US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel will address UK audiences this Christmas Day as the latest figure to deliver Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message, continuing a long-standing tradition of provocative and unconventional festive broadcasts.
Kimmel follows in the footsteps of previous contributors such as Stephen Fry, Chris McCausland and Tom Daley, all of whom have used the platform to deliver personal reflections shaped by the political and social climate of their time.
The appearance caps a turbulent year for the American late-night host. In September 2025, Kimmel was briefly taken off air in the United States following controversial remarks made in the aftermath of the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk. The episode sparked nationwide debate around freedom of speech and press freedoms, placing the comedian at the centre of a polarising public conversation.
Since returning to television, Kimmel has been outspoken in his criticism of the US administration, a stance that is expected to inform his Christmas address. Channel 4 has described the message as both deeply personal and characteristically humorous, blending reflection with satire. In a preview of his remarks, Kimmel quips: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year,” a line that underscores the ironic tone of the broadcast.
The Alternative Christmas Message has aired annually since 1993, positioning itself as a counterpoint to the monarch’s traditional Christmas address. Over the years, it has featured a diverse range of voices, including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whistle-blower Edward Snowden, and Afghan war veteran Andrew Stockton. Each has brought a distinct perspective shaped by global events and personal experience.
Kimmel’s contribution comes at the end of a year in which US politics has dominated international news coverage, including across UK broadcasters. By selecting an American satirist whose career has been closely entwined with political commentary, Channel 4 continues its tradition of offering viewers an alternative festive reflection—one that is timely, provocative and firmly rooted in the events of the past year.
