The guessing game is in full swing as ITV's The Masked Singer returns for its 2026 series, introducing a fresh batch of celebrities hidden within outrageous costumes. Hosted by Joel Dommett, the panel featuring Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama faces its trickiest challenge yet with a promise of more unmaskings than ever before.
Sloth's Energetic Debut and Key Clues
Among the new contestants, including Moth, Can of Worms, and Arctic Fox, Sloth made a particularly memorable first impression. Defying their creature's sleepy namesake, Sloth performed an energetic routine to Matthew Wilder's 'Break My Stride', immediately suggesting a young and sprightly celebrity beneath the mask.
The costume itself provided major hints, resembling bright workout gear complete with fluorescent sweatbands, a mesh top, and a pink leotard. In their introductory video, Sloth was seen recording a fitness video on a camcorder, declaring to the camera: 'Now I’m bringing fitness, fashion and fierceness to the competition. I know how to represent in the gym and on the world stage.' This strongly points to a sporty personality or fitness influencer.
Further visual clues have sent the judges and audience scrambling. Scenes featured Sloth in a jungle, leading to immediate links to ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!. Other brief glimpses included handcuffs, a stereo, and someone playing snooker. Davina McCall also noted the cadence of Sloth's voice could indicate a radio DJ.
Top Suspects in the Sloth Line-Up
Based on the avalanche of clues, several compelling theories have emerged online and among the judging panel.
The Body Coach Joe Wicks is a prime candidate, perfectly fitting the fitness video and energetic workout persona. His nationwide PE sessions during lockdown cement his status as the UK's foremost fitness influencer.
Staying in the sporting world, Olympic champion Mo Farah is another strong contender. He matches the sporty clues and has prior experience in the jungle from I'm A Celebrity, with rumours of a return for an All Stars series.
The snooker reference has led judges to speculate about legendary player Ronnie O'Sullivan. Meanwhile, the music and boy band hints have fans considering Take That and Strictly star Jay McGuiness, especially after Sloth's playful comment about wanting to be in a boy band.
Rounding out the speculation are TV and radio personalities like Sam Thompson and Chris Moyles, who would fit the presenter and DJ theories.
The Hunt Continues on ITV
With the series promising a historic first and a record number of reveals, the identity of Sloth remains one of the season's most tantalising puzzles. Each performance will offer new clues, narrowing down the list of possible celebrities.
The Masked Singer 2026 continues on ITV1 and ITVX, with the nation watching closely to see if the energetic Sloth can maintain their stamina and keep their identity secret until the final unmasking.
