Jimmy Kimmel is to ship the UK’s Different Christmas Message this yr.
Jimmy Kimmel is giving the UK’s Different Christmas Message this yr
The US comic has filmed a speech for Channel 4 as an alternative choice to King Charles’ conventional Royal Christmas message which is broadcast yearly on Christmas Day (25.12.25) and Kimmel is anticipated to deal with his tumultuous yr through which Jimmy Kimmel Stay! was briefly taken off the air following strain from US President Donald Trump’s administration after Kimmel made controversial feedback on the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Within the speech, Kimmel says: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a extremely nice yr.”
Kimmel can be anticipated to deal with the difficulty of press freedom and urge UK viewers to withstand assaults on free speech.
A Channel 4 spokesperson stated: “Donald Trump’s return to the White Home and wide-ranging impression on the world has been the story of 2025 and it will be arduous to think about a greater individual to deal with it than Jimmy Kimmel, who has discovered himself on the frontline of America’s battle over free speech.”
The Different Christmas Message has been broadcast on Channel 4 since 1993 and infrequently includes a contrasting viewpoint to the monarch’s annual speech.
Earlier audio system have included whistle-blower Edward Snowden, civil rights chief Jesse Jackson and President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in addition to actor Danny Dyer, chef Jamie Oliver, comic Adam Hills and Sir Stephen Fry.
The Different Christmas Message shall be broadcast on Christmas Day at 5:45pm – two hours after the King’s Christmas speech.
It comes after Kimmel shed tears as he mirrored on “a tough yr” at Jimmy Kimmel Stay! over the past episode of 2025.
The 58-year-old comic – who was suspended for per week by ABC, earlier than his present was reinstated – stated: “It’s been a tough yr. We’ve had some lows, we’ve had some highs. For me, possibly greater than any yr of my life. I’m crying already, I’m sorry.
“On behalf of all of us on the present, I simply wish to say that we recognize your assist, your enthusiasm, and never only for watching – this yr, you actually pulled us out of a gap. And we can not thanks sufficient personally, professionally.”
Kimmel subsequently mirrored on the present state of the TV trade within the US. He stated: “After I hear from individuals who inform me that they watch our present, and the exhibits that my associates and colleagues do on the opposite channels, and that it makes them really feel much less loopy, it makes me really feel much less loopy too, and I feel that is an vital factor.”
Kimmel additionally addressed viewers residing exterior the US saying: “Loads of us aren’t okay with what is going on. There’s nonetheless far more good on this nation than unhealthy, and we hope that you’ll bear with us throughout this prolonged psychotic episode that we’re in the course of.”
Kimmel made the feedback shortly after extending his contract with ABC. The TV star will proceed to host Jimmy Kimmel Stay! till at the least 2027, and he confessed to being delighted by the settlement.
He stated: “Our present’s been renewed till Could of 2027 or till the world ends, whichever comes first.”
Kimmel then jokingly added: “I gave it a whole lot of thought and determined I wish to spend much less time with my household.
“So to our viewers right here and at residence, I’m honoured and humbled to be part of your routine, whether or not it’s in mattress at night time or throughout your morning rest room time. It means rather a lot to me to have your consideration and to work with this nice group of individuals for an additional yr.”
