The Masked Singer UK is a popular reality singing competition on ITV where celebrities perform in elaborate costumes to conceal their identities from a panel of judges and the viewing public. Originally based on the South Korean format King of Mask Singer, the British version premiered in January 2020 and has since become a cultural phenomenon, known for its surreal costumes, cryptic clue packages, and high-profile reveals. Throughout the series, a panel of celebrity “detectives” attempts to guess the performers’ identities based on vocal performance and subtle hints, while the studio audience votes on their favorite acts to determine who remains in the competition and who must “take it off.”
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the history of the show, the current Series 7 contestants, a complete list of past winners, and behind-the-scenes secrets regarding production and security. Whether you are looking for the latest unmasking updates from 2026 or want to know how to attend a live filming at Bovingdon Studios, this authoritative resource covers every aspect of the UK’s most secretive talent show.
Series 7 Highlights and Updates
The seventh series of The Masked Singer UK premiered on January 3, 2026, featuring a fresh batch of twelve eccentric characters and the return of the beloved judging panel. This season has already delivered several “jaw-dropping” moments, including the introduction of “Mole Dommett”—a secret character eventually revealed as Olly Murs who joined the panel as a guest.
As of early 2026, several high-profile stars have been unmasked, including comedian Harry Hill as Red Panda and TV presenter Alex Jones as Disc Jockey. The competition remains fierce with characters like Moth, Sloth, and Toastie still fighting to keep their identities hidden as the series approaches its grand finale in February.
Current Judging Panel and Host
The Series 7 panel features the return of Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan, alongside Maya Jama, who joined as a permanent replacement for Rita Ora in Series 6. Joel Dommett continues his role as the charismatic host, often becoming the target of the show’s jokes while facilitating the high-stakes reveals.
Maya Jama’s inclusion has brought a new energy to the panel, with her “detective skills” being put to the test against veteran guesser Jonathan Ross. The chemistry between the four judges is a hallmark of the show, often leading to hilariously incorrect guesses and playful banter throughout the performances.
Complete List of UK Winners
The Masked Singer UK has crowned a diverse range of winners since its inception, ranging from pop royalty to stage stars. The inaugural winner in 2020 was Nicola Roberts, performing as Queen Bee, followed by Joss Stone as Sausage in Series 2 and Natalie Imbruglia as Panda in Series 3.
Subsequent winners include Charlie Simpson as Rhino (Series 4) and Danny Jones as Piranha (Series 5), while Series 6 saw actress and singer Samantha Barks take the crown as Pufferfish. Each winner is traditionally chosen by the studio audience during a grand finale that sees the final three contestants unmasked in one night.
The Masked Singer UK Format
The show follows a simple but addictive structure: celebrities sing live while wearing head-to-toe costumes that completely hide their physical appearance. After each performance, the judges ask questions and analyze a “clue package” video filled with visual and verbal puns related to the celebrity’s life or career.
Eliminations occur when the studio audience votes for their favorite performers; the person with the fewest votes faces the panel, who decides whether to save them or unmask them. The “Take It Off” chant has become a signature part of British television, occurring just before the celebrity removes their mask to reveal their true identity.
Security and Secrecy Protocols
The level of secrecy required to produce The Masked Singer UK is legendary, involving strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for all staff and audience members. Contestants are required to wear “Don’t Talk To Me” hoodies and visors whenever they are outside of their dressing rooms to prevent even the production crew from recognizing them.
To maintain the mystery, only about six people on the entire production team know the true identities of the twelve singers. Even the judges are kept entirely in the dark, with no contact allowed between the panel and the performers outside of the moments captured on camera.
Iconic Costume Designs
The costumes are arguably the stars of the show, designed by a dedicated creative team that spends months crafting elaborate, breathable outfits. From the intricate feathers of Series 1’s Octopus to the mechanical complexity of Series 5’s Piranha, each mask is a work of art intended to throw off the viewers.
Costumes often contain “hidden in plain sight” clues, such as specific colors or accessories that reference a celebrity’s hometown, a famous role, or a significant award. For example, the “Red Panda” costume in Series 7 featured subtle nods to Harry Hill’s signature oversized collars.
Viewing Figures and Reception
Since its debut, The Masked Singer UK has consistently dominated Saturday night ratings, often drawing in over 7 million viewers for its finale episodes. The show’s success has led to various spin-offs, including The Masked Dancer and festive specials like the I’m A Celebrity crossover.
Critics often praise the show for its “wholesome, family-friendly” appeal, providing a lighthearted alternative to more serious talent competitions. Its ability to trend on social media during every broadcast has made it a vital part of ITV’s modern entertainment lineup.
Notable Contestant Reveals
Beyond the winners, many of the most memorable moments come from unexpected celebrities participating in the madness. Fans still recall the shock of seeing former Home Secretary Alan Johnson unmasked as Pharaoh or legendary Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon revealed as Yak in Series 7.
International stars have also graced the UK stage, including Ne-Yo as Badger and Michelle Williams as Mushroom. These appearances prove that the show has the pulling power to attract global talent who are eager to perform without the pressure of their established public image.
Behind the Clue Packages
Clue packages are meticulously crafted by “clue producers” who interview the celebrities for hours to find obscure facts about their lives. These videos use a mix of metaphors, riddles, and red herrings to ensure that the audience remains guessing until the very end.
One of the most popular segments is the “Two Truths and a Lie,” where the masked singer provides three statements about themselves. This task forces the judges to scrutinize the celebrity’s history, often leading to deep dives into Wikipedia and social media by fans at home.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans wishing to experience the magic in person, the show is typically filmed at Bovingdon Airfield Studios in Hertfordshire. This location provides the massive soundstage required for the elaborate sets and audience seating.
- Tickets: Free audience tickets are available via the “Lost in TV” website, though they are highly sought after and distributed via a lottery system.
- Costs: There is no charge for tickets, but visitors must cover their own transport to the Hemel Hempstead area.
- What to Expect: Filming can take several hours, and guests must surrender their mobile phones before entering the studio to prevent leaks.
- Tips for Visitors: Dress comfortably but smartly, as you may appear on camera. Be prepared for the “false unmasking” where the audience is often asked to leave before the actual celebrity is revealed to keep the secret safe.
Seasonal Specials and Spin-offs
ITV frequently airs special episodes of The Masked Singer to celebrate holidays or major television events. The 2025 Christmas Special featured “Spag Bol” (Kate Garraway) and “Teeth” (Mel Giedroyc), providing festive entertainment for millions.
The Masked Dancer, which aired for two series, applied the same “who is it” logic to choreography and movement. While it focused more on physical clues than vocal ones, it maintained the high production values and whimsical spirit of the original singing series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won The Masked Singer UK 2025? The 2025 series (Series 6) was won by Samantha Barks, who performed as Pufferfish. She beat Gregory Porter (Dressed Crab) and Marti Pellow (Wolf) in the grand finale.
Where is The Masked Singer UK filmed? The show is recorded at Bovingdon Airfield Studios in Hertfordshire. The site is a former RAF base that now houses some of the UK’s largest television production facilities.
Are the celebrities actually singing live? Yes, all contestants sing live during the studio recording. However, their voices are often distorted during the “clue packages” and speaking segments to hide their natural speaking tone.
Who are the judges for the 2026 series? The Series 7 panel consists of Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama. Guest judges such as Olly Murs and Anne-Marie also appeared throughout the season.
How do the celebrities breathe in the costumes? The costumes are custom-built with internal fans and mesh panels to allow for airflow. Despite this, performers often mention how hot and heavy the outfits can be during a full performance.
Can the audience see the celebrities’ faces? No, the studio audience is usually asked to leave the set before the final “unmasking” moment is filmed. This ensures that the secret does not leak on social media before the episode airs.
How long does it take to make a costume? It typically takes several months to design and build a single costume. The process involves multiple fittings with the celebrity—often done in secret locations—to ensure they can move and sing comfortably.
Has anyone ever guessed the winner correctly in week one? While it is rare, some eagle-eyed fans and judges have correctly identified performers early on. For example, many viewers correctly guessed Nicola Roberts as Queen Bee almost immediately due to her distinct vocal tone.
Why did Rita Ora leave The Masked Singer UK? Rita Ora left the UK version to join the panel of the American version of The Masked Singer. She was replaced by Maya Jama starting in Series 6.
What happens if a celebrity gets sick? The production has contingency plans in place, but generally, the show is pre-recorded, allowing for flexibility in the filming schedule. In some cases, a “special” or guest performance might fill the gap.
How many people know the identities? Only a very small group of about six production staff members are aware of the celebrities’ identities. This “inner circle” includes the show’s producers, the head of costume, and the lead security officer.
What is the “Don’t Talk to Me” hoodie? This is a specific piece of clothing that all contestants must wear when moving around the studio lot. It signals to all other staff members that they are not allowed to speak to or approach the individual.
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