ITV's The Masked Singer Christmas special was thrown into chaos after host Joel Dommett accidentally revealed the identity of a celebrity contestant during filming.
A Costume Chuckle Leads to Chaos
The presenter, 40, who has fronted the popular guessing game for six years, was filming the festive episode earlier this year when he instantly recognised the distinctive laugh of a star inside the Mistletoe costume. Without thinking, Dommett blurted out their real name, much to the shock of the production team and delight of the studio audience.
The studio erupted with laughter as a mortified Dommett dropped to the floor in shame. The celebrity in question has not been officially named, but the hilarious slip-up will be broadcast as part of the special, which airs at 7.30pm on Boxing Day on ITV1 and ITVX.
Dommett's Regret and a Naughty Step
Speaking to The Sun about the incident, Joel Dommett expressed his disbelief. "I can't believe I did it," he said. "This person was chuckling in the costume and it's a chuckle I know well and I said their name. It just came out. Their actual name!"
Thankfully for the host, the judging panel—comprising Maya Jama, Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall and Jonathan Ross—had almost worked out the celebrity's identity already. However, ITV producers were quick to reprimand him. "Producers did reiterate to me that I wasn't to do that again," Dommett admitted. "I was on the naughty step."
Major Shake-Up for Series Seven
The festive faux pas comes as the show prepares for a major format shake-up when it returns for its seventh series in January. In a world first for the franchise, bands will be competing alongside individual celebrities, promising more unmaskings than ever before.
The new series will feature a 12-strong line-up, including two band acts. One, called No Trout, is led by a character named Goldfish. The other, the Antarctic Funkeys, is fronted by Emperor Penguin. A show source said the bands would "blow everyone's minds" and leave viewers "scratching their heads."
Host Joel Dommett has already teased that the upcoming season will feature "the most unmaskings ever," with reports suggesting four reveals across the first two episodes alone.
Fans can tune into the Christmas special on Boxing Day to see Joel Dommett's blunder and watch four new celebrities—performing as Figgy Pudding, Goose-a-laying, Santa's Sack, and the fateful Mistletoe—try to keep their identities secret.
