ITV made a last-minute decision to cut a contestant's debut from the latest episode of The Masked Singer after producers deemed the planned routine 'insensitive' in the wake of a tragic fire in Switzerland.
Performance Pulled Hours Before Broadcast
The mystery celebrity inside the Red Panda costume was due to make their first appearance on the Saturday night show, performing the 1976 hit 'Disco Inferno' by The Trammps. The staging reportedly included dancers wearing fire-style suits.
However, senior executives intervened just hours before the episode was due to air, ordering the segment to be removed entirely. The move came in direct response to the devastating New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Switzerland, which killed around 40 people.
ITV's Statement on the Decision
An ITV spokesperson confirmed the move, stating: 'In light of the tragic events in Switzerland, we took the decision to remove Red Panda's performance on The Masked Singer owing to potential insensitivities within the theme and lyrics of the song.'
The broadcaster was keen to stress that the decision was related solely to the timing and content of this specific performance. They confirmed that Red Panda, and the celebrity inside, will remain part of the 2026 series and will perform in upcoming episodes. 'Viewers will get to see Red Panda perform in the coming weeks,' the spokesperson added.
Context of the Swiss Tragedy
The fire that prompted ITV's caution broke out in the early hours of New Year's Day at a packed bar in the Valais ski resort. More than 200 young people were inside when a sudden blaze tore through the venue, leaving dozens dead and hundreds with severe burns.
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the cause of the fire, which began in the basement and spread rapidly. The bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are being investigated on suspicion of offences including manslaughter by negligence and arson by negligence.
Series Seven Launches With New Format
The incident occurred as The Masked Singer launched its seventh series on ITV, with host Joel Dommett returning. This season introduces a new twist, featuring two separate bands fronted by other contestants: Goldfish, leading 'No Trout', and Emperor Penguin, heading 'The Antarctic Funkeys'.
Dommett has previously teased that this series will feature 'the most unmaskings ever', with four reveals scheduled across the first two episodes alone. The show's previous winner was stage and screen actress Samantha Barks, who competed as 'Pufferfish'.
The Masked Singer airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
