Mistletoe

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Viewers were convinced of who Mistletoe could be(Image: ITV)

As Boxing Day arrived, viewers could look forward to watching four famous faces take to the stage and compete undercover in elaborate costumes, keeping their true identities hidden in The Masked Singer.

Unwrapping this year’s Christmas characters, Mistletoe, Goose A-Laying, Figgy Pudding, and Santa’s Sack performed some festive songs to the panel of superstar detectives.

Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Maya Jama and Mo Gilligan have returned for the glitz and glamour of the festive season, with Maya replacing previous judge Rita Ora last year.

Viewers are in for a treat with the guests this Christmas special. Pantomime favourite Christopher Biggins will be sporting a patchwork dress, purple tights and a bright red wig for the season.

Basil Brush will be giving comedian Mo Gilligan a run for his money as he’ll be ready to crack some jokes on the festive panel. Lesley Joseph will also be making an appearance, as well as Su Pollard.

Mistletoe was the first star to go on stage as they sung Fairytale of New York, a festive classic. When it came to the clues, Mistletoe teased: “I will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth… You might be hoping I’m a regular motormouth, but these lips are sealed!”

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Masked singer

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The Christmas special kicked off with a bang(Image: ITV)

Viewers, the panel and judges were all in agreement over who the star could be – This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary. Joel said: “That’s definitely Dermot” after the performance before quickly adding, “or is it…” causing the audience to erupt in laughter.

Maya Jama added: “Dermot loves a little dance, and those legs were hopping and skipping, they were vibing all around the place!”

On X (formerly known as Twitter), viewers had the same train of thought. @iamfabio wrote: “Mistletoe is Dermot, for sure!” as @tncargill added: “Definitely dermot, I only heard a couple of lines, and I was convinced!”.

@toryshaun penned: “Surely that’s Dermot O Leary in the first Masked Singer” as @mythicalmia echoed: “back on my masked singer bullshit (christmas edition) and mistletoe is 100% dermot o’leary you can just hear it in his voice, plus the jingle clue and irish accent it’s all there”.

Last year, the winner of The Masked Singer UK Christmas Special 2024 was Holly Johnson, the frontman of 80s band Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who performed as Nutcracker.

He beat other contestants, including Davina McCall (Star) and Josie Gibson (Christmas Cracker), to be crowned the festive champion.

After his win, Holly lifted off his mask and shared: “I’ve enjoyed performing, I don’t ever have to do panto now,” before performing for the first time unmasked.