11 Masked Singer behind-the-scenes secrets: From no phones to audience being removed before unmasking
Phones are banned – even the judges have been caught outThe Masked Singer has firmly cemented itself as one of ITV’s biggest entertainment hits. But despite five years on air, there are still plenty of secrets lurking behind the glittering masks that Masked Singer fans may not realise.
It’s felt like a long wait for new episodes, but the drought is almost over. A Christmas special lands on screens on December 26, followed by a brand-new series in the New Year. And with celebrities once again disguising themselves as increasingly bizarre characters, viewers can expect plenty of big performances, wild guesses and laugh-out-loud moments from the panel.
Until then, if you’re already missing your Masked Singer fix, you’re in luck. There’s a whole world of behind-the-scenes secrets that make the show even more fascinating. Here’s what really goes on when the masks are on.
Last-minute touch-ups
One thing fans often wonder is how celebrities look so polished when they’re finally unmasked, despite spending hours singing and dancing in heavy, sweaty costumes.
According to an earlier report by Entertainment Weekly about the US version of the show, contestants are actually given a short break between elimination and unmasking to freshen up backstage. This includes touch-ups to their hair and makeup!
Costume time limits
Those elaborate outfits are far from comfortable. In fact, producers have strict rules about how long celebrities can wear them. Producers Derek McLean and Daniel Nettleton previously explained that they borrowed an idea straight from Disney.
“We took inspiration from Disney,” they told The Sun. “That’s how long Minnie and Mickey Mouse can be in their costumes before going doolally. We ended up being quite strict about it. You don’t want celebrities in costumes going crazy all over the place.”
The Masked Singer’s studio audiences are sent away pre-reveal
Another surprise for viewers is that contestants aren’t actually unmasked in front of the studio audience. Even though crowds chant “take it off”, the reveal happens in secret.
Judge Mo Gilligan explained on Sunday Brunch: “We record the whole show and then they get to the bit where they go ‘take it off, take it off’. They go to take off the mask and that’s the point where we then get rid of the audience so they can keep it a secret.
“The entire audience leaves, and they’re very angry about that. And when we get rid of the audience, we go ‘take it off, take it off’ and we reveal who it is.”
Secret identities
Secrecy runs so deep that contestants are even given code names.
According to HELLO!, former Labour MP Alan Johnson, who appeared as Pharaoh, was known as ‘Stamp’. Patsy Palmer, who competed as Butterfly, was reportedly called ‘Square’, likely a nod to Albert Square.
Meanwhile, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, who was Chameleon, was ironically referred to as ‘Light’.
People were banned from talking to the contestants
Alan later joked: “I was home secretary in charge of MI5 and I always thought the producers could teach the security services a thing or two about staying incognito.”
He also revealed that contestants are assigned assumed names and wear hooded tops with a clear instruction printed on them: ‘DON’T SPEAK TO ME.’
The Masked Singer stars are masters of disguise
Even when they’re out of costume, celebrities go to extreme lengths to hide who they are.
Alan said contestants had to wear a balaclava, a Lone Ranger-style eye mask, a reflective mask and a hooded top – with the hood kept up at all times.
Perhaps MI5 could learn a thing or two!
An extensive (and expensive) contract
There’s also a mountain of paperwork involved. Celebrities must sign strict NDA contracts banning them from revealing their identity to anyone, including close friends and family.
“It was written into their contracts that they couldn’t tell anyone, even their families, what was going on,” a show boss previously said. “In the end, they were as worried about their secret getting out as we were.”
Contestants choose their own character
Contestants are also given a list of names to choose from for their characters.
Alan chose Pharaoh and later admitted he even had postcards printed with the character on the front after fans asked for pictures for their children.
Top-secret rehearsal space
Musical preparation is taken just as seriously. Contestants are given vocal training and the chance to rehearse six songs in a warehouse near King’s Cross in London.
“There was a really talented pianist there, a musical director, two assistants and a team to get you up to speed,” Alan said.
Phones were under a strict ban
To avoid leaks, phones are banned on set – and that rule applies to the judges too.
Jonathan Ross previously revealed that Rita Ora was told off for using her phone before it was confiscated.
Reports have also claimed that Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama had their phones taken away.
Only a small number of people know the celebrities’ identities
According to host Joel Dommett, only six people know each celebrity’s true identity.
“That’s two producers, a clues team person, a makeup person and a costume person,” he explained. “That’s basically it, the only people who know.
“The level of secrecy is so insane. The way the studio is done is you have all of us in one half of the studio, and the other side is the preparation for all the characters.”
With that level of secrecy, it’s no wonder The Masked Singer continues to keep viewers guessing.
Read More: The Masked Singer Christmas Special 2025: Who are this year’s festive characters?
