Channel 4 – Alternative Christmas Messages
For the first time, Channel 4 this year unwraps two Alternative Christmas Messages given by contributors from some of 2011′s most powerful and celebratory Factual programming. Viewers will have double the festivities and an opportunity to hear from much-loved, inspirational people who have appeared in a diverse range of series over the last year.
Max Laird from Seven Dwarves, Karen Gayle from My Transsexual Summer, Susan Campbell Duncan from Beauty and the Beast: The Ugly Face of Prejudice and Katie Piper of Katie: My Beautiful Friends will all give their unique take on Christmas in a warm, festive message titled Just Be Yourself. And in the Educating Essex Christmas Message new ‘TV heroes’ Mr Goddard and Mr Drew from Educating Essex will bring home what Christmas means for them and consider the most valuable lessons to take into the next year.
At a time for family, friendship and community, the Alternative Christmas Messages celebrate difference, understanding and acceptance through these very personal views on Christmas – from people who have all been on a difficult journey to be comfortable in their own skin, to those who tirelessly strive to educate and support young people’s future. These contributors have moved millions of Channel 4 viewers this year with their good humour, determination and honesty.
Educating Essex
In an unprecedented and timely series, headteacher Vic Goddard and deputy headteacher Stephen Drew were filmed for a year at the Passmores School in Educating Essex and, along with the rest of the school, showed the nation what life is really like for today’s generation of students and teachers. From dealing with family issues and bullying, to relationships and discipline – the eye-opening and humbling work of the passionate teachers was watched by millions at a time when school leavers face one of the most uncertain futures in decades.
As they finish the first term of a new school year Mr Drew and Mr Goddard open up about the importance of forgiveness, the joy of the festive season and above all, goodwill to all teenagers – virtues that are not just for Christmas.
Mr Goddard says: ‘I hope I have goodwill towards all men all year round. Youth today are given such a hard time and for some young people Christmas will be fairly rubbish. It’s a time when differences are magnified.’
‘I always have this hope that people will be driven by selflessness’ says Mr Drew. ‘Education generally is about not giving up on people.’
Alternative Christmas
This summer, Max Laird was one of Seven Dwarves who gave viewers a funny, emotional and honest window into their lives. Max shared his drive to forge a career in acting, his blossoming relationship with fellow panto actor Karen, and his insight into the difficulties of growing up different to those around him. Thirty-two-year-old Max usually spends Christmas with his fellow dwarves in panto and this year, says ‘Today can be tough for a lot of us, so spare a thought for those working or are alone.’
After a horrific acid attack destroyed her face three years ago, Katie Piper moved millions of viewers in the 2009 Cutting Edge film Katie: My Beautiful Face, which showed her extraordinary determination to overcome the physical and emotional damage she suffered. Then, inspired on to a new phase of recovery, she was filmed for over a year in the series Katie: My Beautiful Friends as she set up a charity to help others living with disfigurement and continued her own gruelling treatment. ‘Look around the room and cherish every one of your family members’ says 28-year-old Katie. ‘Accept them for their good and bad points, because ultimately when the superficial and material are stripped away it’s friends and family we are left with.’
In the recent series My Transsexual Summer, 52-year-old former policeman Karen was seen going through the final stages of gender realignment, approaching dating in an entirely new way, and coming to terms both her future and her past. After two years going through a transition, this is her first Christmas as a woman, and Karen says, ‘Spare a thought for those trying to find their own feet this Christmas.’
In the series Beauty and the Beast this year, 48-year-old Susan, who lost most of the left side of her face following treatment for cancer as a child, showed a confident and inspirational attitude to life – refusing to accept that not being ‘perfect’ should stop you achieving what you want and living confidently. Susan says of Christmas, ‘It costs nothing to forgive but to those who receive, it means a lot. For just one day switch off your mobiles and computers and have a real conversation. But most of all, just be yourself.’
Channel 4′s traditional alternative to the Queen’s Christmas Day broadcast first aired in 1993 and has previously featured an illustrious and varied selection of presenters, including an injured veteran from the war in Afghanistan; Quentin Crisp; the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; the Reverend Jesse Jackson; Doreen and Neville Lawrence; a 9/11 survivor; and The Simpsons.
The Educating Essex Christmas Message is made by TwoFour Broadcast (Educating Essex, Graffiti Wars) and Just Be Yourself is made by emerging production company Lemonade Money (Random Acts, Life of Rhyme) who are in first year of work with Channel 4.
The Alternative Christmas Messages will be broadcast at 1.55pm (Just Be Yourself) and 4.15pm (Educating Essex Christmas Message) on Christmas Day, Channel 4.
