Nicola Coughlan has shared a hilarious first look at her upcoming stint hosting SNL UK, poking fun at her own recent cameo on the show in a sketch filled with exaggerated nostalgia.
The Bridgerton and Derry Girls star is set to host the sketch series this week, just four weeks after appearing in its debut episode, but the promo sees her acting as though she’s been gone for years.
In the clip, Coughlan arrives at the studio — suitcase in tow — and greets cast members Hammed Animashaun and Annabel Marlow with mock emotion.
“I don't even know if you guys remember me,” she says. “It's Nicola Coughlan. I was actually here for the first ever episode of SNL UK.”
The joke continues as she marvels at how much they’ve “grown” in the space of a month, even producing a framed photo of her previous appearance and calling herself “young” and “innocent” back then.
When the cast points out she’s wearing the exact same outfit — complete with a still-fresh flower — she snaps back: “This is why we don’t keep in touch.”
The sketch ends with Coughlan alone on stage, dramatically declaring: “I'm back! Finally! Take that, Tina Fey! I'm the captain now.”
Coughlan’s connection to the show dates back to its launch episode on March 21, when she made a surprise cameo during Tina Fey’s opening monologue.
During that appearance, she jokingly questioned why an American comedian was chosen to front the UK version instead of a British icon, referencing names like David Beckham — or even “Shrek” — in a moment that quickly went viral.
Fey’s sharp reply — “How do I put this politely…. None of you fckers would do it”* — also helped set the tone for the UK spin-off, introducing a looser, more irreverent style compared to its US counterpart.
Coughlan will now take centre stage as host when the show returns on Saturday, April 25, marking the start of the second half of the programme’s eight-episode debut season. The episode will also feature Foo Fighters as the musical guest.
The series, which airs on Sky One and streams internationally, has already attracted attention for its mix of British and international talent.
Following Coughlan’s episode, Aimee Lou Wood — best known for The White Lotus and Sex Education— is set to host on May 2, alongside musical guest MEEK.
Nicola Coughlan and Aimee Lou Wood to Host SNL UK’s Return, With Foo Fighters and Meek as Musical Guests
Coughlan’s hosting role marks another major moment in what has been a standout few years for the Irish actress, who rose to international fame through Derry Girls before becoming a central figure in Netflix’s global hit Bridgerton.
Her return to SNL UK — even if only after a tongue-in-cheek “long absence” — underlines both her growing international profile and her comedic roots, which are firmly on display in the promo.
