THE Masked Singer has been a staple ITV hit for five years - but needs to stop unnecessary format changes.

Viewers tune in expecting a contestant to be unmasked at the end of each episode.

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However, the Christmas special and first episode of series six both bucked the format - by delaying unmaskings until the next instalment.

Such a big change runs the risk of alienating fans - which ultimately happened on social media.

As an audience member, the lack of an unmasking at the end of the series six's first episode made having watched it feel redundant.

Imagine reaching the end of a murder mystery novel - only to learn the culprit wouldn't be exposed until the sequel.

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"Spag Bol" was eliminated in the first half of a weekend-long launch on ITV.

But as the character prepared to reveal their identity, host Joel Dommett declared their mask would remain on until the following night's instalment.

Over on social media, viewers made their disappointment and frustration crystal clear.

One wrote on X: "All of that an no unmasking?!

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"I know you've got Maya now (who I think is a great addition) but this isn't Love Island. We don't need cliffhangers."

Another added: "I don’t really see the fun in getting 6 performances spread across 90 mins, with banal chat and non stop adverts.

"Only to find out at the end they’re not taking a mask off. Absolute shambles."

While a third remarked: "can’t believe they didn’t even unmask anyone after ALL that??"

Spag Bol was unveiled as presenter Kate Garraway at the beginning of the second episode - although by several viewers.

It's not the first time that The Masked Singer held off revealing a famous face.

The latest festive instalment - aired on Boxing Day - introduced a surprise bonus character, Giant Joel.

Its head was made to resemble the show's presenter, Joel Dommett, with the masked star even mimicking his body language.

Giant Joel performed Lionel Richie's "Hello" - but it was then confirmed his unmasking would take place at the beginning of series six.

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Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah was ultimately revealed to be the mystery performer, after much speculation.

The Masked Singer Judges and Host

The Masked Singer has been a smash-hit for ITV since launching in 2020. Here's a look at the show's familiar on air team.

Judges

Current:

• Jonathan Ross: Presenter and film critic Jonathan has been part of The Masked Singer since its first series.
• Davina McCall: Long Lost Family co-host Davina is also one of the show's original panellists.
• Mo Gilligan: Comedian and presenter Mo joined in series two, replacing US star Ken Jeong.
• Maya Jama: Love Island presenter Maya is set to join in series six, replacing Rita Ora.

Former:

• Rita Ora: Singer and actress Rita appeared as a judge for the first five series. Her departure from the show was confirmed in September 2024.

Host

Joel Dommett: Joel has presented every series of The Masked Singer so far.

Episode two saw the familiar format return, as its eliminated star revealed their identity without a cliffhanger.

Great British Bake Off legend Dame Prue Leith was unveiled as Pegasus.

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The Masked Singer airs on ITV and ITVX.

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