Jimmy Kimmel is set to deliver a sharply observed Christmas message for British television that will not shy away from controversy. The US late-night host has been booked by Channel 4 to present its annual Alternative Christmas Message, airing on Christmas Day shortly after King Charles III addresses the nation.
While Channel 4 has yet to publish the full script, Kimmel is expected to focus on free speech, political power, and the global mood at the end of a turbulent year. At one point, he is anticipated to remark: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year.” The line is likely to set the tone for a speech that blends humor with pointed critique.
Kimmel’s appearance comes after a challenging period in his own career. Earlier this year, he found himself briefly suspended by ABC following clumsy remarks made after the death of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel later apologized, acknowledging that his comments missed the mark, according to Deadline.
The episode sparked wider backlash in the US and internationally. Critics argued that threats by Brendan Carr, head of the Federal Communications Commission, to punish ABC amounted to an effort to intimidate broadcasters and silence critics of Donald Trump. For many, the incident became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over who controls speech in American media.
According to a Channel 4 insider, Kimmel’s Christmas address will strike a welcoming and reflective note, while carrying a serious underlying message about power and expression. The network itself framed the choice of speaker in stark terms.
A 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.”
First broadcast in 1993, Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message was created as a counterpoint to the monarch’s annual address. Over the years, it has become known for unexpected voices and unconventional perspectives. Previous contributors have included Stephen Fry, Danny Dyer, and even a controversial deepfake of Queen Elizabeth II. Kimmel’s turn now looks set to continue that tradition, offering a festive message that is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
Channel 4: “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”
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) December 21, 2025
Jimmy: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year.”
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