ITV's wildly popular guessing game, The Masked Singer, is set to kick off its 2026 season with a major promise for fans: more unmaskings than in any previous series. Panellist Jonathan Ross has teased the heightened pace of reveals for the upcoming run, which begins next weekend.
A New Musical Twist for the Launch Weekend
The new series, once again hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, will debut with an exciting format change. For the first time in the show's history, the opening two episodes will feature a live band performing on stage.
The premiere on Saturday, January 3, will showcase 'Goldfish and the No Trout Band', while the following night's episode on Sunday, January 4, presents 'Emperor Penguin and the Antarctic Funkeys'. Crucially, the lead singer of each band is a disguised celebrity, meaning four stars will be unveiled across the opening double bill.
Host Joel Dommett, 40, expressed his enthusiasm for the new element, stating it injects incredible energy into the studio. He also hinted that the initial two reveals are particularly significant.
Panellists React to the Frenetic New Pace
Fellow judge Davina McCall praised the fresh feel of the new series, mentioning new ideas that keep the panel on their toes. However, it was Jonathan Ross, 65, who emphasised the unprecedented rate of unmaskings.
"What's fun is, if you like unmaskings it has more unmaskings than ever before," Ross revealed. He added that the action is so relentless that the panel can barely keep up, promising viewers at home will have even more fun trying to guess the identities.
What to Expect in the 2026 Series
The show follows celebrities performing in elaborate costumes while a panel and the audience try to identify them. The 2025 champion was musical theatre star Samantha Barks, who triumphed disguised as a Pufferfish.
This year's bizarre and wonderful cast of characters includes:
- Moth
- Can Of Worms
- Red Panda
- Conkers
- Arctic Fox
- Toastie
- Teabag
- Gargoyle
The Masked Singer 2026 begins on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player at 6:30 pm on both Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4. With the promise of a faster pace and more reveals, the new series is shaping up to be the most unpredictable yet.
