Channel 4 Will Deliver A Deepfake Version Of The Queen's Christmas Message

It's an annual tradition for people across the country to sit down in the afternoon on Christmas Day to watch The Queen deliver a message to the nation. This year however, Channel 4 are doing their own spin on it:

The five-minute alternative Queen's speech is expected to refer to a few controversial topics such as the decision Prince Harry and Meghan made to leave the UK. It will also touch on Prince Andrew stepping down from royal duties after giving an interview relating to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Of course it won't be the actual Queen speaking. Channel 4 are using a 'deepfake' version to deliver the alternative Christmas message.

The Queen, who will be played by actor Debra Stephenson, can be heard saying: "One thing that has sustained many of us is our families, which is why I was so saddened by the departure of Harry and Meghan.

"There are few things more hurtful than someone telling you they prefer the company of Canadians. But at least I still have my beloved Andrew close by, it seems unlikely he'll be heading to North America anytime soon."

She adds: "2020 has also been a year of heroes, such as our brave NHS workers, many of whom were forced to take incredible risks - like treating Boris Johnson - knowing at any time, as a result, they too could become pregnant."

As well as the message, the deepfake will try to do a TikTok dance and discuss her penchant for 'Netflix and Phil'.

Debra Stephenson has voiced Her Majesty previously on the 2020 sketch show Spitting Image. Speaking about her new role, she said: "As an actress it is thrilling but it is also terrifying if you consider how this could be used in other contexts."

There's a much more responsible reason for Channel 4 to be taking this action. According to the broadcaster, it wants to give a 'stark warning' about fake news in the digital age.

But the BBC's royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell was not impressed, writing: "There have been countless imitations of the Queen. This isn't a particularly good one.

"The voice sounds what it is - a rather poor attempt to impersonate her. What makes it troubling is the use of video technology to attempt to sync her lips to the words being spoken."

The Alternative Christmas Message will be shown on Channel 4 at 3.25pm on 25 December.

Featured Image Credit: Channel 4

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Channel 4

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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