Alan Carr lands surprise role in major ITV The Masked Singer shake-up

Alan Carr has been confirmed as the newest addition to The Masked Singer's judging lineup, bringing a major shake-up to the ITV show's format for its 2027 series.

The 50-year-old will not simply be joining the established panel but will instead head up a rival team of "wild card" detectives, competing directly against the current judges, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, Mo Gilligan and Davina McCall, who will be rebranded as the "legends" panel.

The two groups will go head to head in an attempt to correctly identify the costumed celebrities, with the aim of being crowned the programme's top sleuths.

Mr Carr called the opportunity a "dream come true," adding: "I can't wait to play detective, so excited to be shouting 'take it off' in the actual studio rather than on my settee at home."

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The former Chatty Man host made the announcement on Friday's edition of This Morning.

"I'm sick and tired of watching that panel make terrible guesses," he declared, before joking about his own previous stints as a contestant on the programme disguised as Red Panda and Teeth.

He pledged to deliver what the show had been lacking: "I'm bringing the panel something they desperately need... intelligence.

"Watch out, Jonathan, Maya, Davina and Mo because I'm bringing my own detectives to rival yours! Oh yes, and we're not here to play, we are here to win!"

This Morning presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary reacted enthusiastically, with Ms Hammond saying the news had "made my day".

Fans of the star were quick to take to social media to share their view on the new casting.

"OMG THIS IS THE BEST NEWS" one fan wrote on Instagram, as another said: "OMG, I love Alan Carr."

A third penned: "This is gonna be hilarious."

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Someone else added: "Best news love Alan just brilliant."

Mr Carr's stock has risen considerably following his triumph in the BBC's hugely popular first series of The Celebrity Traitors.

The comedian beat fellow comedian Nick Mohammed and historian David Olusoga to claim victory.

Notably, he was cast as a traitor alongside Jonathan Ross during that programme, the very same man he will now be pitted against on The Masked Singer's rival panels.

ITV's director of entertainment, reality and daytime Katie Rawcliffe welcomed the appointment, stating: "His wit and energy are the perfect addition to our new 'rival panel' and we can't wait for viewers to see the sparks fly."

The Masked Singer has been a fixture on ITV since launching in 2020, with Ross and McCall serving as panellists from the outset.

Mo Gilligan came aboard for the second series, while Love Island presenter Jama joined roughly two years ago.

Joel Dommett has hosted throughout.

The programme typically broadcasts in January, and this year's series was won by Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan, who had been performing under the guise of Moth without any of the judges identifying her.

Previous champions include Nicola Roberts, Natalie Imbruglia and Les Misérables actress Samantha Barks.

Mr Carr is no stranger to judging duties, having previously sat on the Britain's Got Talent panel and served as a judge on ITV's Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream, a talent search for leads in the ABBA stage musical.

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