The Christmas special of The Masked Singer brought together beloved British comedians Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, who are set to appear as panel judges. This duo, renowned for their chemistry and competitive spirit, is expected to deliver entertainment and laughter alongside hosts Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan.
Dawn French, famous for her role as the Vicar of Dibley, has been open about her personal battles and transformation over the years, including her impressive weight loss of 7.5 stone. This life change was catalyzed by health concerns, particularly after facing a cancer scare. "I have never rejected the bigger woman I have been," she shared with The Times, illustrating her acceptance of her past self. "Lots of people do it and say, 'Oh, you look much nicer now,' and I think, 'F off! Don't judge the other person who I loved.'" Her candidness has been refreshing for many fans, challenging societal standards surrounding body image.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Saunders, who rose to fame alongside French in the iconic show French and Saunders, has also revealed her history of overcoming health challenges. Between their heartfelt repartee, the competitive edge will shine through during the show, with French declaring, "Any rivalry between Jen and I on this show will NOT be friendly… We love each other but a competition is a competition, and I will take ... down with no mercy!" Their playful banter is not only indicative of their close friendship but also promises drama and excitement for the audience.
This year’s contestants include festive characters with intriguing names like Nutcracker, Star, Turkey Crown, and Christmas Cracker—the identities of whom will remain cloaked until the big reveals. The format encourages guesswork among celebrities and audiences alike, aiming to combine humor with mystery. French humorously lamented, "Dawn is far more up-to-date with the Who’s Who of showbiz, so I’m hoping she’ll give me some suggestions," indicating her willingness to play along and engage with viewers as they dissect the clues.
Despite the buzz surrounding the special, things took a turn when viewers expressed frustration over the cryptic clues presented to them. Many felt the show had raised the difficulty to an unreasonable level, with social media bombarded by critiques. One viewer took to X to comment, "The clues are totally useless; no one would EVER know what they were referring to. Ridiculous." Another chimed, "These clues have been unnecessarily s tonight," reflecting widespread discontent.
The sentiment seemed to worsen as the first contestant unmasked was revealed to be Josie Gibson from This Morning. The audience had anticipated familiar faces and were puzzled by the bewildering hints provided by the show—prompting jokes and exasperation online. One viewer said, "My heart is no longer in it!! What did any of those clues have to do with Josie?"
With the mix of engaging performances, outrageous clues, and the comedic charm of French and Saunders, the Christmas special promises to be memorable. Broadcasting on Boxing Day on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, the event captures the essence of festive entertainment as the duo continues to charm audiences more than three decades since they first met at drama school.
French has humorously noted, "What you normally do at Christmas is you spend it with your family and we’ve got separate families!" Yet, their enduring friendship is evident as they usually spend holidays together, signifying the bond they have nurtured through years of collaboration and support.
While the show aims for lighthearted fun, it also ties together discussions about body image, acceptance, and the experiences of aging women, brought to the forefront by both stars. French's past struggles with her self-image highlight the societal pressures many face, and her current embrace of her body serves as powerful inspiration.
Comedy offers not just laughter but also mirrors to greater societal issues, and this Christmas special may just deliver on both fronts. With two wonderfully talented women leading the charge, viewers can expect not only entertainment but also candor around the struggles of personal acceptance within the glitzy lights of showbiz.
Beyond the competition, the personalities and experiences of French and Saunders remind us to embrace our journeys and find humor wherever possible—a fitting message for the holiday season.
