Hannah Waddingham and Ncuti Gatwa to Host Final Saturday Night Live UK Episodes

Saturday Night Live UK is heading towards a spectacular finish, and organisers have saved two of the biggest names for last. West End powerhouse Hannah Waddingham and stage and screen star Ncuti Gatwa have been confirmed as the hosts of the final two episodes of the show's inaugural season, bringing serious theatrical pedigree to the live comedy format.

Hannah Waddingham Brings West End Star Power to SNL UK

Waddingham will take the hosting reins for the 9 May episode, appearing alongside musical guest Myles Smith. For theatre fans, Waddingham needs little introduction. She is one of the most celebrated performers to have graced the West End stage, with a career spanning some of London's most iconic productions. Her credits include originating the role of the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, a critically acclaimed turn as the Witch in Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods, and a memorable stint in Kiss Me, Kate at the Old Vic Theatre.

She is also a WhatsOnStage Award winner, and her musical theatre background has been a hallmark of her career even as she has achieved global fame through her Emmy-winning performance as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso. Her combination of vocal prowess, comedic timing, and commanding stage presence makes her a natural fit for a live variety show format like SNL UK.

Ncuti Gatwa Closes the Season on 16 May

The following week, on 16 May, Ncuti Gatwa will step up to host the season finale, with music from singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone. Gatwa has become one of the UK's most exciting talents across both stage and screen. Audiences may know him best as the Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who, or for his breakout role as Eric Effiong in Netflix's Sex Education, but his theatrical roots run deep.

Gatwa's stage credits include a production of The Importance of Being Earnest and the acclaimed play Born With Teeth. His charisma and energy on stage have long marked him out as a performer of rare versatility, and hosting a live comedy show broadcast from London will give him another opportunity to showcase those skills in front of a national audience.

What Is Saturday Night Live UK?

For those who haven't yet tuned in, Saturday Night Live UK is the British adaptation of the legendary American sketch comedy series that has been a cultural institution since 1975. The UK version broadcasts live from London at 10pm each Saturday evening, running for 75 minutes with a different celebrity host each week.

The show features an inaugural ensemble cast that brings together some of the UK's sharpest comedic talents, including Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. Many of these performers have theatre backgrounds, which gives the show a distinctly British stage flavour alongside its comedy sketches and musical performances.

A Star-Studded First Season

The Waddingham and Gatwa announcements cap off what has been an impressive roster of hosts for the show's debut run. Earlier episodes featured a mix of international and homegrown talent, including American comedy legend Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed, Jack Whitehall, and Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan. Musical guests throughout the series have included Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, Kasabian, Jorja Smith, and Foo Fighters, giving the show serious credibility on the music front as well.

Before Waddingham and Gatwa take their turns, there is still one more episode to enjoy. On 2 May, Aimee Lou Wood, known for her roles in Sex Education and various stage productions, will host with music from MEEK.

Why Theatre Fans Should Pay Attention

The decision to book performers with strong theatrical backgrounds for the closing episodes of SNL UK's first season feels significant. Both Waddingham and Gatwa represent the kind of crossover talent that has become increasingly common in British entertainment, where the West End and London's wider theatre scene serve as a training ground for performers who go on to achieve global recognition.

Waddingham in particular has been vocal about her love for live performance and the West End, and her hosting spot could well feature the kind of musical moments that made her a star in the first place. Gatwa, meanwhile, brings the high-energy physicality and spontaneity that his stage work is known for, making him an ideal choice for the unpredictability of live television.

For theatre lovers, SNL UK has been a welcome reminder that many of the UK's biggest screen stars cut their teeth on London's stages. It is also a platform that celebrates live performance in an era when so much entertainment is pre-recorded and heavily edited. The show's 75-minute live format demands the same skills that make a great theatre performer: timing, presence, and the ability to handle the unexpected.

How to Watch

Saturday Night Live UK airs live on ITV1 and ITVX at 10pm on Saturday evenings. The remaining three episodes of the current season air on 2 May, 9 May, and 16 May 2025. Previous episodes from the first season are available to catch up on via ITVX.

If watching these brilliant stage-trained performers on SNL UK has inspired you to see live theatre for yourself, there is no shortage of options in London right now. Browse our full list of current London shows to find something perfect for your next night out, or explore the latest West End musicals and plays currently running across the capital's theatres.