The Masked Singer 2026: Bookies predict girl band legend and 'prime-time TV favourite' among line-up
So many familiar faces!The Masked Singer 2026 is back in full swing, and already, bookies are predicting which stars are underneath the crazy costumes.
During last Saturday’s (January 3) launch, Disc Jockey became the first contestant booted off and was later revealed as The One Show host Alex Jones.
The following episode on Sunday (January 4), Teabag was the second eliminated character and unveiled as rapper Professor Green.
Now, only 10 contestants remain. But who do the bookies think is behind the mask? Keep reading to find out…
The Masked Singer: Moth could be a Sugababes star
Following their stunning rendition of Mariah Carey’s Hero, exclusive odds at TV Guide reveal Sugababes chart-topper Keisha Buchanan is the current favourite to be Moth with 4/6.
“Moth has quickly emerged as one of the season’s biggest talking points. Bookies are backing Keisha Buchanan — best known as a member of the Sugababes — as the favourite, with viewers closely analysing the clues for signs of a chart-topping pop star,” Sportscasting spokesperson Shane Orton said.
Just behind her are her fellow bandmates Mutya Buena (7/2) and Siobhan Donaghy (7/1).
However, Leona Lewis (5/1), Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock (8/1) and Alexandra Burke (12/1) are also popular choices.
Gargoyle could also be a famous female vocalist
After Garygoyle performed Scissor Sisters’ Filthy/Gorgeous, bookies are confident they could also be a popular female vocalist.
Right now, Shakespears Sister singer Marcella Detroit (4/5) is leading the pack.
“Gargoyle’s clues have really got viewers talking, with bookies backing Marcella Detroit as the favourite. Fans were quick to spot a ‘Sally’ reference — particularly intriguing given that Marcella famously co-wrote Eric Clapton’s hit Lay Down Sally before her chart success with Shakespears Sister,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, many other familiar women from Denise Welch (5/2), Kym Marsh (6/1), Ruby Wax (10/1) and Frankie Bridge (20/1) are also on the list.
Sam Thompson for Sloth?
Sloth took to the stage and sang Men At Work’s Down Under and had many convinced that I’m A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson was underneath the costume.
And it seems bookies agree as he is the favourite with odds of 11/8.
Other TV favourites Joe Marler (11/4) and Joe Wicks (4/1) are also popular predictions.
“Speculation around Sloth has intensified after Sam Thompson became the bookies’ favourite. The Made in Chelsea star has added fuel to the fire by teasing fans online about The Masked Singer, prompting many to wonder if he’s hiding behind the mask,” the spokesperson said.
Can Of Worms could be a ‘prime-time TV favourite’
Can Of Worms took the musical route by singing Be Our Guest from Beauty And The Beast. With them evidently being a great vocalist, the bookies’ favourite so far is JLS star Marvin Humes (10/11).
Additionally, Ben Shepherd (2/1) and Roman Kemp (4/1) are popular choices. Meanwhile, Alan Titchmarsh (25/1) and Robbie Williams (50/1) are also on the list.
“Can of Worms has viewers split, with guesses narrowing in on either Marvin Humes or Ben Shephard. With Marvin currently leading the odds and Ben close behind, fans are divided over whether this mask is hiding a pop star or a prime-time TV favourite,” the spokesperson continued.
The Masked Singer: Arctic Fox tipped to be a Strictly favourite
Arctic Fox has already become one of the most talked-about costumes of the series, and bookies appear confident they know who’s underneath.
Right now, Strictly Come Dancing stalwart Anton Du Beke is the clear frontrunner at 2/5. Not far behind is singer Rhydian Roberts at 3/1, while international star Adam Lambert sits further back at 9/1.
Other names in the mix include Ncuti Gatwa (12/1), Tia Kofi (16/1) and Ade Edmondson (18/1), with Ru Paul (25/1) and Queen Camilla (500/1) also listed as long shots.
“Arctic Fox has already sparked intense speculation, with bookies strongly backing Anton Du Beke,” the spokesperson said. “The Strictly favourite sits well ahead of the competition, though names like Rhydian Roberts and Adam Lambert are still firmly in the mix.”
Conkers could be hiding a chart-topper or TV star
Conkers is shaping up to be one of the tightest races so far, with the odds suggesting a real battle between music and television.
Olly Murs is currently the favourite at 6/5, narrowly ahead of Take That’s Mark Owen at 2/1. Ben Shephard is also firmly in contention at 4/1, followed by Matthew Baynton (7/1) and Tom Daley (8/1).
Further down the list are Martin Freeman (14/1), Mark Ronson (16/1) and Peter Crouch (25/1).
“Conkers is shaping up to be a tight race, with Olly Murs currently edging the odds,” the spokesperson explained. “Close behind are Mark Owen and Ben Shephard, leaving fans split between a pop star reveal or a familiar TV face.”
Monkey Business sparks pop star speculation
Monkey Business has viewers convinced there’s a big name behind the mask, with the betting reflecting plenty of pop-flavoured guesses.
Spice Girls legend Emma Bunton leads the odds at 6/4, while Kate Nash follows at 3/1. Martine McCutcheon (5/1) and Katherine Parkinson (11/2) are also popular picks.
Other names being thrown into the mix include Karren Brady (8/1), Charlotte Crosby (12/1), Diana Vickers (14/1) and Sara Davies (20/1).
“Monkey Business has fans and punters convinced there’s a major pop name behind the mask,” the spokesperson said. “Emma Bunton leads the betting, with viewers also throwing around guesses including Kate Nash and Martine McCutcheon as the clues continue to be dissected.”
Toastie odds point to a near-certain reveal
Toastie appears to be one of the least mysterious characters left, at least according to the bookies.
Brenda Edwards is the overwhelming favourite at just 1/3, with the rest of the field trailing some distance behind.
Judi Love sits at 5/1, while Alison Hammond (11/2) and Sonique (7/1) are also being considered.
Rebecca Ferguson (12/1), Justin Fletcher (14/1), Anastasia (20/1) and Fergie (50/1) round out the list.
“Toastie looks close to a done deal according to the bookies, with Brenda Edwards installed as the overwhelming favourite,” the spokesperson said. “Familiar TV names like Alison Hammond and Sonique are also in the frame, but the odds remain firmly one-sided.”
Yak shaping up to be one of the toughest guesses
Yak has emerged as one of the trickier puzzles of the series, with comedy and broadcasting names dominating the odds.
Gyles Brandreth currently tops the betting at 6/4, followed by Reece Shearsmith at 3/1 and Bob Mortimer at 4/1. Joe Lycett (7/1) and Ade Edmondson (8/1) are also strong contenders.
Brian Conley and Steve Pemberton are both priced at 12/1, while Harry Enfield sits further back at 25/1.
“Yak has become one of the trickier puzzles of episode two, with Gyles Brandreth topping the betting,” the spokesperson added. “Comedy heavyweights Bob Mortimer and Reece Shearsmith are also strongly fancied, keeping this race wide open.”
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