The popular singer and actress Siw Malmkvist has been given the honorable task of keeping viewers company on Christmas Eve. After weeks of speculation, the news was revealed during a well-attended press conference – and many will be delighted by the choice of one of Sweden’s most beloved artists.

As usual, there has been great secrecy surrounding who would get the prestigious task of lighting the candle in SVT’s Christmas studio. When the curtain rose on Thursday, it was announced that Siw Malmkvist will be this year’s Christmas host in 2025.

– It feels warm and good to be the company for people at home on Christmas Eve – perhaps especially for those who are alone, she said during the presentation.

Malmkvist reveals that it was not easy to keep the news, which she had received in advance from SVT, a secret:

– I’ve had to come up with excuses for why I can’t be seen during the Christmas holidays. It’s been difficult not to reveal anything!

A beloved artist crossing generations

Siw Malmkvist, born in 1936 in Landskrona, rose to fame in the 1950s and has since become an icon in Swedish entertainment. She won the Melodifestivalen in 1959 with the song Augustin and became a recurring guest on Hylands hörna, which contributed to her broad popular breakthrough.

On Svensktoppen, she has had several Swedish hits such as Ingenting går upp mot gamla Skåne, Tunna skivor, Mamma är lik sin mamma, and Vår egen värld. Her playful and warm presence has made her a natural part of Swedish music history.

A long acting career as well

In addition to music, Siw Malmkvist has had a long and beloved acting career. She played Tommy and Annika’s mother in the classic Pippi Longstocking films, alongside Inger Nilsson in the title role. She also appeared in the Christmas calendar