James Austin Johnson’s Trump crashes SNL UK in surprise crossover

James Austin Johnson brought his Donald Trump impression across the Atlantic for a surprise appearance in the cold open of Saturday Night Live UK. The sketch set up a meeting about Ukraine between Andy Burnham and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, then had Trump interrupt with jokes about politics on both sides of the pond.

Key takeaways

• Johnson reprised his Trump character in an SNL UK and US show crossover.

• The cold open imagined Burnham as prime minister, meeting Zelenskyy at Downing Street.

• Trump’s arrival sparked jokes about British headlines and a jab at the UK show itself.

• James Norton hosted the episode, with The Streets as musical guest.

A Downing Street meeting takes an unexpected turn

The sketch began with Burnham, played by George Fouracres, welcoming Zelenskyy, played by Freddie Meredith. The two discussed the war in Ukraine and the need for stronger US support. When Burnham said he would raise the matter with Trump, Johnson’s character appeared as if summoned.

The cameo gave the UK programme a direct link to its American counterpart, where Johnson is known for playing the US president. Trump’s entrance prompted a string of jokes, including a fanciful offer to swap jobs with Burnham. He described the presidency as a miserable role, without making it sound especially appealing to the fictional prime minister.

Trump turns his attention to British headlines

The character then riffed on UK news, with references to Manchester City’s legal case, debate over small-boat crossings in the Channel and the death of former child actor William Chapman at a wildlife park. The sketch also took aim at Russell Brand, who is facing trial on rape and sexual assault charges. These lines were part of the show’s satirical routine.

Before leaving, Trump broke the fourth wall with a dig at SNL UK, suggesting British comedy was in trouble because the cast had no one who could play him. The joke also nodded to the crossover itself: Johnson had travelled from the US show to fill that supposed gap.

A live-comedy crossover with a London connection

The episode was hosted by James Norton, with The Streets performing as musical guest. For London audiences, the sketch is a reminder of how comedy can bring familiar performers into unexpected settings. At Comedy in Your Eye, the focus is live professional stand-up in the intimate surroundings of The Camden Eye, with weekly Tuesday and Thursday shows and a top-secret lineup—another way to catch comedy talent up close in the capital.

Sources

• America's President Trump pops into Saturday Night Live UK : Video 2026 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide, Chortle.

• SNL: James Austin Johnson's Trump Invades Tonight's SNL UK Cold Open, Bleeding Cool News.