The Masked Singer 2026: ITV confirms Perrie Edwards and other celebrity guest judges
Fans can't waitThe Masked Singer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the show’s biggest outings yet, with ITV officially lifting the lid on its line-up of guest judges in a brand-new trailer.
As anticipation builds for the return of the hit singing competition, the teaser gives fans a first look at what’s to come.
Host Joel Dommett promises “the most unmaskings ever” as clips flash by of the panel reacting to the latest batch of outrageous performances.
The Masked Singer 2026 guest judges
Back in their familiar seats are regular judges Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Maya Jama and Jonathan Ross. But this year, they’ll also be joined by a few very recognisable faces.
In quick, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments, Little Mix star Perrie Edwards can be seen looking stunned, while presenter Freddie Flintoff appears clutching a pair of tighty-whities. From the snippets alone, it’s clear both are throwing themselves into the chaos.
A previous trailer also confirmed that last year’s winner and West End star Samantha Barks will be returning to the panel. Together with Perrie and Freddie, she’ll help tackle the mystery of this year’s elaborate characters.
The celebrity detectives will be tasked with unmasking Yak, Monkey Business, Toastie, Arctic Fox, Conkers, Teabag, Disc Jockey, Moth, Gargoyle, Sloth, Red Panda and Can of Worms.
There’s another first on the way too. Viewers can expect the show’s debut live band performance, which is set to include special guests Emperor Penguin and Goldfish.
‘So excited’
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The latest trailer was shared on The Masked Singer’s official Instagram account, where fans wasted no time sharing their excitement.
“So excited to see Freddie joining the panel,” one wrote. “Though I always hoped he’d be a contestant. He was such fun singing on A League of Their Own back in the day.”
Another added: “YESSSSSSSSSSS The Masked Singer finally returns once again. We need more series. I’d be devastated if it got cancelled.”
Others echoed the enthusiasm, with comments ranging from “Can’t wait, absolutely love it, wish it was on longer” to calling it “one of the few shows we gather as a family to watch”.
One fan summed it up simply by declaring: “It’s almost time to get this party started!”
When does The Masked Singer 2026 start?
After a festive taster with the Boxing Day special, the main event is nearly here. The Masked Singer returns on Saturday, January 3, 2026, airing on ITV1 and ITVX.
The premiere will begin at 6.30pm and run for an hour and a half, with two celebrities unmasked by the end of the night. The following evening brings a second episode at the same time, with two more reveals.
By the end of the opening weekend, four famous faces will have been uncovered. It looks to be another wild and unpredictable series.
