Jamie Dornan stepped in as host for the second episode of “SNL U.K.,” taking over from Tina Fey and adding a quirky twist to his opening monologue.
The Irish actor, known as the “star of ‘The Fall,’ the Oscar-winning film ‘Belfast,’ and, of course, your auntie’s favorite dreams,” shared an unusual and apparently true detail about himself.
“I’m not just a sex symbol who looks sexy in everything he does, but I am also a guy who collects rocks that look like potatoes,” he revealed.
To illustrate his point, Dornan wheeled out a trolley displaying five potato-shaped stones, picking each one up to admire, including one resembling a chip.
“Look at these gorgeous little things. And no, this isn’t a joke. God knows, I wish it was,” he said, encouraging the audience to Google “Jamie Dornan potato rocks” to confirm he was “telling the truth,” which a quick search verified.
“Seriously, this is who you want to sleep with?”
While Fey’s debut “SNL U.K.” monologue was interrupted by celebrity guests like Nicola Coughlan, Michael Cera, and Graham Norton, Dornan’s monologue was cut short by fellow Irishman Chris O’Dowd.
“That’s right, it’s me, your greatest enemy and personal friend,” O’Dowd joked. “Couldn’t help but notice that you’re showing off your spud rocks again.”
O’Dowd then produced his own rock and unveiled that he had swapped one of Dornan’s collection for a real potato, which he amusingly noted “wasn’t even Irish!”
The Irish humor in “SNL U.K.” — first featured in the premiere episode with George Fouracre’s musical sketch “What Kind of Irish is your Grandad” — persisted in the second episode’s skit, which included Dornan and touched on British holidaymakers’ tendency to frequent British and Irish-themed pubs.
