Who is doing the Alternative Christmas Speech? Channel 4 time for Jimmy Kimmel festive message
Jimmy Kimmel is the star doing the Alternative Christmas Message in 2025.
- Channel 4 is doing an Alternative Christmas Message again.
- The broadcaster has signed up a big US star for it.
- But when exactly is it on - and does it clash with King’s speech?
A broadcaster will be offering an Alternative Christmas Message once again in 2025.
Channel 4 has teamed up with a major US star for its yearly festive address. It is set to be broadcast today (December 25) and will last for around five minutes.
Since 1993, the broadcaster has offered its own spin on a Christmas message as a rival to the traditional one from the Queen - and more recently King. Here’s all you need to know:
Who is doing the Alternative Christmas Message in 2025?
US chat show host Jimmy Kimmel has been signed up to give this year’s message on Channel 4. He will deliver a personal address to the nation, it has been confirmed.
Kimmel, 58, is best known for hosting his titular chat show across the pond in America. Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been airing on the channel ABC since 2003.
He has also hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards during his career. He most recently was the host of the Oscars in 2024.
Kimmel has had some voice roles in movies like Boss Baby and its sequel as well as 2025’s Smurfs. He was Tardigrade in the latter earlier this year.
What will Jimmy Kimmel say in his Alternative Christmas message?
The US chat show host was briefly taken off the air in September 2025 following comments made in the wake of the murder of Charlie Kirk, leading to widespread protest and debate in the USA about freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
Following his return to air and his much-publicised criticism of the US administration, Kimmel will reflect on the past few months in a deeply personal and characteristically jovial address.
Jimmy will say: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year.”
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."
Kimmel’s address follows in the tradition of other topical presenters delivering The Alternative Christmas Message, including the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; whistle-blower Edward Snowden; and Afghan war veteran Major Andrew Stockton.
What time is the Alternative Christmas Message?
Channel 4 has confirmed that its own festive address is set to be broadcast this evening (December 25). It is due to air on TV at 5.45pm and will run for around five minutes.
If you can’t watch it live, it will be available on demand via the broadcaster’s own self-titled catch-up service. The Alternative Christmas Message will not clash with the King’s Speech, which is due to air at 3pm on BBC, ITV, and news channels.
Do you plan to watch the Alternative Christmas Message today? Let me know by email: [email protected].