The Masked Singer is set to return for a brand new series on Saturday night
16:24, 03 Jan 2026Updated 18:49, 03 Jan 2026
The Masked Singer fans confused as ITV confirms last-minute schedule change (Image: ITV)
The Masked Singer fans have been left confused after ITV confirmed a last-minute schedule change.
Taking to social media on Saturday (January 3), the broadcaster announced: “Update: Tonight’s episode of The Masked Singer will be airing at 6:40pm instead of 6:30pm!”
Viewers expressed worry about the modifications, with one person enquiring: “Has there been a power outage at Television Centre or something?” Another responded, highlighting additional schedule adjustments by commenting: “Extended news at 4pm.”
Others made light of the alterations, with one person joking: “It’s on later as somebody had to go home as they forgot their mask,” whilst another remarked: “Thank you. I thought I was going to miss the first 10 mins,” reports the Express.
An ITV spokesperson has since confirmed: “In light of the tragic events in Switzerland, we took the decision to remove Red Panda’s performance on The Masked Singer in tonight’s programme owing to potential insensitivities within the theme and lyrics of the song. Viewers will get to see Red Panda perform in the coming weeks. “
The Masked Singer returns to ITV this weekend (Image: ITV)
The beloved ITV entertainment show, which showcases celebrities hidden behind extravagant outfits as they belt out popular tunes, is poised to return for a fresh series on Saturday night.
Viewers and the judging panel – consisting of Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama and Mo Gilligan – must work out the identity behind each disguise as the mystery stars demonstrate their singing abilities.
For the first time, the opening pair of episodes will feature an entire musical group, with the panel challenged to pinpoint the lead singer. The action will commence with Goldfish, who will be accompanied by their group No Trout, before Emperor Penguin and the Antarctic Funkeys take centre stage in the follow-up episode.
Discussing the new format, presenter Joel Dommett revealed: “We’ve never done it before and it just gives it so much energy in the room. Also the lead singer of the band is someone we have to guess.
The hit show has faced a last-minute schedule change (Image: ITV)
“They’ve mixed the whole first two episodes and it has this energy which is really great. Also those first two unmaskings are pretty substantial.”
He added: “What I love about this show is if it’s funny, it’s funny, and if it’s not funny, I find it funny.”
The judging panel will also be tasked with identifying 12 other masked performers throughout the upcoming series.
This season’s line-up includes characters such as Moth, Can of Worms, Red Panda, Conkers, Arctic Fox, Toastie, Monkey Business, Yak, Sloth, Gargoyle, Disc Jockey, and Teabag. Last year, West End legend Samantha Barks was crowned the sixth winner of The Masked Singer after wowing audiences with her vocals beneath the Pufferfish mask.
The Masked Singer returns to ITV1 and ITVX at 6.40pm on Saturday, January 3
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