The Masked Singer

I've seen the Thai version, where they've already started going down the route of themed seasons with the masks and costumes - one where they're all based around signs of the zodiac, another where they're all in traditional Thai style and so on.

None have managed to be better than this guy with a durian for a head, though:

I'm not an avid follower of the original South Korean version (known in English as King of Mask Singer [sic]*), but I've heard it was in need of refreshment. Perhaps, I think MBC (the South Korean broadcaster which owns the format) could adopt the seasonal competition format (which is utilised by most international adaptations) back into the original version, and adopt themed season format from the Thai version.

Another feature I just found interesting in one of many international versions is Mask Singer [sic] , l'enquête continue , which is broadcast after the main part of the French version ( Mask Singer [sic]) on TF1. It shows an extended talk between the host and the eliminated star(s) of the week, plus some behind-the-scenes footages.

* Or more grammatically correct King of Masked Singers , as it was displayed in English in the back of the stage in recent episodes.

I think the fact it is such a bonkers premise could help it be successful here.

It needs recognizable first reveals to succeed - loads of viewers going who? will be damaging for viewing figures.

Just been watching some clips of the American version. To be honest with you, I can't imagine it going very far on ITV. It'll be like what happened with Big Heads, it will be a novelty to begin with...it will certainly get people talking on social media etc. But like the previously mentioned the novelty will soon wear off.

If The X Factor does get the axe, I can't see The Masked Singer being it's replacement...well, at least a full time one.

Instead of Your Face Sounds Familiar, it's more like Your Voice Sounds Familiar.

I just hope he doesn't smell like a durian.

It actually looks quite good.

That does look good. The only worry would be that it may get repetitive. Looks loads better than the X factor though.

Anyone heard anything about the voice?

It's success will come down to the reveals, they are throwing A-list names around like Olivia Coleman, Idris Elba & Sir Ian McKellan in the trailer, but if it turns out to be Love Island & TOWIE stars then there's a problem.

Worth watching though to see Ken Jeong's reaction to the reveal of some possibly low ranking british celebs.

I'm going to assume that it'll almost certainly be e.g. people from the Love Island etc sort of bracket / has-beens / D-F listers (at best), and so on.

People of the calibre of the names jokingly thrown around by the panel in that trailer are surely far too busy being successful at something (e.g. acting in Hollywood movies, or whatever) to have any inclination or need to do a show like this?

In other versions I've seen tends to be older stars who may have been in the industry.

Just makes me think of Harry Hill's ex-wife Mandy.