SNL UK turns Oasis into Russian operatives in Andy Burnham cold open
Oasis were unmasked as Russian hackers, and the prime minister handed over his personal details. That was the cold open, meaning the opening sketch before the titles, on Saturday Night Live UK on 26 September.
The sketch centred on Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the Gallagher brothers, according to Variety. George Fouracres played Burnham, with Celeste Dring as Secretary of State Angela Rayner. Jack Shep played Liam Gallagher and Freddie Meredith played Noel Gallagher.
In the scene, Burnham agrees to fill in on guitar for Liam at an Oasis gig. He then hands over his personal details. The joke turns fast.
Both Gallaghers drop into Russian accents. Noel declares that Oasis is and has always been a Russian psyop, a secret influence operation. Liam and Noel are depicted stealing Burnham’s information for Moscow.
The timing is pointed. Days earlier, Burnham used his first speech at the United Nations to condemn Russian interference, according to ITV. He accused Russia of an “industrial-scale assault” on Britain and its allies through disinformation and cyberattacks. He also ordered security chiefs to set up a new unit to tackle Russian hostile activity online.
What makes this stand out is how directly the show reached for the week’s headlines. No invented scandal. Just the prime minister, a famous band and a security warning, folded into one sketch.
The episode was hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg, with Rachel Chinouriri as musical guest, according to Sky. It was the third episode of the second series, which premiered on 12 September 2026 on Sky One and NOW. The first series premiered on 21 March 2026 and ran for eight episodes, while the second run has 12 episodes.
