Daily Mail - Daily Mail Weekend Magazine
MASK MAGIC COMIC RELIEF
It’s barmy, baffling... and according to its host Joel Dommett, The Masked Singer is just what we need right now
The madcap singing contest that captivated the nation is back – so get set to be baffled once more by the identities of the mystery musical stars inside the amazing costumes.
The Masked Singer was the surprise hit of last winter with more than seven million tuning in, and series two features another 12 celebrities all hoping to become this year’s champion.
‘It’s the maddest programme on television – but somehow it works,’ says host Joel Dommett. ‘It’s silly, fun and just what we need at the moment.’
For eight weeks, the studio audience (who are also masked for Covid safety) decide who has most impressed them, with the successful performers surviving to sing the following Saturday.
Those with the least votes are at the mercy of the judging panel: Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross, Davina Mccall and new recruit, comedian Mo Gilligan, decide which of them goes through – and who has to take off their mask and reveal their faces.
‘The judges and the viewers at home will be guided towards who the celebrities are from comments made in interviews with them, while they are dressed in costume and with their voices distorted,’ explains Joel. ‘There are other clues dotted around the place although beware, they’re tougher than last year and some of them are deliberately misleading.’
Former Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts in her Queen Bee costume won in February, with comedian Jason Manford as Hedgehog finishing second and Octopus Katherine Jenkins third.
This year’s fabulous characters include Seahorse, Alien, Dragon, Sausage and Grandfather
Comedian Mo Gilligan fills the gap left by series one judge Ken Jeong, who was a big hit with viewers. The American funnyman was unable to fly to the UK to film because of Covid travel restrictions.
Clock. Jonathan Ross says, ‘The sausage surrounded by chips is great fun.’ Davina is keen on Dragon, which puffs smoke. ‘If it’s cute you want, look out for Dragon. It’s extremely sweet!’
The budget for the costumes has increased, as has the demand from celebrities to fill them. ‘The level of singers is
higher,’ says Joel. ‘Performance-wise, last year Queen Bee blew us away and every song she performed gave you goosebumps and tingles. This year there are definitely at least four or five that have had that effect on us.
‘Of course there have been challenges this time around because of Covid-19, with Perspex screens placed between the judges, and me having to socially distance from the singers.
‘But I think every show we’ve done is epic – and a triumph against the odds.’