Saturday Night Live UK Features Former Prince Andrew in Cold Open About a 29-Year Undercover Operation with a Pizza Express Twist
“The code word is Pizza Express Woking.”
The latest cold open of Saturday Night Live UK took aim at Prince Andrew, humorously revisiting his past in a sketch set in 1997. The show’s second episode humorously details the former royal’s missteps and associations.
In this week’s sketch, a young Prince Andrew, portrayed by Jack Shep, encounters MI5 agents tasked with shaping the public image of a then-aspiring King Charles III. “I love my brother, love my country and am willing to do whatever it takes,” Andrew states, revealing a plan over the next 29 years to enhance Charles’s likability by diminishing that of other royals, including Prince Harry and Prince William.
As he reviews his lengthy strategy, Andrew brings Jeffrey Epstein into the conversation, questioning, “And you actually want me to do all this stuff? Even the bit about befriending a notorious paedophile? Before and after he’s convicted?”
Watch on Deadline
To the audience’s laughter, Andrew is joined by fellow Epstein associate Peter Mandelson, played by Larry Dean. “The most honorable, ethical politician we have,” Andrew quips, asserting, “No one will believe he is corruptible.” The scene references real-life arrests of both figures connected to the Epstein investigation.
The sketch concludes with the MI5 agents advising Andrew that the escape code is “Pizza Express Woking,” a nod to his infamous excuse from a BBC Newsnight interview. Andrew responds, “I’m not sure I’d ever be able to fit that into conversation but I’ll make it sound as natural as possible.”
SNL UK is now in its second week, and this episode marks the first hosted by a non-American, Jamie Dornan. His introduction featured jokes about Fifty Shades of Grey, potatoes, and a guest appearance from fellow Irishman Chris O’Dowd.
SNL UK will air weekly for the next seven weeks at 10 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. PT) on Saturdays, with episodes available on Peacock in the U.S. the following day. The cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.
Despite initial skepticism regarding the adaptation of this American show for a UK audience, the premier episode received favorable reviews and solid ratings. Next week, Riz Ahmed will take over hosting duties.
