Saturday night television took an unexpected turn on January 10, 2026, when punk rock legend John Lydon—better known to many as Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols—was unmasked as the flamboyant Yak on ITV’s hit show The Masked Singer. Viewers, judges, and even seasoned panelists found themselves caught off guard as the 69-year-old icon stepped out from beneath the glittering purple costume, marking one of the most jaw-dropping reveals in the show’s history, according to BBC and Daily Mail.
The episode, themed around sports day, was already set to be a special one. Cricket legend Freddie Flintoff joined the regular judging panel of Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, Mo Gilligan, and Davina McCall, bringing a fresh perspective—and, as it turned out, a keen ear for punk rock. After a high-energy performance of Olivia Newton-John’s 1980s classic "Physical," Yak found himself in a tense sing-off against fellow contestant Monkey Business. Despite his best efforts, Yak was eliminated by the judges, paving the way for the night’s big reveal.
As the audience held its breath, Flintoff confidently guessed Lydon’s identity, a feat that left the punk rocker both amused and impressed. "A lot of the clues beat around the bush. But, I mean, it’s kind of obvious my voice, isn’t it?" Lydon quipped after removing his mask, as reported by ITV News. He added with characteristic humor, "I didn’t want to give the game away, so I tried everything I could not to come across as a singer. It apparently worked."
Lydon’s appearance on the show was as much about fun as it was about necessity. In a candid moment, he revealed, "I’m in the middle of recording an album, and a little bit of extra cash will go a long way towards that budget. We’re independent." The singer, who has spent decades railing against the establishment, seemed to relish the chance to show a different side of himself. "I hope the fun comes across. Rather than going up there and doing singalong and guessing who I am straight away, I thought, show the other side of me. An absolute funster. I’m the court jester by nature. It’s just the way it is."
For viewers at home, the sight of the notorious punk frontman dressed as a yak was almost too much to process. Social media buzzed with disbelief and delight. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Wow, I didn’t think that the cow on the Masked Singer was going to be Johnny Rotten!!" Another exclaimed, "The fact that the lead singer of the Sex Pistols has just been on TV dressed as a yak is pretty mind blowing and what makes The Masked Singer so good." The shock extended beyond Lydon’s reveal, with the episode featuring a double unmasking: Teabag was voted out and revealed to be rapper Professor Green, while, on the following night, comedian Matt Lucas stunned fans as Emperor Penguin, according to Daily Mail.
Lydon’s journey to The Masked Singer stage is as storied as his career. As the frontman of The Sex Pistols, he helped ignite the punk movement in 1975 with a rebellious spirit and incendiary lyrics. The band’s classics, such as "God Save The Queen" and "Anarchy in the UK," became anthems for a generation disillusioned with the monarchy and political status quo. After the group’s infamous breakup in 1978, Lydon went on to form Public Image Ltd (PiL), continuing his tradition of musical innovation and outspoken commentary.
Last year, The Sex Pistols reunited for several gigs, but Lydon was notably absent. The absence was no accident; he had fought a high-profile court battle against his former bandmates in an attempt to prevent their songs from being used in the Disney+ biographical series Pistol. The fallout was so severe that Lydon vowed never to return to the group. "Absolutely loved it. I’ve had a sad sack yak on my back. It’s time to go home," he joked about his time on The Masked Singer, perhaps alluding to the burdens of his recent legal and musical battles.
This year’s series of The Masked Singer is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet. Alongside Yak, characters such as Toastie, Arctic Fox, and Conkers made their debuts on the January 10 episode, all advancing to the next round. The format, which sees celebrities don elaborate costumes to conceal their identities while performing chart-topping hits, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, music, and spectacle. Hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, the show airs on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, drawing a diverse audience eager to guess who’s behind the mask each week.
The 2025 series set a high bar, with musical theatre star Samantha Barks—famed for her role in Les Misérables—taking the crown as Pufferfish. This year, the inclusion of stars from across the entertainment spectrum, from punk icons to comedians, has kept both judges and viewers on their toes. The panel’s guessing game is as much a part of the fun as the performances themselves, with wild theories and red herrings fueling debates both in the studio and online.
But it’s not just about the spectacle. For Lydon, participation in the show was also a practical decision, reflecting the challenges faced by independent musicians in today’s industry. "A little bit of extra cash will go a long way towards that budget. We’re independent," he reiterated, highlighting the realities of funding creative projects without major label support. His willingness to embrace the show’s silliness while staying true to his independent roots resonated with many fans, old and new.
Other notable moments from the season include Anne-Marie’s reveal as Goldfish, performing with her live band No Trout, and Alex Jones’ unmasking as Disc Jockey. Each episode brings fresh surprises, with the judges often left second-guessing their instincts. In the words of one judge after a particularly tricky reveal, "My flabbers are ghasted."
As the competition heats up, viewers can expect more twists, turns, and perhaps a few more legends stepping out from behind the mask. For now, John Lydon’s turn as Yak stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of reinvention—and the pure, unpredictable joy of live television.
