American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has delivered a pointed and satirical Christmas address for Channel 4, declaring it has been a "really great year" from a "fascism perspective." The 58-year-old comedian was selected to present the broadcaster's 2025 Alternative Christmas Message, a counterpoint to the traditional royal broadcast on December 25.
Front Line of America's Free Speech Battle
The choice of Kimmel follows a tumultuous year in which he found himself at the centre of a major controversy over free expression in the United States. In September 2025, Kimmel was suspended indefinitely from his ABC show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', following comments made after the murder of right-wing activist and Donald Trump ally, Charlie Kirk.
Staff were reportedly left shocked when the programme was pulled from the schedule just minutes before it was due to air on the orders of the then-President. The move sparked immediate outrage from Kimmel's fans and figures across Hollywood, who accused the Trump administration of infringing on free speech and press freedoms. The show was subsequently reinstated after the backlash.
Channel 4's Platform for Alternative Voices
A Channel 4 spokesperson explained the decision to feature Kimmel, 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 front line of America's battle over free speech."
In his pre-recorded message, the Brooklyn-born host is expected to reflect on the events of the past year, sharing his personal experiences and insights from being embroiled in a story that shook America's democratic foundations.
A Tradition of Provocative Christmas Messages
Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message, first broadcast in 1993, is designed to offer a contrasting viewpoint on the year's events. Kimmel joins a diverse list of previous presenters, which includes:
- Comedian Chris McCausland (2024), who addressed ableism.
- Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
- Actor and presenter Sir Stephen Fry.
- Whistleblower Edward Snowden.
- Former Commons Speaker John Bercow.
- Actor Danny Dyer.
Last year, McCausland humorously discussed discrimination, recalling his failed application to MI5: "I think sometimes discrimination can be vital for the safety of the nation, but usually, we can do better."
The 2025 Alternative Christmas Message featuring Jimmy Kimmel will air on Channel 4 at 5.45pm on Christmas Day.
