American late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel is set to deliver Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message for 2025, the broadcaster has confirmed. The announcement follows a tumultuous year for the comedian, who was briefly suspended from his own ABC show after making remarks concerning a high-profile murder in the United States.
From Suspension to Spotlight
The selection of Kimmel comes after he found himself at the heart of a fierce debate over free speech and press freedoms in America. In September 2025, he was taken off the air and suspended indefinitely from Jimmy Kimmel Live! following comments he made about the murder of right-wing activist and Donald Trump ally, Charlie Kirk.
The suspension prompted significant backlash from the public, Hollywood figures, and political commentators, who accused the US administration of infringing on fundamental liberties. This pressure led to Kimmel's reinstatement just five days later. Former President Donald Trump had previously suggested that networks giving him "bad press" should potentially have their broadcasting licences revoked.
Addressing a Tumultuous Year
In his upcoming address, scheduled for 5.45pm on Christmas Day, Kimmel is expected to open with the line: "From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year." His message will reflect on the events of the past twelve months, weaving in his personal experiences from the centre of a story that shook American democratic values.
A Channel 4 spokesperson stated: "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 front line of America's battle over free speech."
A Platform for Alternative Voices
Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message serves as a counterpart to the King's traditional televised speech. First broadcast in 1993, it aims to provide a distinctive perspective on the year's major events.
Kimmel joins a diverse list of previous presenters, which includes:
- Comedian Chris McCausland, who discussed ableism in 2024.
- Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
- Actor and presenter Sir Stephen Fry.
- Whistleblower Edward Snowden.
- Former Commons Speaker John Bercow.
- Actor Danny Dyer.
The segment continues to be a staple of Channel 4's Christmas Day programming, offering viewers a thought-provoking alternative to the main royal broadcast.
