SNL UK’s Weekend Update hosts Ania Mariano and Paddy Young joked that they worked with Jimmy Fallon to feature Jeffrey Epstein, Benson Boone and Lily Allen, among others, “to boost ratings” on this week’s episode.
After Mariano said, “The United Kingdom and the United States may appear to be drifting apart. The special relationship is in trouble,” Fallon emerged from under the desk and placed the host nation’s hand on top in a “hand-in-hand” scene. “We’re just two hosts sitting next to a more famous host and asking them to increase the ratings,” Young said.
As romantic music played in the background, Mariano said, “Look, Jimmy, I know America has seen a lot of other countries, but we were your first loves. We’ve given each other so much.” Young then added, “We gave you Harry Styles.” To this, Fallon grinned widely and replied, “Well, we took your Harry Styles and made Benson Boone. Ours is a flip.”
Mariano joked, “Certainly, the fusion of our cultures has not worked in the past. Look at Lily Allen’s marriage.” Young added, “Sometimes it just works. Look at Lily Allen’s album.”
Mr. Fallon said, “Yes, it may be worded differently, but it means the same thing as aluminum.” “It’s aluminum,” Mariano corrected. “Parking lot,” Fallon said. “Parking lot,” Young interjected. Fallon said, “Epstein.” Mariano said, “Andrew.” Fallon said, “Epstein.” Young said, “Mandelson.” “Epstein,” Fallon repeated. To which Mariano replied, “Dr. Stephen Hawking.” “Was Stephen Hawking there?” Fallon asked incredulously. “Stephen Hawking was there, too,” the hosts said in unison.
Mariano concluded: “The 4th of July is a day to celebrate our separation. But from now on, April 25th will be known as Codependency Day.”
At the beginning of the show, Fallon joined this week’s host, Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan, for an opening monologue. The Foo Fighters were the musical guests on the episode.
Elsewhere on Weekend Update, targets of jokes included Meghan Markle, Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Brand and Michael Jackson.
Mariano, who was seated next to a poster for the movie “Michael,” said, “The new biopic of Michael Jackson has been released in movie theaters nationwide. It’s the first movie ever made for children 12 and under.”
Young added: “The third act of the Jackson biopic, which was supposed to be about the sexual abuse allegations, was scrapped for legal reasons, leaving us with a short, unfinished segment, which is what he wanted.”
Earlier, Mr Young, seated next to a photo of Brand, said: “This week Russell Brand, a former celebrity and sixth generation (16 and 17 year old) entertainer, announced that he is running for Mayor of London, but the Mayor of London is on the run.”
Mariano added: “As part of a public relations campaign, Russell Brand was interviewed yesterday by Piers Morgan on what I affectionately call the Women’s Suicide Hour.”
SNL UK will feature hosts Young and Mariano each week, along with Al Nash, George Fouracres, Larry Dean, Hamed Animashaun, Ayoade Bumboy, Celeste Doring, Annabelle Marlowe, Jack Shepp and Emma Sidi.
‘SNL UK’ is produced by the UK production team at Universal Television Alternative Studios and Broadway Video at Sky and NOW. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer, James Longman is the lead producer, Liz Clare is the director, and Darran Jono Johnson is the lead writer.
‘SNL UK’ will be broadcast live on Sky and streaming service NOW, and will also be available on Peacock in the US the following day
