Aimee Lou Wood Takes the Stage on SNL UK with a Playful Nod to Sex Education and The White Lotus
Aimee Lou Wood Shines as Host of SNL UK
Aimee Lou Wood took center stage this week as the host of SNL UK, drawing attention to her prominent roles in popular series. “You might know me from Sex Education, the show that took the shame out of getting freaky,” she commented, adding a humorous note with, “Or, perhaps you know me from The White Lotus, the show where a guy wanks off his brother and puts the shame right back in there.”
During her opening monologue, Wood also referenced a viral moment involving Kim Cattrall before transitioning into an ’80s-inspired pop video, where she showcased her comedic flair as a singer struggling with hand-eye coordination. This week’s musical guest was British singer-songwriter MEEK, featured on Sky One and the streaming service NOW TV.
In the Weekend Update segment, co-host Ania Magliano addressed a notable incident from last week’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, humorously stating, “For all those in attendance it was an undeniably terrifying event. President Trump shat himself. Minutes later the shots rang out.”
The episode’s sketches included a satirical portrayal of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commandeering a royal plane transporting King Charles and Queen Camilla back from their visit to the U.S. Starmer humorously reasoned, “What other choice did I have, do a good job?” The royal couple had just expressed confidence, joking about Donald Trump’s behavior and reflecting on Camilla’s lighthearted admission of smuggling cannabis gummies back home.
SNL UK also targeted the sci-fi series Doctor Who, with series regular Hammed Animashaun featuring as the Doctor and Wood as his assistant. In a hilarious exchange, Wood’s character remarked, “It looks like my HPV flare-up” upon encountering a grotesque monster. Wood later appeared as Princess Peach alongside Mario in a lighthearted skit.
Previously, Wood expressed mixed feelings about a U.S. SNL sketch involving her, describing it as “mean and unfunny.” Ahead of her hosting stint, she released a promotional video that generated buzz.
While the UK adaptation of the iconic sketch show has made a significant impact on social media, its TV ratings have seen a decline since its strong debut. Sky’s strategy, which restricts some sketches to subscribers of its pay-TV service, seems aimed at driving membership.
Wood’s hosting joins a lineup that has included notable figures like Tina Fey and Nicola Coughlan, with upcoming hosts for the season finale announced as Hannah Waddingham from Ted Lasso and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa. Originally set for six episodes, SNL UK has since been extended to eight, reflecting its growing presence in the comedy landscape.
