The Masked Singer UK...2021

At least Mo won't have to pretend he knows who half the celebrities are. Unless we really believe Ken knew who Teddy Sherringham, Patsy Palmer and Denise Van Outen were.

The US version is currently airing, and the lack of audience is barely noticeable apart from the panel being spaced apart, but even then they're placed right in front of the performer so it feels right. Audience-wise they cut away to old studio/audience shots during the show itself (this is actually mentioned in the show's credits so as to avoid complaints/confusion!), and a visible "virtual audience" do the voting. It works really well and loses nothing.

That's really clever, mainly because a lot of the value of having an audience isn't lost.

Full trailer here (you can see that there is an audience if you pause at 0:09).

https://youtu.be/bx-H-sZUTpo

Boxing Day at 7pm...slightly earlier this time?

It’s starting one week earlier this year but it aired at 7pm last year.

A closer look at the characters for the new series.

Completely forgot this was first on in January. It’s been a long year.

Feels like ten years ago, not eleven months ago.

Looks like they've decided to do a spin off for the ITV Hub this time.

Can’t wait to bring you all the gossip from the @maskedsingeruk series 2! You’ll be able to catch me hosting The Masked Singer: Unmasked on @ITV Hub right after the main show finishes on ITV1!

It all kicks off on Boxing Day - let the guessing games begin! 👀#maskedsingeruk pic.twitter.com/Lzl1537NcI

— Will Njobvu (@william_njo) December 5, 2020

Seems they're sticking with this ITV Hub spin-off system. I would love to know how many people actually watched I'm a Celeb - The Daily Drop and whether it's actually worth what it costs to produce. I used to flick over to ITV2 sometimes when the show ended but I'd never go out of my way to watch the daily drop on the hub.

I think the fact it’s not on until the day after doesn’t help it. Most people will be going off to work or about their day and by time they come home, do what they have to do it’s time for the next nights episode. I really hope they bring back the ITV2 spin offs. Like you I would frequently switch to itv2 but I’ve only watched the daily drop once I think.

Yes, I agree the Hub option doesn't really work for a daily show. It's probably a bit different for a weekly show but ultimately I think with The Masked Singer especially other than talking to the eliminee and having a Z-list panel saying who they think is who they can't really reveal too much else.