The new series promotes a house band of mystery celebrities, boosting guessing moments and overall energy.

The show, hosted by Joel Dommett, is returning to ITV platforms in January 2026.

The show airs on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, with a double-weekend air date set for January 3 and 4 at 6:30pm.

Returning judges and hosts Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan will continue as the panel detectives.

Host Joel Dommett says the live-band addition will boost energy and that a lead singer will also be a guessable mystery for the panel.

Davina McCall praises the series for its pace, energy and fresh ideas that keep the panel on their toes.

The 2025 winner was Samantha Barks, who performed as a pufferfish, with the 2026 lineup featuring characters such as Moth, Can Of Worms, Red Panda, Conkers, Arctic Fox, Toastie, Teabag and Gargoyle.

The series is set to premiere on January 3 on ITV1, kicking off a fresh season with heightened anticipation.

Costumes range from a bat in tartan to a monkey in a suit and a can of worms, with designers aiming for highly eccentric, silly looks.

The Masked Singer returns with live bands performing at the start of the first two episodes in early January, with the lead singers among those to be unmasked.

Jonathan Ross confirms there will be significantly more unmaskings in 2026, increasing viewer engagement and nonstop reveals.

The new series reveals 12 characters for ITV1, described as among the show's most bonkers yet.