The 51st season of Saturday Night Live saw a fair number of cast shake-ups, including the departures of major talents Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, who left the show after eight and seven seasons, respectively. But one featured player has emerged amidst the chaos, positioning themselves as a potential anchor for a new era of SNL. And no, it’s not Marcello Hernández; it’s Ashley Padilla.

Padilla joined Saturday Night Live in September 2024, ahead of the show’s 50th season. Though she had a bit of a breakout moment as Joann from Joann Fabrics in a Weekend Update bit, she mostly put in solid work in supporting roles alongside fellow newly hired featured players Emil Wakim —who was let go after one season—and Jane Wickline. But now, just four episodes into season 51, Padill

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