Saturday Night Live UK is expanding its ensemble for season 2, with actor and comedian Freddie Meredith joining the cast ahead of the show's return this weekend.

Meredith, known for his works on Such Brave Girls and Big Boys, arrives fresh from his Edinburgh Fringe debut with Need a Light?, a show that earned him a nomination for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for best newcomer.

He joins the season 1 line-up, all of whom return for the new run: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.

Hailing from Shepherd's Bush, Meredith counts Jamie Demetriou, Tim Key, Tina Fey, Nathan Fielder, Kristen Wiig, Steve Coogan, Steve Carell and Julia Davis among his comedy heroes.

Asked why he wanted to be part of the show, Meredith called it "a no brainer". He 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!!!"

"I trained at drama school and began working professionally in theatre," he explained. "Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to comedy and started doing stand-up alongside my acting work, and that naturally led me into making short sketches online."

Season 2 opens with Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum hosting and Irish singer-songwriter CMAT as the musical guest. Sky has confirmed the new run will air six episodes across the autumn before pausing and returning in early 2027. Following the 12 September launch, further episodes are scheduled for 19 September, 26 September, 10 October, 17 October and 24 October.

Saturday Night Live UK returns on Saturday 12 September on and NOW. You can sign up to NOW from £4.99 a month.

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