Paddy Young's life has taken a dramatic turn, but not quite the way he scripted it for Saturday Night Live UK. The star of 'Weekend Update' found himself on the sharp end of a samurai sword – literally – when his prop from a comedy night went rogue. The result was a 90% lacerated tendon in his hand, leaving him fainting twice at the sight and again before surgery. It's a story he's now turning into dark gold for his stand-up show, a testament to his quick wit and refusal to let setbacks knock him off track.
The incident occurred when Young, 34, hastily picked up a bag containing the sword, leading to the ghastly injury that left him reeling. He went on to perform just hours after being discharged from hospital – albeit with a tea towel wrapped around his mangled hand – an act he now winces at recalling. Adding insult to injury, Young has a severe phobia of needles, which makes even basic medical procedures feel like a nightmare.
Young's meteoric rise since SNL UK's debut series is nothing short of remarkable. His sharp zingers on 'Weekend Update' have become a staple of British comedy, but it's his stand-up that truly sets him apart. With his Edinburgh newcomer award-nominated show 'Hungry, Horny, Scared' (2023) still fresh in the memory, Young presents himself as an 'indignant northern underdog' and a 'messy millennial manchild', mining laughs from relatable struggles like dodgy houseshares and childhood bed-wetting.
But there's more to Paddy Young than meets the eye. Beneath the polished persona of SNL UK lies a complex individual beset by self-doubt, prone to seeing himself as a 'loser' in his own eyes. It's this candidness that makes him so relatable and funny – a fast-talking, overthinking man who's learning to navigate the cutthroat world of comedy.
As he bounces back from injury, Young has an action-packed summer ahead, with appearances at Edinburgh Fringe, an acting role, a new podcast, and numerous 'Floggers' shows on his schedule. His ability to turn personal adversity into comedic gold is a testament to his resilience – and his unique voice in British comedy. SNL UK is available to stream on Sky Go and NOW in the UK.