Chris McCausland Will Deliver The Alternative Christmas Message 2024

Every Christmas, the British monarch addresses the nation in a special speech. With King Charles III delivering his third annual Christmas Broadcast at 3pm on 25 December 2024, the speech typically encapsulates the mood of the nation, commenting on events in the year that has passed and sending well wishes to everyone, especially those in need of some extra care come Christmas.

But the monarchy isn’t without its detractors – and the royal family can find itself at the butt of the joke in a lot of British comedy. One channel that really champions an anti-monarchist slant is Channel 4, which airs an annual ‘alternative Christmas message’ slightly later in the afternoon on Christmas Day. Here’s a brief history of the spoof, plus what to expect in 2024.

What Is Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message?

The alternative Christmas message is a brief festive speech broadcast by Channel 4 annually on Christmas day, riffing on the annual Christmas Broadcast delivered by the British monarch. The first alternative Christmas message was broadcast on Christmas Day 1993, and a speech has been aired every year since. 

In contrast to the King’s speech, Channel 4’s Christmas address is delivered by a different person every year – who is not necessarily British – and typically has a more concrete theme that the speaker is passionate about. For example, in 1994, Jesse Jackson criticised racism across the globe, while in 1995 Brigitte Bardot spoke against the Dangerous Dogs Act.

That’s right: while the alternative Christmas message is a spoof, it’s not always comedic – in fact, the topic is typically very serious – and Channel 4 has broadcast speeches covering a whole host of divisive topics every Christmas.

Also unlike the monarch’s circa 10-minute Christmas address, Channel 4’s alternative Christmas message runs for only a few minutes.

Previous Alternative Christmas Messages

Channel 4’s alternative Christmas messages to date are:

• 1993: Quentin Crisp – Reflections on experiences in the UK and US.
• 1994: Jesse Jackson – Critique of racism and exploitation.
• 1995: Brigitte Bardot – Opposition to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
• 1996: Rory Bremner (as Diana, Princess of Wales) – Spoof of her Panorama interview.
• 1997: Margaret Gibney – Plea for peace in Northern Ireland.
• 1998: Neville and Doreen Lawrence – Call for justice following their son Stephen’s death.
• 1999: Ali G (Sacha Baron Cohen) – Comedic monologue and interview about the Christmas story.
• 2000: Helen Jeffries – Mother of a Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease victim.
• 2001: Genelle Guzman – Survivor of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
• 2002: Sharon Osbourne – Reflections on family and fame.
• 2003: Barry and Michelle Seabourn – Couple from reality show Wife Swap.
• 2004: Marge Simpson (voiced by Julie Kavner) – Commentary on family and societal issues.
• 2005: Jamie Oliver – Advocacy for healthier school meals.
• 2006: ‘Khadijah’ – A veiled British Muslim woman discussing her experiences.
• 2007: Major Andrew Stockton – British soldier who lost his arm in Afghanistan.
• 2008: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – Message from the President of Iran.
• 2009: Katie Piper – Reflections from an acid attack survivor.
• 2010: Midwives – Insights from midwives working during the festive period.
• 2011: Max Laird, Susan Campbell-Duncan, Karen Gale, and Katie Piper – ‘Just Be Yourself’ message.
• 2011: Vic Goddard and Stephen Drew – Educators from the series Educating Essex.
• 2012: Adam Hills – Reflections on the success of the 2012 Summer Paralympics.
• 2013: Edward Snowden – Call to end mass surveillance.
• 2014: William Pooley – Appeal from a nurse who survived Ebola.
• 2015: Abdullah Kurdi – Father of Alan Kurdi, a young Syrian refugee.
• 2016: Brendan Cox – Widower of MP Jo Cox, advocating for unity.
• 2017: Five child survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire – Reflections on the tragedy.
• 2018: Danny Dyer – Commentary on political issues and personal heroes.
• 2019: John Bercow – Reflections on political discourse and populism.
• 2020: Deepfake of Queen Elizabeth II (performed by Debra Stephenson) – Warning about fake news.
• 2021: Tom Daley – Addressing homophobia in sports.
• 2022: Ameca – AI robot discussing humanity and global events.
• 2023: Stephen Fry – Condemnation of rising antisemitism.

Chris McCausland’s Alternative Christmas Message 2024 (Channel 4)

Alternative Christmas Message 2024

So what’s in store for 2024? Channel 4 has revealed blind comedian and recent Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris McCausland will deliver its 2024 alternative Christmas message. We’re told his speech will appeal for an end to discrimination against disabled people, urging employers to tackle discrimination against disabled people and pushing for improvements to be made to the government-backed grant, Access to Work. True to form, Chris will use a festive mince pie metaphor to express how everyone should be treated equally.

WATCH

Chris McCausland’s alternative Christmas message will air on Channel 4 at 4.50pm on Christmas Day. Catch up at channel4.com