Katie Piper leads Channel 4 Alternative Christmas message

Four stars of Channel 4's factual programming have delivered an alternative Christmas Day message with the theme 'Just Be Yourself'.

Model and TV personality Katie Piper - who delivered Channel 4's alternative Christmas message two years ago shortly after she was the victim of an acid attack - opened the broadcast.

"My Christmas message to you is to look around the room and cherish every single family member," Piper said. "Accept them for their good and bad points, because ultimately when the superficial and material is stripped away, it's family that we're left with."

Karen Gale from My Transsexual Summer spoke openly about her two-year transition, saying: "I'm lucky that I've got friends and family that have stood by me, but others have not been so lucky. There's still so much ignorance out there - wouldn't it be nice if that was all gone?

"Just spare a thought for those that are going through this Christmas trying to find their feet, who are not so lucky."

She also said that she would love to hear from her daughter, who she has not seen for a number of years.

Max Laird from Seven Dwarves added: "Today can be tough for a lot of us, so spare a thought for people who are working, and of course people who are on their own."

Susan Campbell-Duncan from Beauty and the Beast said that although she spent a lot of time having surgery as a child, she still has fond memories of the festive season.

"This Christmas, make time to have fun and enjoy the company of your friends and relatives," she said. "It costs nothing to forgive, but to those who receive, it means a lot."

Educating Essex stars Vic Goddard and Stephen Drew also delivered their own alternative message on the channel on Christmas Day.