Alex Armstrong makes damning SNL UK prediction amid backlash to ‘painfully unfunny’ British adaptation

GB News presenter Alex Armstrong has shared his assessment of the promotional trailer for Saturday Night Live UK on X, predicting the programme will flop.

The teaser clip from Sky features American comedy star Tina Fey, who will host the debut episode tomorrow evening, dressed as Mary Poppins and descending from the studio ceiling via a winch.

"Gather round, children," Ms Fey announces in an exaggerated British accent before she decides to drop the impression.

"Nanny's here with everything you need for a practically perfect you know what, I'm gonna drop the voice. I've got everything you need for your first-ever SNL UK."

The promotional sketch sees Ms Fey pulling a collection of comedic items from a bottomless Mary Poppins-style bag, such as wigs, an oversized lamp, and a crown "in case you guys want to do royal stuff."

She also presents cast member Jack Shep with an eel pie "with extra eel."

The teaser introduces all 11 performers who will make up the resident ensemble: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.

Perhaps the most notable and talked-about moment comes when Ms Fey retrieves a large case emblazoned with "The Epstein files" in red lettering.

"We're not in them, we're just going to do jokes about them," cast member Ms Magliano quipped in response.

Ms Sidi then cut in, observing that the cast are merely attempting to work out how to promote the show.

Clearly unimpressed, Alex said of the trailer: "As predicted, it's not going to be funny in the slightest. I give it one season before it's cancelled."

Alex's scepticism echoes concerns voiced by television industry figures in recent days.

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One insider described the show as "doomed for failure before it even gets going," warning that the American format's comedy style relies on a cultural rhythm that simply does not translate across the Atlantic.

"SNL has become morbidly unfunny, woke drivel, and that stuff won't fly in Britain," the source stated.

Another industry figure suggested British viewers would struggle with what they termed the programme's "self-indulgent, woke tone," arguing that UK audiences are "frankly more discerning and expect a lot better."

A third source pointed to fundamental differences in comedic taste, noting that British audiences typically prefer "irony, subtlety, and a certain level of sophistication" over the American show's "loud and forced" approach.

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Despite the criticism, the show's crew has stood by the project. Producer James Longman told Radio Times that the programme would offer "an incredibly British perspective," emphasising the diversity of voices involved in the production.

"Our whole team is such a modern mix of voices. The writers are amazing, they're very funny, we're sweating Britishness!" Longman said.

He described the initial line-up of hosts and musical guests as "really special," expressing hope it would entertain viewers on Saturday evening.

Sky's Phil Edgar-Jones struck an optimistic note, stating: "We all need a laugh like never before, so we're beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US."