Masked Singer fans shocked as audience member reveals format change
MASKED Singer fans have shared their disappointment after an audience member spilled the beans on the show’s new format.
Viewers of the hit telly programme were shocked to learn that the ‘face offs’ between the characters have been scrapped.
Instead of two characters going head to head as in previous years, they were told the judges now pick who they want to sing every time it’s someone’s turn to perform.
Writing on Reddit, a member of the audience revealed the change after detailing their experience at the filming of episode two.
It came in response to a post titled “No more face offs!”
Replying, the crowd member cryptically said: “On my episode (2), they explained what happened, and I don’t really want to say, so I think it will be told in the show.”
Someone responded, asking: “Did an incident happen?”
They told them: “No, the format has changed slightly. The judges pick who performs, not the face offs.”
Chiming in, another fan grumbled: “The face offs were the best part of the show.”
The new series of The Masked Singer got underway on Saturday night (January 4) and saw performances from six of this year’s acts.
Teeth was first to take to the stage, followed by Snail, Kingfisher, Tattoo, Spag Bol and Dressed Crab.
Judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan were back on the panel, along with newbie Maya Jama.
They were also joined by guest judge Sir Mo Farah, who had been unmasked as Giant Joel from the Christmas special at the beginning of the show.
As the audience member had revealed online, they all took it in turns to choose an act to sing.
But fans at home were quick to spot the change, too.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one said on Saturday night: “I don’t get the point in judges picking who sings next.
“Are they just coming up with new ways to make the episode longer?”
Meanwhile, Masked Singer fans have also been left disgruntled after Saturday’s show ended on another cliffhanger.
The Masked Singer Judges and Host
The Masked Singer has been a smash-hit for ITV since launching in 2020. Here's a look at the show's familiar on air team.
Judges
Current:
- Jonathan Ross: Presenter and film critic Jonathan has been part of The Masked Singer since its first series.
- Davina McCall: Long Lost Family co-host Davina is also one of the show’s original panellists.
- Mo Gilligan: Comedian and presenter Mo joined in series two, replacing US star Ken Jeong.
- Maya Jama: Love Island presenter Maya is set to join in series six, replacing Rita Ora.
Former:
- Rita Ora: Singer and actress Rita appeared as a judge for the first five series. Her departure from the show was confirmed in September 2024.
Host
Joel Dommett: Joel has presented every series of The Masked Singer so far.
Seconds before Spag Bol was about to be unmasked, host Joel Dommett told viewers they would have to wait until Sunday to find out her identity.
Spag Bol had found herself in the bottom two alongside Teeth following the audience vote, and the judges had voted to send her home.
ITV is airing the second episode of the series on Sunday evening instead of next week, giving fans an extra reason to tune in.
But one viewer complained: “Why mess with the format ffs. It didn’t need a cliffhanger. It’s not a soap, and it’s not the US version of Masked Singer. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
The Masked Singer, 6.30pm, ITV1/ ITVX, Sunday January 5