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<\/p>\nLet the clues begin as The Masked Singer will welcome four special characters to its festive special.<\/p>\n
The Christmas instalment will see four celebrities will perform in front of Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan for the one-off. The new seasonal names for the characters the celebs are using to conceal their identities are Decorations, Reindeer, Sprout and Partridge (In A Pear Tree). <\/p>\n
Also joining them is special guest panellist, Leona Lewis. And television presenter and comedian Joel Dommett returns to host once again.<\/p>\n
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The creative adorable costumes will hide the four celebrities as they attempt to fool the panel and viewers at home while showing off their singing abilities. Teasing fans of the ITV show with what to expect, Hot Right Now singer Rita said: \u201cThe show is just that crazy and the costumes are just as crazy as well!\u201d <\/p>\n
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The Christmas special will be followed by The Masked Singer's highly-awaited fifth series, which will begin on Saturday, December 30. The new series promises to showcase its daftest line-up to date with an air fryer, an owl in school uniform, a yeti with a broken foot, a rat wearing a tool belt, a storm cloud and a cup of bubble tea all making an entrance on stage.<\/p>\n
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They will hope to follow in the footsteps of previous winners Natalie Imbruglia (Panda), Joss Stone (Sausage), Charlie Simpson (Rhino) and Nicola Roberts (AKA Queen Bee). Reigning champion Charlie is also set for a comeback.<\/p>\n
The Busted star, who scored his way to victory as Rhino on the last series, will lend a hand and sit in Rita\u2019s seat to give his analysis for one episode of the new run. It was previously reported that axed Voice coach Olly Murs was thrown a TV lifeline and had signed, and comedienne Jennifer Saunders will be helping out on the ITV talent show in the New Year.<\/p>\n
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Rita has been forced to sit out almost half the new eight-episode series due to previous commitments to other work projects. Speaking about having to miss filming, Rita said: "I\u2019m gutted to be missing some episodes. But keeping my seat warm are some great guest panellists, who I\u2019m told are also super-competitive and will keep the others on their toes.\u201d<\/p>\n
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A TV insider reportedly told The Sun: \u201cSkipping three out of eight episodes feels like a pretty big chunk so viewers are bound to miss Rita, she\u2019s such a fan fave. But shaking up the panel is also another fun way to keep the programme fresh.<\/p>\n
"Jennifer brings a whole new energy, whilst Olly is of course such a safe hands when it comes to talent shows. It will be interesting to see what Charlie brings to the table.\u201d<\/p>\n
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