Danny Dyer to deliver Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message
David Farnor | On 21, Dec 2018
Danny Dyer, unofficial man of the people, royal descendent, Albert Square regular, is to deliver this year’s Channel 4 Alternative Christmas Message.
Sipping tea out of a Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Royal Wedding mug, Danny will reflect on a “pretty full on” year. He will go on to give his view candidly about the lack of leadership in this country.
“That shambles down in Westminster, what a palava that is. I mean where are our leaders? Where are they? There’s been more backstabbing than we have in Albert Square.”
Donald Trump will also be called “an absolute melt”, before Danny raises a glass to both to the heroes of 1918 to mark both 100 years since the Armistice of World War I and the victory in the fight for the women’s vote.
Danny will call for more heroes and role models, citing his mum, Nan – and in later years, Harold Pinter, as his.
He will call Pinter “a father figure I didn’t even know I needed”, who taught him “that where I came from didn’t dictate where I went to” and he’s tried to pass this message on.
“That’s what I think we need more of, heroes, role models,” he will say. “If we need anything for 2019, it’s for each of us to find who we look up to. Could be your mum, could be your dad, your stepdad, your Nan, teacher, social worker. Maybe even a handsome roguish actor off your favourite soap.”
Tom Beck, Head of Live Events and Commissioning Editor for Entertainment at Channel 4 says: “We’re thrilled to have Danny Dyer delivering this year’s Alternative Christmas Message. From his colourful opinions on Brexit to his hilarious and moving appearance with daughter Dani on Celebrity Gogglebox, when Danny speaks, people listen. His message is full of wit, heart and just the right amount of Dyer attitude. Merry Christmas loves!”
The Alternative Christmas Message will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 3.50pm on Channel 4, following the traditional address from the Queen over on BBC One.