The Masked Singer UK has confirmed its “amazing” line-up for the 2026 series, which is set to premiere on Saturday, 3 January. Hosted by Joel Dommett, the new series will see a fresh batch of famous faces don some elaborate costumes in a bid to disguise their identities.
As always, the mystery celebrities will sing in front of a studio audience, performing for the celebrity panel of judges including Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan.
Marking a first in Masked Singer history, the new series will feature The Masked Singer Band, who are set to headline the first two shows.
On Saturday, 3 January, mystery character Goldfish and their band ‘No Trout’ will perform, followed by a performance from Emperor Penguin and the ‘Antarctic Funkeys’ on Sunday, 4 January.
The new format will see the celebrity panel having to guess who is masquerading as the lead singer of The Masked Singer Band as well as guessing who the other masked characters in the line up are.
Kieron McCarron//ITV
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Teasing more unmaskings than ever, this year’s character line-up consists of Moth, Can Of Worms, Red Panda, Conkers, Arctic Fox, Toastie, Monkey Business, Yak, Sloth, Gargoyle, Disc Jockey and Teabag.
Asked about the new series, Davina McCall said: “It’s amazing. It’s got a really good pace to it. It’s got a good energy, it feels fresh and it feels new. We’ve got some new ideas and additions that keep us on our toes!”
Former The Celebrity Traitors contestant Jonathan Ross added: “What’s fun is, if you like unmaskings it has more unmaskings than ever before. There is so much more happening. We can barely keep up. Every week, we’ve barely got time to guess one and the masks off! You’re going to have a lot more fun playing at home.”
Kieron McCarron//ITV
Opening up about the Masked Singer band, Joel Dommett said: “It’s fun! At the start of the first two episodes we have a live band. We’ve never done it before and it just gives it so much energy in the room.
“Also the lead singer of the band is someone we have to guess. They’ve mixed the whole first two episodes and it has this energy which is really great. Also those first two unmaskings are pretty substantial.”
The Masked Singer UK starts on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th January at 6.30pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
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