{"id":240185,"date":"2026-01-11T23:15:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T23:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/240185\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T23:15:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T23:15:26","slug":"the-masked-singer-2026-contestants-who-are-the-characters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/240185\/","title":{"rendered":"The Masked Singer 2026 contestants: Who are the characters?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a thrilling premiere, we’re now three weeks into the latest season of The Masked Singer, with three unmaskings already.<\/p>\n

The One Show host Alex Jones and rapped Professor Green were unmasked in the first two weeks, with Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten the latest celeb to have their identity revealed.<\/p>\n

Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama will be back for another week of guessing the faces behind the masks.<\/p>\n

But who exactly are the characters on stage? Read on to find out more about each of The Masked Singer 2026 characters.<\/p>\n

The Masked Singer 2026 contestants: Who are the characters?MothCan of WormsRed PandaConkersArctic FoxToastieMonkey BusinessSlothGargoyleYak – Unmasked as Johnny RottenDisc Jockey – Unmasked as Alex JonesTeabag – Unmasked as Professor Green<\/p>\n

Scroll on for the initial clues about this year’s characters.<\/p>\n

This article will be updated regularly with the latest clues, guesses and songs as the season continues.<\/p>\n

Moth \"Moth.\"<\/p>\n

Moth.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

They\u2019re a LARVA not a fighter…. it\u2019s Moth!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Hero by Mariah Carey<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

“Good evening audience. Is this mic on? You\u2019re in for a show. I\u2019m here, and I\u2019m ready to feed on the sweet nectar of this journey. It\u2019s time for me to face the music.””From the wild larvae to a confident Moth, I\u2019ve grown bigger than my wildest dreams! And between us a successful Moth-dition must have three things – Grace, Power and Presence.””In my past, I served in the West, until my time was up and I returned to my rightful field. And that place is lighting candles with some good background music, snug as a bug.””There\u2019s nothing like flying high for an elevated performance, but what goes up must come down. Tonight, I\u2019ll spread my wings but cover who I really am!”Items included a carrot, a candlestick and a framed picture of Ronnie Corbett.<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

Can of Worms\"Someone<\/p>\n

Can of Worms.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

The early bird catches the… Can of Worms!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

“Hey ya\u2019ll, I\u2019m Can of Worms and I\u2019m worming my way into the competition! Bring on the soul.””How awesome to be on The Masked Singer, it\u2019s just the beginning and I never wanna leave. Now, do you wanna see what I\u2019ve been up to? Here\u2019s my patch, isn\u2019t it rad? All of these beautiful things I\u2019ve grown. As a worm, I have green fingers. It runs in the family, like it was written in the stars.””The first tip from me, you must water your plants as much as possible. I mean, not all the time put that watering can down and relax with a bookworm.””Get, out dude! It really sucks when I have to wrestle with wildlife. They\u2019re famous for hunting my juicy fruits.””If I can come out on top tonight, like I did with my zucchini at the trade show last year, I\u2019ll be stoked. Worms crossed!”Items included a plate of pastries and a framed picture of James May and Richard Hammond.<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

Kaleb CooperRobbie WilliamsPaul WhitehouseBen ShephardConkers\"Someone<\/p>\n

Conkers.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

They came, they saw, they CONKER-ed\u2026 it’s Conkers!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Nice to Meet You by Myles SmithWeek 2 – Jump Around by House of Pain<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

Week 1:<\/p>\n

“Ah! You gave me a startle there, my liege. Tis I, Conkers, ready to enter the fray.””If you\u2019re looking for a knight to remember, you’ve come to the right place.””Whoa! Must remember to look where I\u2019m going. I\u2019ve shown this Conker, is up for any challenge, even if I\u2019d rather hide in my shell. “”With these spikes, I can Lancelot and most of the time, I hit the mark. I suppose we\u2019re all playing a part here, aren\u2019t we?””It doesn\u2019t take much to put a fright in this knight, although ghosts don\u2019t scare me.””Is the stage set? Right, it\u2019s time for me to put my training to the test, for honour, hope and glory!”<\/p>\n

Week 2:<\/p>\n

“I can’t believe it! This Conker conquered my first masked Singer skirmish.””I’ve thrown down the gauntlet. It would be very embarrassing to back out now.””I’m a knight of passion for feasting, fighting and for f-facing my fears, of which there’s rather a lot. Have I piqued your interest?””Oh, no. It could only be downhill from here. I can’t be a knight who says ‘no, no’ to quests.””I’m no stranger to secret scandals and shock reveals. What drama awaits in this tournament?””Having weathered the storm early on, I’m ready to level the playing field and smite mine enemies. Once my knees stop knocking.””This Conker has played many parts, but I’m not looking for credit.””Now is not the time to lose heart, Conkers. The heat is on. Time to deliver a tremendous performance \u2013 hopefully.”<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

Kiell Smith-BynoeMark RonsonUsain BoltMartin FreemanArctic Fox\"Someone<\/p>\n

Arctic Fox.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

SNOW-body does it better…. it\u2019s Arctic Fox!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Get the Party Started by P!nkWeek 2 – Gold by Spandau Ballet<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

Week 1:<\/p>\n

“Well, hello, humans. It is I, Arctic Fox. Ready to dazzle and delight. You may bow before me. Be warned, I\u2019ve worn many crowns in my time, and I always expect the red-carpet treatment.””Don\u2019t be fooled by my fluff, this Arctic Fox has sharp claws when needed!”You\u2019ll find no opening-night jitters here. Good luck trying to get to the bottom of my success. I\u2019ve spent years perfecting my craft, whether in front of a camera or Behind the Scenes.””Tonight, I am Cool, Calm and Completely in Control. Get ready for a performance that will outshine the Northern Lights. You can always count on this Arctic Fox to deliver.”Items included a sketch of the character, a full house of cards, a pot reading “Food for Hungry Bears” and a clapperboard.<\/p>\n

Week 2:<\/p>\n

“Last time I graced you with a performance unlike anything you have known before. Well, what else would you expect from the Arctic Fox?””New we’ve made our introductions, are you looking to break the ice? I’m more likely to give you the cold shoulder.””I hope you’re ready for another evening with myself and my companions. There’s no use paddling around the fact. I’m here to upstage the competition and show what this fox is made of.””I think I’ve got a fitting change, and this week, the gloves are off.””Leaving the Arctic is a new experience for me. Spring, summer, autumn and winter, this Arctic Fox has shown I can survive every season.””I’ve played my part in a place bursting with emotional drama, where patience matters. Or is it patients matter? Enough of this, I grow weary of your games and my audience awaits.”<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

BiminiQueen CamillaJoe LycettToastie\"Someone<\/p>\n

Toastie.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

They\u2019re an absolute SNACK. It\u2019s Toastie!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Walk This Way by Run DMCWeek 2 – Run to You by Whitney Houston<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

Week 1:<\/p>\n

“Oi, Oi, it\u2019s me, Toastie. Where should I start? I\u2019ve faced some stern critics in the past, but this Toastie doesn\u2019t melt under pressure.””This wasn\u2019t handed to me on a plate, you know. I started grafting pretty much fresh out the bakery.””I\u2019m not your typical Toastie. Ok, my gooey cheese might look a little messy, but sometimes, it\u2019s good to let it all hang out!””I\u2019m not about to put on any airs and graces. I\u2019ve worked with some rebellious types, but I\u2019m a rebel with a cause – a few causes, in fact. Now I\u2019m ready for a slice of the action.”Items included a diamond, someone dressed as a clown and a calendar revealing the date 20th August.<\/p>\n

Week 2:<\/p>\n

Oi, Oi, it’s me, Toastie, back again, mate. I was hcuffed to bits with my first Masked Singer performance.””Getting ready to grill this Toastie, are you? Listen, don’t get ahead of yourself, sunshine. You’re still a broad way off getting in between these slices.””You might think I’ve got more front than Blackpool, but it’s time to change this narrative.””Reckon you’ve got this Toastie wrapped up? I’m not ready to be typecast.””Rough and ready, I may be, but I’m the real thing, and I can even hold my own with royalty.””I’m definitely giving you some food for thought. Let’s stop faffing about, I’ve got a performance for you to sink your teeth into.”<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

Rebecca FergusonEmeli Sand\u00e9FergieCraig PhillipsMonkey Business\"Someone<\/p>\n

Monkey Business.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

They\u2019re CHIMP-ly the best\u2026 it\u2019s Monkey Business!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Maneater by Hall & OatesWeek 2 – Strong Enough by Cher<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

Week 1:<\/p>\n

“Let’s get this meeting started, shall we? I\u2019m Monkey Business. I swapped the rainforest for the concrete jungle and I didn\u2019t get where I am on charm and fantastic fur alone.””Now I\u2019m ready to shoulder my way into the competition. Say goodbye to your buddies. We\u2019re here to work, not make friends.””You want some tough monkey talk? You can\u2019t just expect opportunity to knock, knock on the boardroom door! This is a high-stakes banana business. If you wanna laugh, make sure it’s all the way to the bank and that your accounts stand up to scrutiny.””The company is piloting a software system, it\u2019s been a bit of a trial, not everything in business is perfect but it does mean I have a brief window of time to pencil this performance.””Let\u2019s make sure Legal are on standby.”Items included a first aid kit and a bottle labelled belladonna.<\/p>\n

Week 2:<\/p>\n

“My last performance came in on time, on spec, and on budget. You ‘chimply’ couldn’t beat it.””Talk to me. I’ve got 10 minutes and a quarter-billion banana deal on hold. I think this belongs to you.” (Hands pen to someone)”The honeymoon period’s over. This is the big wigs. I’ve already crushed three deals and five bananas. What’s your excuse?””You want to get to the truth? I’ve heard that before.”(Phone rings) “Hello, Monkey Business? No, I won’t be thrilled if Turner hurts the merger. Come back to me when the panel shows they are serious. No more monkeying about!””Now, we make a lot of rivals in this business, but the joke’s on them. Others go for the low-hanging fruit.””This isn’t just about who gets the largest desk or swapping your office chair for sitting in the big iron throne. I want that Masked Singer crown to go with it.”<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

Katherine ParkinsonKarren BradySara DaviesMartine McCutcheonKatherine RyanSloth\"Sloth.\"<\/p>\n

Sloth.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Always hanging around…. it’s Sloth!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

“Good morning, workout warriors. Are you ready to get moving, grooving and fitness improving? Well, you\u2019ve come to the right Sloth!””You should have seen the state of me before – sluggish, sleepy, your typical Sloth, really. Well, I\u2019ve got news for you. Now I\u2019m bringing fitness, fashion and fierceness to the competition.””I know how to represent in the gym and on the world stage. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m no muscle menace. You won\u2019t want to dodge these moves. Join my squat squad, anchor those feet and don\u2019t keel over balance.””It\u2019s important each exercise has a corresponding stretch. So it\u2019s especially vital you do them. Anyway, enough of the warm-up, I\u2019m ready to absolutely crush it!”Items included an alarm clock, snooker cues and handcuffs.<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

Joe WicksSam ThompsonAlexander ArmstrongChris MoylesGargoyle\"Someone<\/p>\n

Gargoyle.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Are you craving to meet this carving…. it’s Gargoyle!<\/p>\n

Songs:<\/p>\n

Week 1 – Filthy\/Gorgeous by Scissor Sisters<\/p>\n

Clues:<\/p>\n

“Hey, dudes it’s me, Gargoyle! No need to be scared. I\u2019m just your everyday, run-of-the-mill musical statue.””Right, let\u2019s rock on! It\u2019s totally awesome to be down from the rooftops and here on The Masked Singer stage. Don\u2019t you get me wrong, I become quite attached to where I\u2019m from, but it doesn\u2019t mean I can\u2019t move around.””This Gargoyle started to spread their wings from an early age. They are pretty rad, and I\u2019ve used them as motivation to get out of here!””People think Gargoyles are gothic but I cross many styles, man, you can\u2019t pigeon-hole me. I try not to be a prima donna, which isn\u2019t easy when I\u2019m down here, away from all of the other Gargoyles, who keep me in check.””But you can top, pop and back-up to see them, which is pretty sick. Right, let\u2019s put Pedal to the metal and get started!”<\/p>\n

Guesses:<\/p>\n

Chrissie HyndeHelen FlanaganRuby WaxFrankie BridgeMollie KingRed Panda\"Red<\/p>\n

Red Panda.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

They\u2019re not black and white – but they are red all over\u2026 it\u2019s Red Panda!<\/p>\n

Former The Masked Singer contestantsYak\"Yak.\"<\/p>\n

Yak.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Not one to toot their own horn…. it’s Yak!<\/p>\n

Disc Jockey\"Someone<\/p>\n

Disc Jockey.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

They\u2019re in it to SPIN it\u2026 it\u2019s Disc Jockey!<\/p>\n

Teabag\"Someone<\/p>\n

Teabag.\u00a0ITV<\/p>\n

Time to spill the Tea…. it’s teabag!<\/p>\n

The Masked Singer returns on Saturday 3rd January at 6:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.<\/p>\n

Add The Masked Singer to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app<\/a> \u2013 download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.<\/p>\n

Check out more of our Entertainment<\/a> coverage or visit our TV Guide<\/a> and Streaming Guide<\/a> to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After a thrilling premiere, we’re now three weeks into the latest season of The Masked Singer, with three…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":240186,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[93,61,60,282],"class_list":{"0":"post-240185","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-ie","10":"tag-ireland","11":"tag-tv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/240185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=240185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/240185\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/240186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=240185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=240185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=240185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}