Impressionist Debra Stephenson delivers C4's alternative Christmas message - read the transcript

Dead Ringers impressionist Debra Stephenson will deliver this year Alternative Christmas Message on Channel 4 – in the guise of the Queen.

The broadcaster will broadcast a parody of the traditional end-of-year message to demonstrate how deepfake technology can be used to manipulate what appears to be real in the age of misinformation and fake news in a digital age.

In the address – a transcript of which is published below – the fake Monarch offer a hint about Prince Andrew’s future travel plans and share what she really thinks of Harry and Meghan’s move before recording a dance routine  for TikTok.

The script was written by comedian James Kettle and the The deepfake created by Oscar-winning video effects studio Framestore.

Channel 4 director of programmes Ian Katz said: ‘Deepfake technology is the frightening new frontier in the battle between misinformation and truth. 

‘This year’s Alternative Christmas Address – seemingly delivered by one of the most familiar and trusted figures in the nation – is a powerful reminder that we can no longer trust our own eyes.’

William Bartlett, the film’s director said: ‘Deepfake is an interesting spin off from the recent advances made in machine learning and artificial intelligence, and while it is a powerful new technique for image makers everywhere it is also a tool that can be used to misrepresent and deceive. 

‘With Channel 4 we wanted to create a sequence that is hopefully entertaining enough that it will be seen by a lot of people and thereby spreads the very real message that images cannot always be trusted.’

Stephenson added: I have an intense fascination with deepfake technology. For years I have studied people to impersonate them for TV, but now I can truly become them. 

‘As an actress it is thrilling but it is also terrifying if you consider how this could be used in other contexts.’

The message will air at 3.25pm tomorrow, after the real Queen’s speech on BBC One and ITV.

The Alternative Christmas Message full transcript:

For nearly seventy years, I have kept a tradition of speaking to you at Christmas. 

But on the BBC, I haven’t always been able speak plainly and from the heart.

So, I am grateful to Channel 4 for giving me the opportunity to say whatever I like, without anyone putting words in my mouth.

If there is a theme to my message today, it is trust.  Trust in what is genuine – and what is not.

2020 has been a challenging year for us all.  A year when most of you, thanks to toilet roll shortages, have finally understood how it feels to have a predicament on the throne. 

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 any time soon.

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 is so often the case, technology helped tackle the challenges we faced this year. 

Like many of you, when I wasn’t settling down with my husband to "Netflix and Phil", as I like to call it, I was perfecting my moves for TikTok. 

In fact, there’s something I’m rather excited to share with you all.  I’m under strict orders from Philip not to, but as he’s nodded off in front of Home Alone 2...

…would you mind, awfully?

You’ll have to move that camera back.  Everyone ready?

[DANCE ROUTINE]

If that doesn’t get me on Strictly, I don’t know what will.

Thank you.

So much of our world today comes to us through these screens.  Which brings me back to that question of trust, of whether what we see and hear is always as it seems.

On behalf of myself, your Queen, and all at Channel 4, I trust you will have the very merriest of Merry Christmases.

DIRECTOR: (OFF CAMERA): And cut.

STEPHENSON: (NORMAL VOICE AS THE GREENSCREEN TECHNOLOGY IS REVEALED) Was that OK? Can I have a cup of tea now?

Published: 24 Dec 2020