Joel Domett is left shocked when ITV producers surprise him with a giant stunt double during the upcoming Masked Singer Christmas special.
Hidden inside the giant version of Joel is a celebrity much loved by viewers and the star-studded panel tasked with trying to guess who is hiding behind the head.
Jennifer Saunders, 66, and Dawn French, 67, were paired up for the festive special and will join regular panelists Davina McCall, 57, Jonathon Ross, 64, and Mo Gilligan, 36.
They will be tasked with guessing which celebrities are hiding behind four new Christmas-themed mascots: Star, Christmas Cookie, Turkey Wreath and Nutcracker.
Although the unknown celebrity will star in the festive special as Joel, which will air on Boxing Day, fans will have to wait until the first episode of the new series on January 4 for the star to be unmasked.
Speaking about what he thought of the costume when it was first introduced, Joel said: “I thought, ‘Is my nose really shaped like that?’ Then everyone confirmed yes… and your teeth are that big!’
Joel Domett is left shocked when ITV producers surprise him with a giant stunt double during the upcoming Masked Singer Christmas special.
Hidden inside the giant version of Joel is a celebrity much loved by viewers and the star-studded panel tasked with trying to guess who is hiding behind the head.
Joel also revealed that his wife Hannah Cooper said she can’t keep the costume after the show because they don’t have room.
He said: ‘My wife has said I can’t keep it because we don’t have space, so I told her we need to buy a slightly bigger house.
“Maybe we can turn it around and turn it into a really cool laundry bin or something.”
The presenter revealed that he has only shown Hannah the double and is ‘excited’ for the rest of his family to see it on the show.
He added: ‘I haven’t actually shown it to my family yet! I’m excited for you to see it. The only thing stranger than watching your child on TV is seeing a large version of your child on TV standing next to your child on TV!
It comes after fans of The Masked Singer were left convinced they had already discovered Kingfisher’s identity, a month before the new series began.
The hit ITV show released a trailer showing a glimpse of some of the weird and wonderful costumes viewers can expect to see in the new year.
This includes characters like a puffer fish, a toad, a crab, a bush, a plate of spaghetti, and a pair of chattering teeth.
Jennifer Saunders, 66, and Dawn French, 67, have been paired up for the festive special and will be joined by regular panellists Davina McCall, 57, Jonathon Ross, 64, and Mo Gilligan, 36.
They will be tasked with guessing which celebrities are hiding behind four new Christmas-themed mascots: Star, Christmas Cookie, Turkey Wreath and Nutcracker.
Although the unknown celebrity will star in the festive special as Joel, which will air on Boxing Day, fans will have to wait until the first episode of the new series on January 4 for the star to be unmasked.
There’s also a unicorn dressed as a knight, a frog in a cupcake and a brightly colored kingfisher bird.
In the clip, the kingfisher can be seen wearing green overalls over a black and white striped sweater.
There are several fishing logos embroidered on his green suit, including a compass and crescent moon.
This has led some fans to believe it could be none other than EastEnders actor Shane Richie, who plays the lovable and cheeky Alfie Moon in the BBC One soap.
One viewer took to Reddit with their guess, writing: “Could be Alfie Moon from EastEnders – the moon makes me think it’s him.”
A second agreed, saying: “Could be, the moon is a gift.”
While a third responded: ‘I said the same thing! And he is known for singing.
Joel Dommett will return to the series in 2025, while Rita Ora will be replaced by Maya Jama.
This will mark Maya’s first role on a primetime ITV1 show, following her huge success as presenter of Love Island.
It comes after Masked Singer fans are convinced they have already discovered Kingfisher’s identity – a whole month before the new series begins in January.
Many believe it could be none other than EastEnders actor Shane Richie.
Shane plays the lovable and cheeky Alfie Moon in the BBC One soap
Speaking about joining the show, Maya said: “I’m a huge Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan and Mo, and of course working with Joel, will be so much fun!
“I can’t wait to find out who is under all those incredible costumes, rock out to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings.
‘I’ve watched the show for a long time, so I’ll definitely bring my A-game to the panel!’
A source also told The Sun: “This is big business for Maya, who is now one of TV’s fastest rising stars.”
“It puts her in front of a huge audience on Saturday nights every week in a show watched by everyone from children to retirees.
“He’s had a very young following so far because of Love Island, but signing for The Masked Singer would take his career to a whole new league.”
Line of Duty star Vicky McClure will become the series’ new guest judge, alongside regulars Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan and Davina McCall.
Last year’s season saw McFly’s Danny Jones, who had been behind the Piranha costume, win the show.
Runners-up were The Last Leg co-host Alex Brooker (as Bigfoot) and singer Lemar (as Cricket).
In the new series Maya Jama will replace Rita Ora in The Masked Singer
Rita has been a judge on the Hidden Identity celebrity singing competition since 2020, but quit after five series.
Previous winners of the show include Busted’s Charlie Simpson, Torn singer Natalie Imbruglia, Grammy-winning artist Joss Stone and Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts.
With over 37 million viewers since its launch in 2020, the show remains a must-see.
As of this writing, the popular show has been renewed for one more season that will likely air in 2026.
The Masked Singer’s Christmas Special Will Air on 7.30pm on Boxing Day on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player and the The new series of The Masked Singer begins Saturday, January 4 at 7 p.m.