comedy Film Club.
Impact on SNL UK
Wood’s arrival shows how a bold host can elevate a series. Her hosting promises to take SNL UK to new heights with clever, nuanced jokes.
