ITV boss confirms The Masked Singer series two will go ahead – but without a studio audience to adhere to social distancing guidelines
ITV has confirmed The Masked Singer will return for a second instalment regardless of the coronavirus pandemic.
Although the global health crisis has halted film and TV productions everywhere, Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, said that production on the popular singing competition will 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.
It’s coming back! ITV has confirmed The Masked Singer will return for a second instalment regardless of the coronavirus pandemic
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.’
Lygo added that when it comes to casting the celebrity faces ITV want 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.
Star power: The judging panel comprising Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Ken Jeong
Champion: The winner of the inaugural British series was Nicola Roberts, formerly of Girls Aloud, who had performed as Queen Bee
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.
Shocked: The Masked Singer judges Davina McCall (L) and Jonathan Ross (R) were left stunned as the identity of three celebrities were unveiled on Sunday’s lockdown special
Undercover: TOWIE star James Argent (pictured), Strictly’s Ore Oduba, and musician Chesney Hawkes showcased their vocal prowess under disguises
Last week, The Masked Singer judges Davina McCall and Jonathan Ross were left stunned as the identity of three celebrities were unveiled on Sunday’s lockdown special.
TOWIE star James Argent, 2016 Strictly winner Ore Oduba, and musician Chesney Hawkes showcased their vocal prowess as they belted their favourite tracks while under disguises.
Hosted by Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper, the one-off edition was aired from the cast’s homes as part of the presenter’s Home Alone show amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dynamic duo: Hosted by Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper, the one-off edition was aired from the cast’s homes as part of the presenter’s Home Alone show