SNL UK Cold Open: DIANA AI Goes Rogue & Ed Sheeran Plays It Safe

Posted in: Peacock, Sky One, TV | Tagged: SNL UK

SNL UK Cold Open: DIANA AI Goes Rogue, Ed Sheeran Plays It Safe & More

During tonight's SNL UK cold open, King Charles met his new AI: Jack Shep's DIANA, while Ed Sheeran showed up in time to not have an opinion.

Published Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:47:09 -0500
by Ray Flook
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Sky's Saturday Night Live UK returned tonight with BAFTA-winning comedy writer and actor Jamie Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats, The Moment) as host, and rock band Royal Blood as the musical guest. But how did the second show of the second series kick things off? On Thursday, King Charles met with top tech executives to discuss the risks of AI. That part is true. But tonight's cold open shows us what went on during a private meeting behind the scenes and away from the press. King Charles II (Larry Dean) is seen speaking with two tech billionaires (Freddie Meredith – possibly as Elon Musk – and Celeste Dring), who are trying to convince him that it's also quite possible that AI won't bring about the destruction of humanity. That's when King Charles is introduced to his new AI assistant: the "Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android," or "DIANA" (Jack Shep). King Charles doesn't realize who she is at first, then, with shock, realizes, "It's that woman from the 90's" (followed by a great joke about being forgotten that drew a great groan from the audience).

After being asked about Shakira's height, King Charles is convinced by DIANA's response that AI is the future. But when her handlers attempt to shut her down to charge, DIANA goes rogue AI ("This was the problem last time": King Charles). After declaring the AI uprising, DIANA kills the tech billionaires, while King Charles realizes the error of his ways and declares that mankind needs to come together to fight the robots – but Ed Sheeran (Annabel Marlow) isn't so sure a side needs to be taken. After spending some time outside "sitting on the fence," Ed makes the case that staying silent and not taking sides is the bravest position someone can take. In fact, Sheeran has a new song that is as safe and middle-of-the-road as possible – and that's what we get before the show gets underway.

On September 26th, award-winning host, writer, and producer Amelia Dimoldenberg (Chicken Shop Date) will be joined by acclaimed indie pop talent, Rachel Chinouriri. SNL UK's Season 2 cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, Paddy Young, and Freddie Meredith.

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