First on LateNighter: Someone new will be calling the shots for these next three episodes of Saturday Night Live UK, as director Liz Clare bows out to honor previous commitments—including the 79th Annual Tony Awards.
Sources say that Clare—whose previous credits include the BBC panel show Would I Lie to You? (for which she earned a BAFTA Award nomination), Six: The Musical Live!, and other awards shows—was always committed to direct SNL UK through April 25. (That show, the series’ fifth, was hosted by Nicola Coughlan.)
When SNL UK‘s first-series order was expanded from six to eight episodes (with a one-week hiatus in the middle), Richard Valentine was tapped to direct the final three shows, starting this Saturday with host Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus).
A two-time BAFTA Award winner, Valentine’s directing credits include the incredibly titled Channel 4 panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, the Olivier Awards, Strictly Come Dancing, The Sound of Music Live!, and the original ITV incarnation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Ahead of her SNL UK departure, Clare used her Instagram account to sing the praises of fellow production staff members, while also making clear, “I’m going to miss my SNL UK family at TC1” (the storied studio where the sketch comedy series is produced).
As we speak, Clare is en route to New York to do prep as director of this year’s Tony Awards, which will air live Sunday, June 7 on CBS, and stream on Paramount+. Music superstar P!NK will make her debut as host of Broadway’s biggest night.
SNL UK airs live Saturdays at 10 p.m. GMT on Sky One, and streams next day Stateside on Peacock. With three episodes left to air, the finale is scheduled for May 16.
