The second episode of Saturday Night Live UK is set to air this week, hosted by Irish actor Jamie Dornan with musical guest Wolf Alice. This follows a critically acclaimed premiere that marked the UK adaptation's debut 50 years after the original US version launched.
Premiere Success and Ratings
SNL UK's first episode received a warm welcome from critics and audiences alike, featuring sketches on popular themes like Paddington, Hamnet, and Sir David Attenborough. According to reports, the debut attracted 226,000 viewers in its 10pm slot on Sky One, a number expected to grow as the show gains traction. Broadcast live weekly, the series promises a new host and musical guest each episode, supported by a recurring cast of comedians.
Host Profile: Jamie Dornan
Jamie Dornan, a 43-year-old Irish actor, model, and musician, brings star power to this week's episode. He began his career as a model, ranked among Vogue's '25 Biggest Male Models of All Time', before transitioning to acting with roles in films like Marie Antoinette. Dornan gained fame for his portrayal of serial killer Paul Spector in The Fall and achieved global recognition as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades franchise. As a musician, he performed with the folk band Sons of Jim. He is married to actress Amelia Warner, and they have three daughters.
Musical Guest: Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice, an English rock band from London, serves as the musical guest for episode 2. Formed in 2010 as an acoustic duo by singer Ellie Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie, the band expanded to include drummer Joel Amey and bassist Theo Ellis in 2012. They released their debut single 'Fluffy' in 2013 and have since produced four studio albums, with their latest hitting number one in the UK and earning a nomination for the 2026 Brit Award for British Album. The band's name is inspired by a short story by Angela Carter.
Recurring Cast and Availability
The SNL UK recurring cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. These comedians will appear in sketches throughout the season, adding to the show's comedic appeal.
Saturday Night Live UK is available to watch on Sky One and NOW, offering live broadcasts and on-demand viewing for fans across the UK.
