Brief

Amelia Dimoldenberg Satirises Ed Sheeran on SNL UK

The comedian referenced Sheeran’s 2021 Chicken Shop Date appearance amid the singer’s recent tour disputes.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 27 Sep 2026 23:27:31 GMT

During the opening monologue of the September 26 episode of Saturday Night Live UK, host Amelia Dimoldenberg joked about Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour controversy. She referenced the singer’s 2021 Chicken Shop Date interview at Sam’s Chicken in London, a moment that had become a touchstone for the singer’s recent tour disputes. The monologue came as Sheeran’s U.S. leg of the Loop Tour had been marred by the removal of rapper Macklemore after the latter performed a “Free Palestine” set at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in early September. Macklemore was subsequently dropped from the tour, and Sheeran performed two shows in Philadelphia without an opening act, stressing unity over politics. Macklemore has since announced a Free Palestine Tour with dates in Dublin, Paris and London, with proceeds benefiting Palestinian support organisations.

Key facts

Amelia Dimoldenberg joked about Ed Sheeran during her opening monologue on SNL UK’s September 26 episode (billboard.com)
She referenced Sheeran’s 2021 Chicken Shop Date interview at Sam’s Chicken in London (billboard.com)
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s U.S. tour after chanting “Free Palestine” at MetLife Stadium (billboard.com)
Sheeran performed two Philadelphia shows without opening acts to focus on unity (billboard.com)
Macklemore announced a Free Palestine Tour with dates in Dublin, Paris and London (billboard.com)

Background

The incident follows earlier SNL UK sketches that lampooned public figures, including a roast of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a nor’easter, and a sketch featuring King Charles and an AI assistant. The SNL UK episode aired on the same night as the U.S. premiere of Season 52 hosted by NBA star Jalen Brunson.