ITV's hit guessing game, The Masked Singer, is poised for a spectacular return in the New Year with its most significant format shake-up to date. The panel, consisting of Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, and Maya Jama, will have their detective skills tested like never before when the show introduces full live bands for the very first time.
A Revolutionary New Format
The groundbreaking change will see the first two episodes of the new series feature complete musical ensembles, with the central mystery focusing on the identity of the lead singer. The series kicks off with a double-bill premiere on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th January at 6.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
In the opening episode, the band No Trout will perform, fronted by the mysterious Goldfish. The following night, Emperor Penguin and the Antarctic Funkeys will take to the stage. Across these two episodes alone, a staggering four celebrities will be unmasked, setting a frantic pace for the seventh series.
Meet the Mysterious New Line-Up
Beyond the band members, the panel must also deduce the identities of twelve other disguised celebrities throughout the series. This year's eccentric cast of characters includes:
- Moth
- Can of Worms
- Red Panda
- Conkers
- Arctic Fox
- Toastie
- Monkey Business
- Yak
- Sloth
- Gargoyle
- Disc Jockey
- Teabag
Host Joel Dommett expressed his enthusiasm for the new band element, stating it injected incredible energy into the studio. He teased that the initial unmaskings are particularly substantial, promising major surprises for the audience from the outset.
The Panel Reacts to the Challenge
The show's regular detectives are braced for an action-packed run. Jonathan Ross, affectionately known as 'Wossy', confirmed this series has more unmaskings than ever before, leaving the panel struggling to keep up. He also praised Dommett's hosting, claiming the presenter's jokes and puns are at an all-time high.
Davina McCall described the new series as feeling fresh, with new ideas that keep the panel on their toes. Mo Gilligan revealed he gets more involved than ever, even being invited onto the stage with one performer, while Maya Jama singled out the rapping Can of Worms as her early favourite for its impressive musical timing.
In a lighter moment, the panel collectively poked fun at Dommett's new wardrobe of jumpsuits, with Ross joking he was surprised the host hadn't been arrested by the fashion police.
The new series follows in the footsteps of previous celebrity contestants such as Dionne Warwick, Dame Prue Leith, and Sir Lenny Henry. With bands, more unmaskings, and a bizarre new roster of costumes, The Masked Singer is undoubtedly raising the stakes for its 2025 return.
