Following its delightfully chaotic Christmas special, The Masked Singer UK is gearing up for a brand new series that vows to 'make history'. Host Joel Dommett is back to helm the madness, promising viewers an array of even more outlandish characters and a significant format change never seen before on the show.
A Historic Weekend of Double Bills and Bands
The 2026 series kicks off with a major twist. For the first time in the show's history, the opening weekend will feature a double bill with a special theme: The Masked Singer Band. Two separate bands will headline the episodes airing on Saturday and Sunday, 3rd and 4th of January.
On Saturday, the band No Trout, fronted by the character Goldfish, will take to the stage. They will be followed on Sunday by The Antarctic Funkeys, led by Emperor Penguin. Host Joel Dommett has teased that the band format injects incredible energy into the studio.
This innovative start also means more reveals for the audience at home. The panel – consisting of Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama – will have their work cut out for them, but they won't be left guessing for long. Four celebrities will be unmasked across the two-night premiere, a record for an opening weekend. Dommett hinted that the first two reveals are 'pretty substantial'.
A Bonkers New Line-Up of Costumes
True to form, the new series will introduce a fresh batch of bizarre and wonderful costumes designed to conceal the identities of the famous contestants. The show has already unveiled a character named Conkers, with the playful tagline: 'They came, they saw, they Conker-ed.'
They will be joined by an eclectic mix including Moth, Red Panda, Arctic Fox, and a Can of Worms – the latter potentially a cheeky nod to a certain iconic I'm A Celebrity moment. The costume department has been busy, with further additions like Monkey Business, Yak, Sloth, Gargoyle, Toastie, Disc Jockey, and Teabag set to baffle the judges and public alike.
Speculation is already rife about who could be behind the masks. Could Moth be a star drawn to the spotlight, like a past talent show winner? Might Disc Jockey hide a famous radio personality like Greg James? And could Gargoyle be a model accustomed to holding a pose? The guessing game is a core part of the fun.
How and When to Watch
Jonathan Ross has assured fans that the increased number of early unmaskings will make playing along at home even more entertaining. The new series of The Masked Singer UK begins on Saturday, 3 January 2026, at 6:30pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, continuing with its second episode the following night at the same time.
With its promise of historic changes, a double dose of musical mayhem, and the most unpredictable lineup of costumes yet, the 2026 series is poised to be the most memorable and hilarious instalment to date.
