Sharon Osbourne, the wife of British rock star Ozzy Osbourne, will deliver Channel 4's alternative Christmas message on 25 December.

The Osbournes have become global celebrities after a TV documentary following their crazed family life was shown first on MTV in the US and then Channel 4 in the UK.

Two mighty matriarchs will confront each other across the nation's turkeys

Channel 4 press statement

Sharon Osbourne's speech will go head-to-head with the Queen's traditional message to Britain and the Commonwealth, broadcast at the same time on both BBC One and ITV1.

She is the ninth person to deliver Channel 4's message, following in the footsteps of Quentin Crisp, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rory Bremner and Ali G.

The Osbournes is MTV's most popular programme ever and the success shows no sign of abating.

Fortunes

Sharon Osbourne has been diagnosed with cancer of the colon

The series follows the fortunes of Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne, wife and manager Sharon and teenage children Kelly and Jack.

In the second series Sharon must deal with being diagnosed with colon cancer.

The crew have been given access to her during her treatment, which she is currently undergoing.

It is currently being shown on Channel 4 in the UK.

A Channel 4 press statement said: "Sharon Osbourne, who shares with the monarch a reputation for hard work, shrewdness and being dotty about her dogs, has never adopted a traditional approach to anything, including her extraordinary family.

"Two mighty matriarchs will confront each other across the nation's turkeys when Sharon Osbourne goes head to head with the Queen."