Saturday Night Live UK has returned for its second series… and fans have already earmarked one star for future greatness.
The British spin-off of the American comedy institution first aired earlier this year, to critical and fan acclaim.
In addition to a line-up of all-star hosts – including comedian Jack Whitehall, Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan, and SNL royalty Tina Fey – it made household names of its cast.
This included comedian George Fouracres, who quickly rose to prominence with a brutally dithering impression of our then-Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
Starmer may have since departed, but Fouracres is back, now embodying the new PM, Andy Burnham, in the first episode’s cold open.
And, as the episode aired, fans were more convinced than ever that the show has an up-and-coming national treasure on its hands.
Fouracres kicked off the episode by appearing as Burnham in a sketch which also featured Jack Shep and Ayoade Bamgboye as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In it, Harry returned to Windsor, where his ‘father’ King Charles (Larry Dean) was frustrated to find that the pair had ‘spent all their Netflix money already.’
‘What a waste you’ve become – you’re lucky your father is not around to see this,’ sighed the King, in a line which elicited a riotous response from the audience.
But it was Fouracres who proved the star, replacing series one’s Paddy Young as ‘TikTok PM’ Burnham.
‘Don’t worry,’ he assured everyone. ‘I’m nothing like the last one.’
It was the first of several moments in the show stolen by Fouracres, who is well on his way to becoming SNL UK’s breakout star.
As the episode aired, social media viewers took to X to share their thoughts on the episode – and praise for Fouracres.
Describing Fouracres as ‘up there with the best of them,’ MattOakleyMojo likened him to comedy greats Steve Coogan, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, adding: ‘National treasure in the making.’
Lost_something dubbed Fouracres as Burnham ‘the funniest thing ever,’ while MichaelFM92 called it an ‘incredible’ impression.
‘George did such an incredible job oh my god,’ said FilmIndexMedia, as ReynardCity described the comedian as ‘a lot of fun.’
‘Elite,’ added isamutlib. ‘I don’t think he realises it.’
‘Lorne [Michaels] has to staple Fouracres’ feet to that studio floor. What a wonderful weird little b*****d,’ wrote ColdMotherWall.
Having wrapped up the opening skit, the show was joined by its guest host, Jurassic Park star Jeff Goldblum, and musical guest CMAT.
Elsewhere in the episode, Fouracres got to showcase more of his bizarre side with the return of his 45 Seconds with Fouracres bit, before donning a baby costume to play Gregor J Dupont, a professional thespian who dresses as an infant child to help prepare expectant parents.
Meanwhile, the previous Andy Burnham – Paddy Young -joined Ania Magliano for the return of their Weekend Update.
In addition to its returning talent, the episode also marked the debut of new cast member Freddie Meredith.
Of joining the SNL cast, Meredith said: ‘It’s the most iconic comedy show and it looks like so much fun.
‘It will undoubtedly inform everything I do for the rest of my career and I can’t wait for the experience. It’s SNL!!!’
Such is Fouracres’ rise to fame, that he’s already being talked about as a future Time Lord.
After being tipped by Richard Osman as a candidate for the next Doctor, Fouracres told Metro: ‘It’s hard to talk about because… like, obviously that would be my biggest dream ever come true, ever.
Growing emotional, he added: ‘That would be obviously the thing I would probably most like to do in the universe.’
‘Even the fact that people have brought it up is so flattering and so gorgeous to me as a fan of Doctor Who, a proper fan.
‘The idea of fellow fans saying that about me is so massive to me and so lovely – I really appreciate it.’
The TARDIS doors might remain closed for now, but Fouracres is quickly establishing himself as an out of this world talent.
Saturday Night Live UK returns to Sky One and streaming service NOW TV on Saturday, September 19.