The Masked Singer has unveiled a new character for its 2024 Christmas special. The ITV competition show will return with a festive special on Boxing Day, which will see four masked celebrities compete in two head-to-head sing-offs before a final clash for the overall win.
Earlier this month, the show's producers confirmed the four characters competing will be Star, Turkey Crown, Nutcracker, and Christmas Cracker. But there’s also going to be a special surprise character for host Joel Dommett - himself!
Giant Joel will make his debut during the Christmas special, but viewers will have to wait until the first show of the new series, which airs on January 4, to find out which well-loved celebrity is under the mask. Speaking about his initial reaction to the costume, Joel remarked, "I thought, 'Is my nose really that shape?' Then everyone confirmed it is….and your teeth are that big!"
When asked if he planned to keep the costume, the presenter joked about his wife's disapproval. "She won't allow it because we don't have the space," he shared, playfully adding, "So I have told her we need to buy a marginally bigger house. Maybe we can turn it upside down and turn it into a really cool laundry bin or something."
The judging panel for the Christmas special includes the familiar faces of Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, and Davina McCall, along with guest judges Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Exciting changes are on the horizon; the 2025 series will welcome Love Island host Maya Jama to the panel, replacing Rita Ora.
Maya expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I can't wait to figure out who's underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings. I've watched the show for a long time, so I'm definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!"
The Masked Singer Christmas Special will air at 7:30 PM on December 26 on ITV1 and ITVX, as well as on STV and STV Player in Scotland. The main show is set to return early 2025 with new panelists and an aftershow spin-off, ensuring fans have plenty to look forward to this festive season.
