The upcoming second series of The Masked Singer UK has reportedly been hit by a ‘mole’, who is said to have leaked the names of the celebrities taking part.
With the latest series set to debut on Boxing Day, the Daily Star reports that fans who were in the audience during the pre-lockdown taping have been spilling the details.
On the hit ITV show, celebrities perform while are disguised in various outlandish costumes as a judging panel and viewers attempt to figure out who they are.
Mole? The Masked Singer UK has reportedly been hit by a ‘mole’. Pictured are host Joel Dommett (centre) with judges (L-R) Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross
A source told the publication: ‘The new series was filmed in front of a studio audience. That means countless people saw the big reveals of who the celebrity contestants are.
‘They are all told they must keep it secret and not tell anyone. But quite a few have been telling their friends. During filming for the first series, it was easier to keep everything secret.
‘But now the show is such a hit, there is a lot more interest and some people who were at filming sessions haven’t been able to resist gossiping about it.’
Representatives for The Masked Singer UK declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
It’s back! The show unveiled a brand new line-up of monsters set to perform in the second series (Pictured L-R) Viking, Blob, Harlequin, Bush Baby, Grandfather Clock, Seahorse
Monsters: Bosses at the ITV show previously revealed that the series would return after the success of the first run, but under social distancing rules (pictured L Harlequin and R Viking)
Party! Now they have revealed a first look at the stars set to appear in the new series, which included characters inspired by Harlequin, a Bushbaby (pictured) and a Grandfather clock
Late last week, bosses of the show unveiled a brand new line-up of monsters set to perform in the upcoming series.
Bosses at the ITV singing competition previously revealed that the series would return following the success of the first run, but under strict social distancing rules.
Now they have revealed a first look at the stars set to appear in the new series, which included characters inspired by Harlequin, a Bushbaby and a Grandfather clock.
The show is slated to return next year with a cast of 12 new celebrities, complete with new, ever elaborate and flamboyant character costumes.
Line-up! The show is slated to return next year with a cast of 12 new celebrities, complete with new, ever elaborate and flamboyant character costumes (pictured L Sausage and R Blob)
The oh-so colourful line-up: Pictured L-R Alien, Robin, Badger, Swan, Dragon
Characters will once again have to conceal their identities from the judging panel and viewers, as they try to guess who is behind the mask.
Among the ‘monsters’ taking to the stage is a character called Alien, who is apparently hoping to dazzle earthlings with out of this world performances.
Also hoping to impress are Harlequin and Viking, whose costume includes a horned helmet and a sword, as well as a big bushy ginger beard.
Other contestants include an adorable Bush Baby and Sausage, who is wrapped in chips and newspaper, and is hoping to be the talk of the town.
Wow! Characters will once again conceal their identities from the judging panel and viewers, as they try to guess who is behind the mask (pictured L Grandfather Clock and Alien R)
It’s coming back! ITV confirmed The Masked Singer would return for a second instalment regardless of the coronavirus pandemic in May
Also among the line-up is a cute-looking Dragon, Seahorse and a pink and purple Blob featuring four huge googly eyes, who surely be keeping them on the prize.
Completing this year’s cast is an elegant black Swan, Badger, Robin and a Grandfather Clock, who claims to be the original Tik Tok.
This new season sees a brand-new panellist as BAFTA award-winning comedian Mo Gilligan takes up a chair and the challenge of figuring out who is behind the mask.
Host Joel Dommett is back to preside over the unique guessing game, while Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross will also all resume their celebrity sleuth roles.
Ready to go! Also among the line-up is a cute-looking Dragon (pictured), Seahorse and a pink and purple Blob featuring four huge googly eyes, who surely be keeping them on the prize
Full cast: Completing this year’s cast is an elegant black Swan, Badger, Robin (pictured) and a Grandfather Clock, who claims to be the original Tik Tok
New: This new season sees a brand-new panellist as comedian Mo Gilligan takes up a chair and the challenge of figuring out who is behind the mask (pictured L Badger and R Seahorse)
In May ITV confirmed The Masked Singer would return for a second instalment amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Although the global health crisis halted film and TV productions everywhere, Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, said production on the popular singing competition would go ahead – but will adhere to strict social distancing rules.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Fest, the TV executive explained that the show would be filmed without a live studio audience and added that casting for an array of new famous faces was already underway.
He said: ‘It looks like we will have to do some shows without audiences…. [it’s] more manageable for us in an enclosed guarded space.’
Champion: The winner of the inaugural British series was Nicola Roberts, formerly of Girls Aloud, who had performed as Queen Bee
Lygo added that when it comes to casting the celebrity faces, ITV wanted to ensure that every face is recognisable to the audience.
He added: ‘The challenge for the production company and us is that when the big reveal comes, you don’t go “who the f**k is that?”.’
The reality show originated in South Korea and its success spawned similar shows across the world including the UK and the US.
In the ITV series in January, former Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts was revealed as the voice behind Queen Bee and was crowned the winner.
Other celebrities who featured in the show were Katherine Jenkins, Teddy Sheringham, Jason Manford and Patsy Palmer.
After its popularity, ITV announced the hit show would return for a second series.
The Masked Singer will return to ITV on Boxing Day at 7pm.
Replaced: Ken Jeong, left, who appeared on the show last series has been replaced by Mo
Shocked: The Masked Singer judges Davina and were left stunned as the identity of three celebrities were unveiled on a recent lockdown special