SNL UK's Paddy Young on his samurai sword accident, stand-up and impersonating the new PM
Comedian Paddy Young, a breakout star from SNL UK, recently injured his hand with a samurai sword but quickly returned to the stage. He discusses his career, insecurities, and future plans.
Samurai Sword Incident
Paddy Young, who co-anchors the satirical news segment Weekend Update on SNL UK alongside Ania Magliano, recently suffered a serious accident. Before a scheduled performance, he cut his hand on a samurai sword owned by fellow comedian Sam Campbell. Young was taken to the hospital, where doctors found one tendon was 90% severed, requiring surgery. Despite the injury, he performed that night, though he later admitted the experience was cringe-worthy.
Fear of Needles and Fainting
Young revealed he has a severe phobia of needles, which causes him to faint frequently. Even before surgery, he lost consciousness multiple times. This issue makes him feel "truly pathetic," but he is managing it.
Early Career and Comic Persona
Young grew up in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and showed an early interest in acting. At age 10, he was cast by renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn in one of his productions. He later studied at the Manchester School of Theatre and after graduating began stand-up comedy. His humor often focuses on flatshares, loneliness, and the struggles of Generation Rent, topics that resonate with many.
Breakthrough with SNL UK
Last year, Young was cast in SNL UK, which brought him widespread recognition. The show's first season was critically acclaimed, and its sketches accumulated over 86 million views online in just one month. Young admits this opportunity was unexpected and that he had never known what he was doing for more than six months before.
Impersonating the New Prime Minister
In the season finale, Young played Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester who later became UK Prime Minister. This role is expected to be reprised in the next season. Young jokes that Burnham might grow a moustache over the summer, but he himself won't shave his off, calling it his talisman.
Future Plans
Young is preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe festival, a new podcast, and a UK tour. Despite his success, he still feels insecure and fears that his good fortune might be temporary.
