Donald Trump has reacted to Saturday Night Live UK’s inaugural episode after it opened with a politically charged cold open that mocked the fraught relationship between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the US President amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
George Fouracres portrayed a visibly anxious Starmer seated at his desk, a framed photograph of Trump positioned behind him, as he prepared to deliver unwelcome news to the American president about Britain’s reluctance to join the war effort.
The sketch reflected genuine tensions between the two leaders. President Trump criticised the UK’s response to the escalating situation on Friday, telling reporters: “I was a little surprised at the UK They should have acted a lot faster.”
Mr Fouracres’ Starmer opened with nervous apprehension: “Oh, golly! What if Donald shouts at me? What do I say?”
SNL UK: Keir Starmer and David Lammy were parodied in the SNL UK cold open
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His adviser, played by Hammed Animashaun as Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, attempted to calm him with straightforward guidance: “Just be yourself, prime minister! Yourself is who everyone likes.”
The counsel proved ineffective. When Trump answered with a blunt “hello,” Starmer immediately hung up in terror, burying his face in his hands.
The Prime Minister then spoke about the US President as though discussing a difficult former partner. “I just want to keep him happy. You don’t understand him like I do. I can change him!” Mr Fouracres’ character insisted.
A Gen Z adviser, portrayed by Jack Shep, was drafted in to salvage the relationship.
SNL UK: George Fouracres played Keir Starmer
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Mr Shep’s character addressed the PM as “Starmzy” — a playful nod to the rapper Stormzy. “I’m an expert in messy drama, I’ve been in three throuples and I’m currently gay,” he said.
The Gen Z advisor suggested Starmer should abandon the phone call entirely and send a voice message instead.
In the sketch, Starmer’s recorded message to Trump began with a diplomatic rejection: “Hi, Donald. I’m afraid I can’t go to war with you, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t be chums.”
The voice note then veered into nostalgic territory, urging the President to recall happier moments in the transatlantic relationship. “Remember the good times. Remember D-Day? Remember Live Aid? Remember Iraq? The first week and none of the rest,” Mr Fouracres’ Starmer pleaded.
🚨 NEW: Donald Trump has reposted the Saturday Night LIVE UK parody of Keir Starmer’s phone calls with him pic.twitter.com/psFOf11di6
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) March 22, 2026
The message also referenced British appearances on the American sitcom Friends, before drawing a pointed comparison: “But most importantly, remember the one where Ross and Rachel were on a break? I think that’s perhaps what we need. Not forever, just until you’ve got all this war out of your system.”
While declining military participation, Starmer offered a consolation: “You can, however, use the naval bases whenever you want.”
Mr Animashaun’s Lammy offered measured congratulations following the message: “Good work, sir. You did the bare minimum, and that’s all people expect from you.”
Mr Fouracres’ Starmer then broke the fourth wall with a final observation: “It just goes to show, while we may not agree with everything America does, we can still be civil and embrace their wonderful, unproblematic culture.”
The trio of Mr Fouracres, Mr Animashaun and Mr Shep then united to deliver the show’s signature phrase: “Live from London, it’s Saturday night!”
The skit has been watched hundreds of thousands of times across the globe since its premiere, and it has now caught the attention of Potus himself.
Taking to Truth Social, President Trump reposted the skit to his profile, seemingly endorsing its mockery of his peer across the pond.
Meanwhile, comedian and actress Tina Fey served as host for the premiere, bringing her considerable SNL pedigree to the British adaptation.
The episode also featured appearances from Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan and Arrested Development’s Michael Cera, with musical guest Wet Leg. The series will run for eight episodes on Sky.