US actress Tina Fey has made a whimsical entrance in London, descending as Mary Poppins to deliver a dose of comedic magic to the cast of the UK edition of Saturday Night Live (SNL) ahead of its inaugural show this weekend.
The 55-year-old, a celebrated former head writer and lead cast member on the sketch show’s US version, is set to host the UK series’ debut episode on March 21. She will be joined by indie band Wet Leg as the musical guests for the highly anticipated launch.
A preview released by Sky TV on Tuesday showcased Fey in full British nanny attire, reminiscent of Julie Andrews’ iconic 1964 film portrayal. She floats gracefully downwards with an umbrella, ready to impart wisdom to the new ensemble.
The trailer opens with the show’s first cast members – Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young – discussing the imminent launch. Actress Annabel Marlow queries how key information, such as broadcast times, will be communicated to the public.
Al Nash confidently replies: "We’ll just find a way to pop it in."
The camera then pans to Fey, suspended mid-air in her Poppins costume, adopting a British accent as she asks: "Did someone say Poppins?"
As the star descends from the studio ceiling, she continues in character before abruptly dropping the accent. "Gather around children, nanny is here with everything you need for a practically perfect… You know what, I’m going to drop the voice," she declares. "I’ve got everything you need for your first ever SNL UK."
Fey then produces a series of props from her seemingly bottomless bag, a clear nod to Mary Poppins’ magical accessory. These include colourful scarves, a short brown wig, and a large lamp. She then pulls out a crown, quipping: "In case you guys want to do royal stuff."
The star revealed other props including “a really long shoe” and an eel pie, before she pulled out a large case of files which read “The Epstein files” in big red letters.
The gag refers to the collection of documents detailing the activities of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, which have named high-profile figures including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Cast member Young then said: “Oh that’s us.”
“We’re not in them, we’re just going to do jokes about them,” comedian and writer Magliano quipped.
The final item Fey reveals is a sign stating: "I’m Tina Fey and I’m hosting SNL UK this week. Why? Because I thought it’d get me dual citizenship. It did not."
Marlow then interjects: "Hang on, is that why you asked us all to marry you?" The rest of the cast then reveal they are all wearing engagement rings, prompting Fey to make a swift exit, ascending back into the studio ceiling.
As she departs, she humorously calls out: "Winch me up boys. This really hurts my crotch. Goodbye children."
SNL UK will be broadcast live from London at 10pm every Saturday night on Sky, with each episode running for 75 minutes and featuring a different host alongside the resident cast.
The US version of the show, which has been running since 1975, is renowned for launching the careers of comedic giants such as Fey herself, Bill Murray, and Eddie Murphy.
Saturday Night Live UK will premiere on Sky and streaming service Now every Saturday from March 21, and will also be available on catch-up.
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