Entire 'Saturday Night Live' cast will return for Season 46

The entire cast of 'Saturday Night Live' is returning for its 46th season, as the NBC show prepares to introduce strict COVID guidelines.

According To Page Six, the long-running skit show will return to its iconic Studio 8H home on October 3 -- but it's highly unlikely there will be a live audience, sources told the outlet.

As Page Six revealed, comedian and actor Pete Davidson has signed his deal to return, despite admitting earlier this year that he was debating whether to quit.

The shoe's boss Lorne Michaels is currently firming up details with NBC chiefs about how to proceed amid the pandemic. Any of cast and crew in the studio will have to have weekly COVID tests and social distance, sources said.

Announcing the return of the cast - including favourites such as Kate McKinnon, the TV network NBC was careful to say the show will "originate" from Studio 8H, which means some elements will be pre-recorded or virtual.

The last season aired at the height of the pandemic, with cast recording from their homes over Zoom, and guest hosts including Tom Hanks.

( With inputs from ANI )