The Masked Singer reveals special spin-off as show takes on Strictly Come Dancing at Christmas
THE Masked Singer will have its first ever Christmas special as ITV looks to take on Strictly in the festive ratings battle.
The wintery one-off was filmed this weekend ready to air on Christmas Day.
An audience member has told The Sun that the event was like “Christmas on speed”, with ITV blowing the budget to create a festive extravaganza.
The audience all wore Christmas jumpers, whilst the celebrity panel were in full party attire and Joel Dommett’s suit was his sparkliest yet.
A source said: “If you think the regular Masked Singer is high octane then this takes proceedings to a whole new level.
“The characters were all brilliantly Christmassy and the party atmosphere was off the scale.
“Bosses want this to be a full scale celebration of all the fun, frivolity and laughs of Christmas as the family gather around the TV to join in.”
In recent times, Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special has led the ratings battle along with the BBC’s Call The Midwife.
ITV, however, usually relies on festive specials from the likes of The Chase and last year’s Doc Martin Christmas edition rated well.
The source added: “Of course the hope is that The Masked Singer’s Christmas special could really establish itself as must-watch TV on the big day.”
The Christmas characters, plus judging panel, have not yet been confirmed.
Regular panellist Rita Ora has been forced to skip filming for some episodes’ this series due to diary clashes.
So far guest panellists to sit alongside Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan have included Olly Murs and Jennifer Saunders.