American late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has been confirmed as the presenter of Channel 4's provocative alternative Christmas message for 2025. The announcement follows a tumultuous year for the comedian, whose show faced suspension after criticism from Donald Trump's government.
A Defiant Address on Free Speech
In a pre-recorded segment set to air on Christmas Day at 5.45pm, Kimmel will deliver a pointed commentary on the state of free speech. Filmed with a cup of tea and a plate of jammy dodger biscuits, his message will reportedly liken the first year of Trump's second term to a rise in fascism, with the comedian quipping: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year.”
He is expected to warn UK audiences about how quickly press freedoms can be eroded and to urge viewers to actively resist any attacks on free expression. The broadcast will serve as a direct counterpoint to the traditional King's Christmas message, airing less than two hours later.
Backlash and Reinstatement: Kimmel's Personal Battle
The selection of Kimmel is deeply connected to his own experiences in 2025. His late-night programme was suspended indefinitely in September after he accused Trump's political movement of exploiting the killing of activist Charlie Kirk. The White House had applied pressure to broadcaster ABC and its parent company, Disney, a move which Trump publicly praised.
However, the suspension triggered a significant backlash from viewers, fellow television hosts, and free-speech campaigners. This public outcry led to Kimmel being reinstated to his show only days later. In his Channel 4 message, Kimmel will pay tribute to those who protested his removal, with a network insider stating he credits his return to air to those who “spoke out and people protested.”
Channel 4's Tradition of Provocative Speeches
A Channel 4 spokesperson defended the choice, stating: “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 channel has a three-decade history of broadcasting alternative Christmas messages from controversial and unexpected figures. Past speakers include former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whistleblower Edward Snowden, animated character Marge Simpson, and the late writer Quentin Crisp.
In his final monologue of the year, Kimmel recently thanked his supporters, saying viewers had “literally pulled us out of a hole.” He also emphasised the importance of showing international allies that internal dissent against the Trump administration exists, referring to the current political climate as an “extended psychotic episode.” His Channel 4 message will amplify this sentiment directly to a British audience.
