The Masked Singer UK is a surreal singing competition where celebrities perform in elaborate, head-to-toe costumes to conceal their identities from a panel of judges and a voting audience. Originally based on the South Korean format King of Mask Singer, the British version premiered on ITV in January 2020 and has since become a cultural phenomenon, known for its “take it off” chant and mind-bending clues. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the latest Series 7 contestants, past winners like Samantha Barks (Pufferfish) and Danny Jones (Piranha), the current judging panel featuring Maya Jama and Mo Gilligan, and practical tips on how to join the studio audience at Bovingdon Airfield.
Current Series 7 Contestants
The seventh series of The Masked Singer UK premiered on January 3, 2026, introducing a fresh batch of twelve vibrant characters to the stage. This season has already seen high-profile unmaskings including TV presenter Alex Jones as Disc Jockey and legendary musician John Lydon as Yak.
As the competition progresses, viewers are currently speculating on the identities of remaining masks like Moth, Red Panda, and Sloth. The series continues to air on Saturday nights on ITV1 and ITVX, maintaining its status as the nation’s favorite weekend guessing game.
Series 6 Winner Recap
The 2025 series concluded with a spectacular finale on February 15, where Pufferfish was crowned the champion. After weeks of operatic and pop performances, Pufferfish was revealed to be West End sensation and Frozen star Samantha Barks.
The runner-up for Series 6 was the soulful Gregory Porter, who performed as Dressed Crab, followed by Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet fame in third place as Wolf. This season was praised for its high vocal caliber, with many contestants having professional musical backgrounds.
Judging Panel and Host
The Series 7 panel features a mix of veteran “detectives” and newer additions who analyze clue packages and vocal stems to identify the celebrities. Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and Mo Gilligan return as the core trio, joined by Maya Jama, who became a permanent fixture in Series 6.
Joel Dommett remains the charismatic host, guiding the audience through the madness and facilitating the iconic unmasking moments. His comedic timing and rapport with the contestants, even when they are dressed as giant food items, are central to the show’s identity.
Secretive Filming Process
To maintain the show’s central mystery, the production employs extreme security measures known as “Operation Light.” Celebrities are required to wear “Don’t Talk to Me” hoodies and visors whenever they are offstage to prevent staff or passersby from recognizing them.
Contestants are often whisked from their homes in blacked-out cars and are not allowed to speak to anyone on set except for a very small number of production leads. Even the families of the performers are often kept in the dark until the episodes finally air on television.
Iconic Past Winners
Since its inception, The Masked Singer UK has crowned a diverse array of talent, starting with Nicola Roberts as Queen Bee in Series 1. Her victory set a high bar for the show, proving that the competition was as much about vocal prowess as it was about the costumes.
Subsequent winners include songwriter Joss Stone (Sausage), singer Natalie Imbruglia (Panda), and Busted’s Charlie Simpson (Rhino). Each winner has successfully managed to camouflage their signature vocal tones to keep the panel guessing until the very final episode.
Elaborate Costume Design
The costumes are arguably the stars of the show, often taking months to design and construct by hand. These outfits must not only look visually stunning but also be functional enough for the celebrities to sing and move in while managing limited visibility and airflow.
Each costume is embedded with “clues” in its physical design—such as specific badges or colors—that hint at the celebrity’s career or personal life. The creative team works closely with the celebrities to ensure the characters reflect their personalities or provide a clever misdirection.
How Voting Works
The voting process on The Masked Singer UK is conducted by the live studio audience during the pre-recorded filming sessions. Audience members use electronic keypads to vote for their favorite performance after each “battle” or group round.
The singers with the fewest votes are placed in the “bottom two,” and it is then up to the judging panel to decide who stays and who is unmasked. This format ensures that while the audience chooses the favorites, the judges control the narrative of the reveals.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans looking to experience the magic of the show in person or stay updated on the latest episodes, there are several key details to keep in mind.
- Filming Location: The show is filmed at ITV Studios Bovingdon, located at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire.
- Ticket Costs: Tickets for the studio audience are free of charge but are distributed via a lottery system through websites like Lost in TV.
- What to Expect: Filming sessions can last several hours, and audience members must sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and surrender their phones before entering.
- Broadcast Times: New episodes typically air on Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM on ITV1.
- Tips for Visitors: If you attend a filming, dress in layers as the studio can fluctuate in temperature, and be prepared for a long but high-energy day of entertainment.
Special Spin-off Episodes
The franchise has expanded beyond the main series to include themed specials and companion shows. The Masked Dancer was a popular spin-off that ran for two series, focusing on choreography and movement clues rather than singing.
Other notable specials include the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! crossovers and annual Christmas specials. These one-off events often feature shorter competition arcs where multiple celebrities are unmasked in a single night to celebrate specific holidays or ITV milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get tickets for The Masked Singer UK? Tickets are free and can be requested through the Lost in TV website. Due to high demand, they are usually allocated via a random draw, and successful applicants are notified a few weeks before filming.
Where is The Masked Singer UK filmed? The series is recorded at Bovingdon Airfield Studios in Hertfordshire, which provides the large soundstage required for the elaborate sets and audience.
Who won the most recent series of The Masked Singer? The Series 6 winner in 2025 was Samantha Barks, who performed as the character Pufferfish.
Are the singers actually singing live? Yes, all contestants sing live while wearing their costumes. However, the vocals are processed through the studio’s sound system, and the “clue packages” use voice-modulation software to hide their natural speaking voices.
Can the judges hear the singers’ real voices? The judges hear the live vocal performance in the studio, which is why they often focus on “vocal tics” or specific ranges to help them identify the celebrities.
What happens if someone’s identity is leaked? The production takes leaks very seriously, utilizing NDAs and heavy security. If a leak were to occur, it could lead to legal action, though the show’s fast-paced filming schedule usually keeps secrets safe until broadcast.
How many contestants are in each series? A standard series of The Masked Singer UK features 12 celebrities divided into two groups of six for the opening rounds.
Is there a prize for winning The Masked Singer? Unlike other talent shows, there is no cash prize or recording contract. Winners receive a Golden Mask trophy and the prestige of winning one of the UK’s most-watched programs.
Who are the judges for Series 7? The current panel consists of Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama.
How can I watch old episodes? Past series and highlights are available to stream on ITVX, the digital home of ITV’s programming.
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