DANNY DYER will use his Alternative Christmas Message to slam Donald Trump for being "an absolute melt" and bemoan the current state of the British government.
The Eastenders actor has been picked to present Channel 4’s alternative to the BBC’s traditional Christmas message from the Queen at 3pm on Christmas Day.
Dyer made headlines earlier this year after repeatedly calling former prime minister David Cameron a "twat" over his role in the ongoing Brexit debacle.
The speech will also see the Cockney favourite imparting his wisdom on relationships, the future of the UK and his unique friendship with the late playwright Harold Pinter.
In an excerpt, released ahead of the December 25th broadcast, Dyer laments British politics: "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.”
He uses another section of the speech to discuss the topic of heroes in modern society: "That’s what I think we need more of, heroes, role models. 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."
The message will also see Dyer open up about his unique relationship with Pinter, who took him under his wing in the early 2000s, directing him in several plays prior to the actor finding success in the film The Football Factory.
He describes Pinter as the “father figure I didn’t even know I needed” adding that he taught him “that where I came from didn’t dictate where I went to”.
Dyer also reveals some of the advice Pinter passed on to him and how it has impacted his own experience as a parent: "I teach my girls they can be who they want to be, and I try and teach my boy to be a good man. Now don’t get me wrong, I ain’t no saint, you know, I can do better. I think we can all do better. And as dads, we can’t stop trying to do better until there’s no need for hashtags to remind us that no means no.
"Life can get a little stressful and we might get on each other’s nerves a bit, but remember how much there is to be proud of, to be grateful of, and get yourself a Harold, you know, if you can … Merry Christmas, my loves."
Channel 4 has been producing an alternative Christmas message since 1993, with everyone from Brigitte Bardot to Sacha Baron Cohen creation Ali G featuring over the years.
In 1997, Belfast schoolgirl Margaret Gibney famously broadcast a plea for peace in Northern Ireland as part of the annual broadcast.
