Saturday Night Live returns next month for its new season but ahead of the launch several cast members have announced their departures, now including Ego Nwodim
Another Saturday Night Live star has announced that they are leaving the late-night sketch show. They are said to be the fifth cast member to be departing, with the news coming ahead of the new season launching next month.
Ego Nwodim, 37, has revealed that she won’t be returning to the NBC show after having joined the cast in 2018. The comedian said in a statement that it was her decision to leave and, after seven seasons on the show, expressed her gratitude to creator Lorne Michaels for the opportunity.
Sharing the news with fans, Ego wrote in the statement posted on Instagram earlier today “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.”
She continued: “I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always. Now invite me to your weddings please!!!”
The news was met with well wishes from fans, some of whom expressed disappointment over her departure. One person reacted: “You will be greatly missed but can’t wait to see what’s ahead.” Another said: “Gonna miss you so much ughhhh.” A third wrote: “You’ll be very very missed!!!!!”
Ego is the latest star to have announced their departure. The news of a shake-up among the cast began with Devon Walker, 34, revealing last month that he won’t be returning after having joined the show in 2022. He teased that he’s hoping to appear in a “prestige drama” following his exit.
Days later, co-star Emil Wakim, 27, announced that he’s leaving SNL after having joined last year, with him describing it as a “gut punch of a call” to receive. Later that same week, Michael Longfellow, 31, shared that he won’t be back either, after joining in 2022, saying: “Wish I was, but so it goes.”
It has also been reported that Heidi Gardner, 42, who has been on SNL since 2017, is leaving the show. The news was shared by outlets including Variety last month, though she has yet to confirm her departure ahead of the new season.
It’s also been reported that the Please Don’t Destroy segment won’t be returning, after the trio behind it – consisting of John Higgins, Martin Herlihy and Ben Marshall – joined the show in 2021. John has revealed that he will be leaving the show, sharing his excitement to pursue acting opportunities.
According to Vulture, Martin will become a writer, whilst Ben is confirmed to be joining the main cast for the new season. Last week, SNL announced four other new cast members. It’s been revealed that Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska are joining the show.
The new season of SNL is due to begin on October 4 in the US.
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