Paddy Young, the breakout star of SNL UK, opens up about his samurai sword injury, impersonating the new Prime Minister, and the wild night that almost ended his standup career. In an exclusive interview, Young reveals how a prop sword turned into a hospital visit – and why he still went on stage.
The Night of the Samurai Sword Accident
Young was preparing to host his comedy night Floggers with Australian comedian Sam Campbell when chaos erupted. Campbell had ordered a samurai sword online as a prop. As the duo rushed to catch an Uber, Young grabbed the bag holding the sword – and his hand was sliced open. "Blood splattered up the wall like Kill Bill," he recalls. His housemates saw yellow tendon or muscle, and Young fainted. At A&E, he received stitches but insisted on performing that night – even juggling with his injured hand.
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Emergency Surgery and a New Routine
Later, doctors discovered one tendon was 90% lacerated, requiring immediate surgery. Before the operation, Young passed out again. Now, with his arm in a sling and on codeine, he is turning the bizarre anecdote into a standup routine. "You're getting an exclusive on the hand," he jokes, unable to open a water bottle himself.
From SNL UK to Impersonating the New PM
Young co-anchors SNL UK's Weekend Update alongside Ania Magliano, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his sharp impersonations. His latest target? The new Prime Minister. "Andy Burnham can grow a moustache!" Young quips, referencing his cheeky take on the political figure. The sketch has gone viral, cementing his status as one of the most versatile comedians in the UK.
| Comedy Show | Role | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|
| SNL UK | Co-anchor, Weekend Update | Impersonating the new PM |
| Floggers | Co-host (as old man character) | Samurai sword accident |
| Make That Movie | Collaborator with Sam Campbell | Madcap Channel 4 series |
Key Takeaways from Paddy Young's Rise
- Breakout stardom on SNL UK's first critically acclaimed series.
- Unforgettable injury that became comedy gold – but required surgery.
- Versatile impersonator tackling both politicians and surreal characters.
- Resilience – performing despite a 90% lacerated tendon.
- Upcoming show "Will Sir Be Laughing Alone?" – a work-in-progress tour.
Young's willingness to turn pain into punchlines has endeared him to audiences. As he recovers, he continues to refine his craft, proving that even a near-severed tendon can't stop a dedicated comedian.
FAQ
How did Paddy Young injure his hand?
He grabbed a bag containing a samurai sword that Sam Campbell ordered as a prop for their comedy night, slicing his hand open. The injury required surgery for a 90% lacerated tendon.
What is Paddy Young's role on SNL UK?
He co-anchors the Weekend Update segment, a satirical news segment, alongside Ania Magliano.
Who does Paddy Young impersonate on SNL UK?
He impersonates the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, with a memorable line about growing a moustache.
Stay tuned for Young's upcoming work-in-progress show "Will Sir Be Laughing Alone?" and catch him on SNL UK's second series, already generating buzz for its irreverent humor and fearless sketches.