5 Must-Know Facts About Josh O’Connor, The Crown Star Making His SNL Debut Tonight, December 13, 2025

The question of "Who's hosting SNL tonight?" is being answered by a royal presence, albeit a fictional one. This Saturday, December 13, 2025, *Saturday Night Live* Season 51 returns to Studio 8H with a highly-anticipated debut host: acclaimed British actor Josh O’Connor, best known globally for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Prince Charles. O'Connor's hosting gig is perfectly timed to promote a slew of major new cinematic projects, promising an evening of unexpected sketch comedy from a performer primarily known for intense, dramatic roles.

The night's musical guest is the sensational British singer-songwriter Lily Allen, who makes her return to the iconic stage following the release of her fifth studio album, *West End Girl*. Fans are eager to see how the star of *The Crown* will handle the live, unpredictable nature of the show, especially when paired with a pop culture icon like Allen, whose latest music is dominating the charts. This episode is a crucial installment in the final run of 2025 shows before the holiday break, setting the stage for the highly anticipated season finale.

Josh O'Connor: The Crown's Prince Charles Takes Over Studio 8H

Josh O’Connor is one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, known for his ability to transform completely for each role, from royal heir to working-class farmer. His turn as host marks his first time on the legendary *Saturday Night Live* stage, a significant milestone for any actor. Here is a comprehensive look at the host's life and career:

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• Full Name: Joshua O’Connor
• Date of Birth: May 20, 1990
• Place of Birth: Southampton, Hampshire, England
• Nationality: British
• Alma Mater: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (Graduated 2011)
• Breakthrough Role: Johnny Saxby in *God's Own Country* (2017)
• Most Famous Role: Prince Charles (later King Charles III) in Seasons 3 and 4 of Netflix's *The Crown* (2019–2020)
• Key Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (for *The Crown*), Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA nomination.
• Promoting: His hosting appearance is tied to his role in Rian Johnson's star-studded ensemble mystery, *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*, which is set for release in 2025.

The Royal Transformation: Why O’Connor is the Perfect Host

O'Connor's casting as host is a brilliant move by *Saturday Night Live* creator Lorne Michaels, capitalizing on the actor’s recent career trajectory and his status as a major international star. While he may not be a traditional comedian, his dramatic background provides a unique opportunity for the show’s writers to craft memorable sketches. His previous roles demonstrate a versatility that will be key to navigating the diverse demands of a live sketch show.

From Yorkshire Farmer to Royal Heir: O'Connor's Versatility

Before achieving global fame as Prince Charles, O'Connor garnered critical acclaim for his performance in the 2017 romantic drama *God's Own Country*. His portrayal of a young, troubled farmer in rural Yorkshire earned him a British Independent Film Award and established him as a serious dramatic force. This role, along with his work in films like *Only You* and the ITV series *The Durrells*, proves his range is expansive.

However, it was his nuanced, often heartbreaking depiction of a young Prince Charles in *The Crown* that cemented his A-list status. His ability to convey deep emotional complexity with subtle expressions is exactly what makes his upcoming *SNL* debut so intriguing. Will we see him parodying his royal role, or will he lean into completely new characters? The contrast between his serious on-screen persona and the absurd world of *SNL* is ripe for comedy.

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A Massive Year in Film: Promoting His 2025 Blockbusters

O’Connor is currently one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, with his *SNL* appearance serving as a major promotional platform for several high-profile projects. The primary focus is his role in the highly anticipated third installment of the *Knives Out* franchise, titled *Wake Up Dead Man*. This murder mystery is one of the most talked-about films of 2025, and O'Connor's presence in the ensemble cast ensures massive visibility.

Beyond the whodunit, O’Connor has also been promoting other significant 2025 releases, showcasing his commitment to diverse cinema. These include Kelly Reichardt's art heist drama *The Mastermind* and the romantic sports film *Challengers* (which premiered in 2024). His dedication to powerful, character-driven roles suggests that his opening monologue and sketches will be clever and well-executed, even if he’s feeling the pressure of a live performance.

Lily Allen's Second Act: The Musical Guest's Triumphant Return

Joining Josh O’Connor for the December 13th episode is the inimitable Lily Allen, marking her second appearance as a musical guest on *Saturday Night Live*. Allen’s return is a major event for music fans, as she is currently celebrating the release of her fifth studio album, *West End Girl*.

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The 'West End Girl' Era and Her New Sound

Lily Allen’s latest album, *West End Girl*, was released in October 2025, marking her first new studio material in several years. The album has been lauded by critics for its raw, honest lyricism and a return to the sharp, witty pop sensibilities that defined her early career hits like "Smile" and "F*** You." The new tracks are a blend of personal reflection and social commentary, and her performance on the *SNL* stage is expected to feature one of the album's powerful singles, such as the title track or a new fan favorite.

Her first appearance on the show solidified her status as a global music star, and this second turn comes at a pivotal moment in her career. Having successfully transitioned from pop provocateur to a respected West End actress and now back to a critically acclaimed recording artist, her performance will be a highlight of the night. The energy of her live performance, especially coming off a successful album launch, is sure to be electric.

What to Expect: Sketches, Cameos, and Topical Authority

The combination of a debut host known for drama and a musical guest promoting a highly personal new album provides a unique dynamic for the December 13th show. The writers will undoubtedly lean into O'Connor's most famous roles for sketch inspiration, and topical authority suggests a few key areas:

• Royal Parodies: An opening sketch or a recurring segment featuring O'Connor as an awkward Prince Charles attempting to navigate modern life or American culture is almost guaranteed.
• *Knives Out* Spoofs: Given his connection to the new mystery film, a parody of Rian Johnson's quirky detective Benoit Blanc, or a sketch where O'Connor plays a ridiculously over-the-top suspect, is highly likely.
• British-American Culture Clash: O'Connor's British background and Lily Allen's London roots offer ample material for sketches poking fun at cultural differences, perhaps featuring cast members like Chloe Fineman or Bowen Yang.
• Musical Guest Integration: Lily Allen is known for her sharp wit and acting experience (including her recent work on the West End). It would not be surprising to see her join O'Connor in a sketch, rather than just performing her musical numbers.

The entire episode is a major moment for Season 51, providing a fresh and unpredictable installment as the show heads into its final weeks of the year. Tune in to NBC and Peacock tonight at 11:30 PM ET/8:30 PM PT to witness Josh O'Connor’s highly anticipated debut and Lily Allen’s powerful musical return.