Jimmy Kimmel to deliver UK's Alternative Christmas Message
US TV host Jimmy Kimmel is to deliver the UK's Alternative Christmas Message on Channel 4 this year as an alternative to King Charles' traditional Royal Christmas message on Christmas Day (25.12.25).
Jimmy Kimmel is to deliver the UK's Alternative Christmas Message this year.
The US comedian has filmed a speech for Channel 4 as an alternative to King Charles' traditional Royal Christmas message which is broadcast annually on Christmas Day (25.12.25) and Kimmel is expected to address his tumultuous year in which Jimmy Kimmel Live! was briefly taken off the air following pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration after Kimmel made controversial comments on the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
In the speech, Kimmel says: "From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year."
Kimmel is also expected to address the issue of press freedom and urge UK viewers to resist attacks on free speech.
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: “Donald Trump’s return to the White House and wide-ranging impact on the world has been the story of 2025 and it would be hard to think of a better person to address it than Jimmy Kimmel, who has found himself on the frontline of America’s battle over free speech."
The Alternative Christmas Message has been broadcast on Channel 4 since 1993 and often features a contrasting viewpoint to the monarch's annual speech.
Previous speakers have included whistle-blower Edward Snowden, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as well as actor Danny Dyer, chef Jamie Oliver, comedian Adam Hills and Sir Stephen Fry.
The Alternative Christmas Message will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 5:45pm - two hours after the King's Christmas speech.
It comes after Kimmel shed tears as he reflected on "a hard year" at Jimmy Kimmel Live! during the last episode of 2025.
The 58-year-old comedian - who was suspended for a week by ABC, before his show was reinstated - said: "It’s been a hard year. We’ve had some lows, we’ve had some highs. For me, maybe more than any year of my life. I’m crying already, I’m sorry.
"On behalf of all of us at the show, I just want to say that we appreciate your support, your enthusiasm, and not just for watching - this year, you literally pulled us out of a hole. And we cannot thank you enough personally, professionally."
Kimmel subsequently reflected on the current state of the TV industry in the US. He said: "When I hear from people who tell me that they watch our show, and the shows that my friends and colleagues do on the other channels, and that it makes them feel less crazy, it makes me feel less crazy too, and I think that's an important thing."
Kimmel also addressed viewers living outside the US saying: "A lot of us are not okay with what is happening. There is still much more good in this country than bad, and we hope that you will bear with us during this extended psychotic episode that we’re in the middle of."
Kimmel made the comments shortly after extending his contract with ABC. The TV star will continue to host Jimmy Kimmel Live! until at least 2027, and he confessed to being delighted by the agreement.
He said: "Our show’s been renewed until May of 2027 or until the world ends, whichever comes first."
Kimmel then jokingly added: "I gave it a lot of thought and decided I would like to spend less time with my family.
"So to our audience here and at home, I’m honoured and humbled to be a part of your routine, whether it’s in bed at night or during your morning toilet time. It means a lot to me to have your attention and to work with this great group of people for another year."
