THE Masked Singer UK returned to screens for the sixth series last night, truly hitting a high note with soaring viewing figures.
The first episode of the wacky guessing game, aired on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, achieved its highest overnight audience since 2022.
Broadcast from 7pm to 8:30pm, the show had a peak audience of 4.7 million, averaging a strong 4 million viewers across all devices with a 30 percent share of viewing.
Produced by Bandicoot TV, the prime-time show sees a host of celebrity ‘detectives’ on hand to decipher the ‘masked’ singers‘ true identities.
Tonight, top TV detective Vicky McClure from Line of Duty will join the super sleuth judging panel as TWO celebrities are being unmasked.
A source previously told The Sun she was in fact a huge fan of the show.
They said: “Vicky might play a string of serious roles in dramas, but she’s actually a big fan of ‘The Masked Singer’ and jumped at the chance to spend a fun day among the madness.”
“Fans will love it too after she inadvertently became involved in the 2021 series of sister show ‘The Masked Dancer‘, when viewers were convinced she was Llama.”
“She joked online about it back then, so was thrilled to have the chance to be legitimately in the loop this year.”
The source continued: “Vicky brings an actor’s eye to proceedings and really adds to the mix.”
Hosted by Joel Dommett, last night’s show saw fresh famous faces don extraordinary costumes, in a bid to disguise their true identities.
And in a shock twist to the proceedings, fans saw Giant Joel (a star posing as host Joels’ doppelganger) unmasked as celebrated Olympian Mo Farah.
Its eagerly awaited return to screens also saw TV presenter Maya Jama assume her new role on the judging panel, joining previous celebrity judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan.
Newbie Maya, who replaced Rita Ora this season, had also said she was a huge fan of the show: ‘I’m such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo – and of course working with Joel – is going to be so much fun!”
“I can’t wait to figure out who’s underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings.
“I’ve watched the show for a long time, so I’m definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!”
The Masked Singer UK, airs tonight at 6:30pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
