UPDATE: Leslie Jones will not return to Saturday Night Live after five seasons on the show. Jones joined the cast in 2014 and quickly became a fan favorite, especially for her appearances on Weekend Update. Its unclear exactly why Jones decided to leave the cast ahead of its 45th season, though a source told The New York Post, Leslie has chosen to depart as she has several upcoming projects in the works and she thought its as the right time to go. Jones is reportedly prepping a new stand-up special, which is expected to hit Netflix next year.
**
Saturday Night Livehas announced its Season 45 lineup, kicking off on September 28th with Woody Harrelson in his fourth appearance as host and Billie Eilish in her first musical guest slot.
The host lineup also includes Fleabag andKilling Eve creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, slotted in for October 5th, as well asStranger Things actor David Harbour (October 12th) and Kristen Stewart in her second time as host (November 2nd).
But perhaps the most notable announcement for SNL fans is Eddie Murphy, who will be hosting the show on December 21st for the first time since 1984. The former SNL cast member has repeatedly distanced himself from the sketch series where he made his name, appearing very briefly duringSNLs 40th anniversary special but otherwise not participating. (It was later revealed by Norm Macdonald, in 100-tweet-long Twitter monologue, that Murphy was originally slated to give a Bill Cosby impression but turned it down.)
Other musical guests this season include Taylor Swift, joining Waller-Bridge on October 5th, and Camila Cabello on October 12th. The musical guests for the November 2nd and December 21st shows have yet to be announced.