THE Masked Singer is back for 2025 and this time there’s a new judge on the panel.
But who is the new celebrity addition and when does the fan-favourite guessing game return to screens? Here’s everything you need to know.
Much to the delight of telly fans, The Masked Singer is back on the box for 2025, and there’s been a shake-up on the singing show.
One new judge hoping to put her detective skills to the test is Maya Jama, who will replace Rita Ora on the panel.
Speaking ahead of the new series, Maya said: “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 unmasking’s.
“I’ve watched the show for a long time, so I’m definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!”
Rita Ora officially left the ITV programme after five series.
In addition to her new role on the judging panel, Maya is also a successful presenter and radio DJ, who hosts the hit dating show, Love Island.
I’ve watched the show for a long time, so I’m definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!”
Maya Jama
Jonathan Ross has been a familiar face on the show since 2020.
Revealing his secrets to his Masked Singer success at guessing the names behind the disguises, Jonathan told The Sun: ”I write a big long list of people who, I think conceivably, UK celebrities or Americans or people who are in the UK, might do the show.
”And I make another list of people who I think absolutely wouldn’t do it, because it is good to guess an outrageous name.
”Then I’ll do a list of comedy guesses just so I’ve got kind of lots of names at my fingertips.”
Away from his role as a judge on the crazy costume show, Jonathan is a broadcaster, film critic, comedian, actor, writer and producer.
He is best known for presenting the BBC1 chat show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross during the 2000s.
Also joining Maya and Jonathan on The Masked Singer 2025 judging panel is TV presenter Davina McCall.
Like fellow judge Jonathan, Davina also joined the panel in 2020.
In addition to putting her guessing skills to the test, the presenter has also tried her hand at singing.
In December 2024, Davina conned the Christmas special’s judges by hiding behind one of the show’s whacky and wonderful characters.
Explaining how she pulled off the big reveal, she explained: ”I was texting the bosses at eight o’clock, who were obviously in on it, but I had to text them and to tell them I had to miss the recording of the Christmas special.
”They had to text the whole production team and tell them.
”I know this is all going on in the building next door, but there I am sitting in a please Don’t Speak To Me t-shirt with a balaclava on!
”It was just the maddest ruse I have ever done.
”I got the text from the executive producer [asking me to do it] and I literally read the first three words and I’d typed back yes!
”It was one of the greatest experiences of my life so far.”
During her career, Davina has also presented popular shows such as Big Brother, Long Lost Family, Million Pound Drop, and My Mum, Your Dad.
Last but not least on this year’s judging panel is comedian and presenter Mo Gilligan.
Mo, who has been a judge on The Masked Singer UK since the second series started in 2020, has also been a judge on The Masked Dancer UK.
Speaking on how he found joining the singing competition, Mo said: “It was an amazing experience. Even to be asked to do it was an honour. It’s a big show. Everyone welcomed me, they all came to my door and said welcome to the show.”
He added: “The costumes are so, so good. There’s someone in there singing and they’re dancing. The people are changing their voice as well. Even to be part of it was a huge.”
The comedian is also known for hosting titles such as The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan and The Big Narstie Show.
The 2025 series will hit screens on Saturday, January 4, as this year’s stars compete to be crowned the winner.
Viewers can catch all of the judges on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player from 7pm.
