The latest series of ITV's The Masked Singer UK delivered one of its most shocking reveals yet when punk icon John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten, was unmasked as the Yak. While the public was stunned, the show's costume team had been holding their breath, fearing the celebrity inside the extravagant get-up might give them some serious 'kickback'.
The Fear of Celebrity 'Kickback'
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Tim Simpson, the creative director of Plunge Creations and the show's costume designer, confessed the team had concerns about the Yak's over-the-top design. 'We thought we might get some kickback with Yak, because it is so full-on,' he revealed. The costume, a riot of vibrant streamers, purple sequins, and massive horns, was certainly one of the most audacious of the series.
Thankfully, the 69-year-old Sex Pistols frontman had no reservations about embracing the absurdity. Simpson noted that all the performers now understand the show's ethos, arriving ready to leave their dignity at the door. 'They’ve seen it enough times to realise... if you’re going to get involved in The Masked Singer, then you’re gonna have to really strap in and get fit,' he explained.
A Weighty Burden for Performers
John Lydon himself joked after his unmasking on the 12th of January 2026 that the costume likely 'weighs as much' as a real yak. Tim Simpson validated this, confirming it was the heaviest costume of the series due to a complex internal structure mounted on the performer's shoulders. 'I think it’s quite an added weight to sort of dump on them and then send them out onto a stage and ask them to sing,' Simpson admitted, revealing he tries on all costumes himself first to test them.
The physical strain was real for Lydon. Appearing on This Morning, he stated, 'You cannot sing in an outfit like that; it’s so hot and heavy.' He revealed the experience even caused him to 'put out' his shoulder and his back.
Why Johnny Rotten Said Yes
When asked why he took part, Lydon was characteristically blunt. 'Fun, firstly. But mostly the money,' he said, adding that the fee had paid for a month's recording in Portugal and a holiday. He also showed defiance towards potential critics, saying, 'I know things like this are viewed negatively by what they call "serious musicians". Well, eff the lot of them, I’m up for a laugh.'
His identity was ultimately guessed by panellist Jonathan Ross and guest judge Freddie Flintoff, whom Lydon knew well and tried unsuccessfully to fool. His unmasking followed a performance of Olivia Newton-John's 'Physical', making him the third celebrity revealed after Alex Scott as Disc Jockey and Professor Green as Tea Bag.
The competition continues with Arctic Fox, Can of Worms, Conkers, Gargoyle, Monkey Business, Moth, Red Panda, Sloth, and Toastie still in the running. The Masked Singer continues on Saturday on ITV1 and ITVX.
