The guessing game is once again in full swing as The Masked Singer UK returns to ITV for its latest series. Host Joel Dommett is back alongside judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama, as twelve new elaborate costumes take to the stage. Among them, Red Panda has sparked intense speculation after a debut delayed by a song choice deemed potentially 'insensitive'.
Decoding Red Panda's Cryptic Clues
The mystery celebrity behind the Red Panda mask has been drip-feeding clues through their introductory videos. The first clue package featured a pile of baby dummies and a stack of rocks topped with a large gold stone, hinting at a possible gold medal achievement. A letter addressed to '5 Rio Street, Birmingham' strongly suggests a link to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Further hints have piled up rapidly. Red Panda mentioned it was 'music to [their] ears' to have 'saved the day', a possible nod to a goalkeeper or hero figure. Wordplay about 'scaling new heights' and never getting 'fur-rightened' could point to a courageous or notably tall individual. A shopping list included hairspray, sun cream, pink apples, and five pears, while a poster of Roger Moore as James Bond (007) flashed on screen.
Other telling details include the claim of being 'always up-to-date with the latest trends', four bowls of strawberry bonbons, and the phrase 'cool, calm, and collected'. A heart-shaped box of chocolates has led some to wonder about a connection to Heart FM radio. Red Panda also stated, 'Sometimes, I do this job solo, but we red pandas band together.'
Top Suspects In The Spotlight
The clues have generated several compelling theories from the panel and viewers at home. One of the frontrunners is Simon Le Bon, the lead singer of Duran Duran. This theory ties together multiple clues: the band was formed in Birmingham (matching the envelope), they have a famous song and album named 'Rio' (linking to the 2016 Olympics city), and they recorded the theme for the James Bond film 'A View to a Kill' starring Roger Moore. Judge Jonathan Ross specifically highlighted the strawberry bonbons, a known favourite of the singer's.
Judge Maya Jama proposed a different idea, suggesting TV presenter Jeff Brazier. She cited the 'hero references' and '007 vibes', linking it to his appearance on 'Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins'. The clue about having a son who is an actor fits, as his son Bobby Brazier is a well-known actor and former 'Strictly' contestant.
After Red Panda's second performance, guest panellist Ben Shephard threw a new name into the mix: Alan Carr. Shephard connected the Heart FM clue to Carr's colleague Amanda Holden and emphasised the contestant's skill as an entertainer who works both solo and in a team. Carr's recent stint on 'The Celebrity Traitors', where he showcased deception skills, makes him a plausible candidate.
The Verdict Awaits
With the series now underway, the pressure is on for Red Panda to maintain their disguise. Each performance will inevitably yield new clues, potentially confirming or debunking the current front-running theories. The Masked Singer UK 2026 continues to air on ITV1 and ITVX, promising more musical mayhem and bewildering guesses from the panel. Will it be the iconic pop star, the seasoned TV host, or the witty comedian behind the mask? Only time—and more singing—will tell.
