Brief
SNL UK opens season with sketch lampooning Ed Sheeran, King Charles and AI
The UK version of SNL used its opening sketch to parody Ed Sheeran’s tour controversy, the monarchy and a fictional AI princess.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Saturday Night Live UK’s second‑season premiere opened with a sketch that mocked singer Ed Sheeran, King Charles and a fictional AI version of Princess Diana, according to Rolling Stone.
What happened
The sketch placed King Charles, played by Larry Dean, at Buckingham Palace receiving an AI bot called “Jack Shep” from two tech billionaires. The bot, described as a “Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android,” goes rogue, shooting the billionaires. The monarch then urges caution, while a character representing Sheeran, voiced by Annabel Marlow, declares he prefers to “sit on the fence” and avoid taking sides.
What the reports add
Rolling Stone noted that the sketch referenced Sheeran’s recent “Loop” tour controversy, including the removal of opening acts such as Macklemore, Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Row. The outlet also mentioned a later “Weekend Update” segment that again targeted Sheeran, with cast members joking about the impact on his fans.
What was said
In the sketch, the AI‑Princess Diana says, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. I was just outside sitting on the fence,” and adds, “I don’t like to take sides.”
Cast member Ania Magliano quipped, “This crisis is the worst thing that has happened to Ed Sheeran fans since their head injury,” while Paddy Young added, “Say what you want about Ed, but he has always been a passionate advocate of causes that are allowed.”
How it came about
The satire follows earlier coverage of SNL UK’s treatment of Sheeran, including Amelia Dimoldenberg’s monologue on the September 26 episode that referenced his 2021 “Chicken Shop Date” interview and the fallout from Macklemore’s removal from the U.S. leg of the tour. Felo’s previous article SNL UK Satire Hits Ed Sheeran, King Charles, and AI detailed the sketch’s blend of royal and tech humor.
Key facts
- SNL UK’s season premiere featured a sketch satirising Ed Sheeran, King Charles and a rogue AI princess Diana. (rollingstone.com)
- The sketch referenced Sheeran’s recent Loop tour controversy and the removal of several opening acts. (rollingstone.com)
- Cast members Ania Magliano and Paddy Young made jokes about Sheeran during the episode’s “Weekend Update” segment. (rollingstone.com)
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “Watch 'SNL UK' Skewer Ed Sheeran for 'Sitting on the Fence'”
