Hannah Waddingham to Host Final Episodes of 'Saturday Night Live UK' as Ted Lasso Season 4 Looms

Key facts

• Hannah Waddingham hosts SNL UK on May 9, with Myles Smith as musical guest.
• Ncuti Gatwa hosts the May 16 finale, with Holly Humberstone as musical guest.
• SNL UK's first season was extended from six to eight episodes before its premiere.
• Ted Lasso Season 4 premieres on Apple TV+ on August 5.
• SNL UK airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. GMT on Sky One and streams next day on Peacock.
• The show has not yet been renewed for a second season.

Waddingham and Gatwa to Headline Final Two Episodes

The inaugural season of Saturday Night Live UK will conclude with two high-profile hosts. Emmy-winning actress Hannah Waddingham, best known for her role as Rebecca Welton on Ted Lasso, will take the stage on May 9. She will be joined by musical guest Myles Smith, a BRIT Award winner. The following week, on May 16, Rwandan and Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa—who played the Fifteenth Doctor on Doctor Who and starred in Sex Education and Barbie—will host the season finale, with indie-pop singer Holly Humberstone as musical guest. The final two episodes cap an eight-episode first season that was extended from six installments before its premiere. The show has not yet been renewed for a second season, leaving its future uncertain. SNL UK airs live on Sky One and streaming service NOW in the UK, and becomes available the next day on Peacock in the United States.

Ted Lasso Reboot and Potential Cameo Fuel Speculation

Waddingham's hosting slot comes just months before the long-awaited fourth season of Ted Lasso, which Apple TV+ announced will premiere on August 5. The series, which was initially thought to have ended after three seasons, was revived for a soft reboot. The proximity of Waddingham's SNL UK appearance to the Ted Lasso return has sparked speculation that her former co-star Jason Sudeikis—who played Ted Lasso and was a longtime cast member on the US version of Saturday Night Live—might make a cameo. While no official confirmation has been made, the idea of a crossover is tantalizing for fans. Sudeikis's history with SNL and his beloved character Ted Lasso could make for a memorable sketch or opening monologue bit. Other Ted Lasso stars, such as Brett Goldstein and Phil Dunster, have also been mentioned as potential surprise guests, though nothing has been announced.

A Season of High-Profile Hosts and Musical Acts

SNL UK's first season has featured a rotating roster of celebrity hosts and musical guests. Previous hosts include Nicola Coughlan (with Foo Fighters), Jack Whitehall (with Jorja Smith), Riz Ahmed (with Kasabian), Jamie Dornan (with Wolf Alice), and Tina Fey (with Wet Leg). The upcoming May 3 episode will be hosted by White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood, with British singer Meek as musical guest. The show's ensemble 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. The production is led by executive producer Lorne Michaels, with James Longman as lead producer, Liz Clare as director, and Daran Jonno Johnson as head writer.

Production and Broadcast Details

SNL UK is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio's UK production team and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW. The show airs live on Saturdays at 10 p.m. GMT on Sky One and streams simultaneously on NOW. For US viewers, episodes are available the next day on Peacock, which offers subscriptions starting at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Peacock Premium and Premium Plus tiers provide ad-free streaming and offline downloads. The show's format mirrors the US original, with a weekly host delivering a monologue and appearing in sketches, alongside musical performances. The UK version has been well-received, though its future beyond the first season remains unconfirmed.

What Comes Next for SNL UK and Ted Lasso

As SNL UK wraps its freshman run, the question of renewal looms. The show's extension from six to eight episodes suggests confidence from Sky, but no official announcement has been made. Meanwhile, Ted Lasso's fourth season is set to debut on August 5, bringing back Waddingham and the rest of the cast. The reboot has generated significant buzz, and Waddingham's SNL UK appearance could serve as a promotional springboard. For fans hoping to see Jason Sudeikis or other Ted Lasso alumni on SNL UK, the May 9 episode remains a tantalizing possibility. Whether or not a cameo materializes, Waddingham's hosting gig underscores her rising profile beyond Ted Lasso, as she continues to land high-profile television and film roles.

The bottom line

• Hannah Waddingham hosts SNL UK on May 9, with Ted Lasso Season 4 premiering August 5.
• Ncuti Gatwa hosts the May 16 finale, capping an eight-episode first season.
• SNL UK has not been renewed for a second season; its future is uncertain.
• Jason Sudeikis is rumored as a potential cameo, given his SNL history and Ted Lasso role.
• The show airs on Sky One and NOW in the UK, and streams on Peacock in the US.
• Ted Lasso's fourth season is a soft reboot, generating anticipation for the series' return.