Lily Allen Stuns SNL with Surprise Dakota Johnson Cameo & Raw ‘West End Girl’ Performances

Lily Allen returned to Saturday Night Live for an emotional performance of tracks from her new album, featuring a shocking cameo by Dakota Johnson. Watch the video and get the full lyrics here.

It’s been nearly two decades since Lily Allen made her Saturday Night Live debut, but her return to Studio 8H on December 13, 2025, proved she hasn’t lost her ability to shock and captivate.

Promoting her visceral new album, West End Girl, the 40-year-old British icon delivered a set that was equal parts theatrical and heartbreaking. But it was the surprise appearance of Hollywood A-lister Dakota Johnson during the song "Madeline" that sent social media into a frenzy.

A "Madeline" Moment to Remember

Introduced by host Josh O’Connor, Allen’s performance of "Madeline" was a masterclass in storytelling. The stage was set with a translucent curtain, silhouetting a mysterious woman seated on a bed while Allen performed. The track, which deals with themes of infidelity and betrayal, features a biting spoken-word section involving a text message about an affair.

As the song reached its climax, the silhouette stepped through the curtain to reveal none other than Fifty Shades and Madame Web star, Dakota Johnson. In a moment of solidarity, Johnson stood behind Allen before planting a gentle kiss on her cheek, symbolizing support amidst the chaos described in the lyrics.

Channeling Heartbreak into Art

Earlier in the night, Allen performed the introspective ballad "Sleepwalking." Dressed in a white nightie and lounging in a dimly lit bedroom set, she brought the audience into the intimate reality of her recent personal struggles.

West End Girl is widely considered Allen’s "divorce album," written in the wake of her separation from Stranger Things actor David Harbour. Allen hasn't shied away from the pain, recently telling CBS Mornings that writing the record was an "act of desperation" that ultimately felt "liberating."

[Internal Link: Explore the complete tracklist and lyrics for Lily Allen's 'West End Girl']

What’s Next for Lily?

The SNL performance marks the beginning of a massive comeback for Allen. Fans in the UK can catch her on her upcoming arena tour, which kicks off on March 2 in Glasgow. For US fans, this SNL appearance is a promising sign that more stateside dates could be on the horizon.

SNL will wrap up its 2025 run next week (Dec. 21) with host Ariana Grande and musical legend Cher.