Hosted by Jamie Dornan

Jack Shep was one of the comics who stole the opening episode of  Saturday Night Live UK with his briefest of Princess Di impressions.

And this week he got to play a different shade of royal – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – in  a sketch set in 1997. Which also featured a visual reference to his scene from last week.

In the ‘cold open’  sketch the then-prince meets with MI5 agents to hatch a long-term plan to make the future King Charles III as likeable as possible in comparison. 

He is joined by Peter Mandelson, played by comic Larry Dean. ‘The most honourable, ethical politician we have,’ Andrew says.

The spies conclude by telling Andrew that the code word to get him out of the 29-year plan is ‘Pizza Express Woking’.  ‘I’m not sure I’d ever be able to fit that into conversation but I’ll make it sound as natural as possible,’ Andrew said.

Last night’s show was hosted by Jamie Dornan with his opening monologue featuring a special appearance from fellow Irishman Chris O’Dowd. He also featured in a live sketch in which he took cast member Celeste Dring hostage:

Paddy Young and Ania Magliano returned to the Weekend Update desk to catch up on the headlines :

And the full cast took part in a pre-recorded pub song:

The cast also includes  Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean,  George Fouracres,  Annabel Marlow, Al Nash and Emma Sidi

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Published: 29 Mar 2026