Elton John to serve as 'SNL' guest host

NEW YORK, March 23 (UPI) -- British pop star Elton John has been booked as host and musical guest for an upcoming episode of "Saturday Night Live" in New York, NBC said.

This will be John's first time back to the "SNL" stage since 1982. Joining him on the April 2 edition of the sketch comedy show will be Leon Russell, with whom he recently recorded the album, "The Union."

Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren is to make her debut as "SNL" host April 9 when the band Foo Fighters is to be the musical guest, NBC said Tuesday.