The Masked Singer 2026 has barely got going and already the guessing game is in overdrive, with bookies rushing to tip which famous faces are hiding beneath the show’s most bizarre costumes.
The ITV juggernaut returned last Saturday (January 3) with a glittering launch, but Disc Jockey didn’t last long, becoming the first contestant sent packing before being revealed as The One Show presenter Alex Jones.
Sunday’s (January 4) episode saw another shock exit. Teabag was eliminated and unmasked as rapper Professor Green.
With those early reveals done, attention has now turned to the remaining 10 mystery performers. So, who do the bookies think is lurking behind the masks? Here’s what the odds are saying…
The Masked Singer 2026: Is Moth a Sugababes favourite?
After impressing viewers with a powerful take on Mariah Carey’s Hero, Moth has quickly flown to the top of the betting.
Exclusive odds at Entertainment Daily show Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan is currently the frontrunner at 4/6.
“Moth has quickly emerged as one of the season’s biggest talking points. Bookies are backing Keisha Buchanan — best known as a member of the Sugababes — as the favourite, with viewers closely analysing the clues for signs of a chart-topping pop star,” Sportscasting spokesperson Shane Orton said.
Hot on her heels are bandmates Mutya Buena (7/2) and Siobhan Donaghy (7/1), fuelling speculation that a full Sugababes connection could be in play.
Elsewhere, Leona Lewis (5/1), Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock (8/1) and Alexandra Burke (12/1) are also firmly in the mix.
Gargoyle tipped to be a well-known female singer
Gargoyle’s performance of Scissor Sisters’ Filthy/Gorgeous certainly got tongues wagging. Bookies believe another famous female vocalist could be behind the mask.
At present, Shakespears Sister singer Marcella Detroit is leading the betting at 4/5.
“Gargoyle’s clues have really got viewers talking, with bookies backing Marcella Detroit as the favourite. Fans were quick to spot a ‘Sally’ reference — particularly intriguing given that Marcella famously co-wrote Eric Clapton’s hit Lay Down Sally before her chart success with Shakespears Sister,” Shane said.
Other names being thrown into the mix include Denise Welch (5/2), Kym Marsh (6/1), Ruby Wax (10/1) and Frankie Bridge (20/1).
Masked Singer 2026: Is Sam Thompson hiding as Sloth?
Sloth bounced onto the stage with Men At Work’s Down Under, instantly sparking guesses that I’m A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson could be inside the costume.
The bookmakers are clearly on the same wavelength, installing the Made in Chelsea star as favourite at 11/8.
Other familiar faces in the running include Joe Marler (11/4) and Joe Wicks (4/1).
“Speculation around Sloth has intensified after Sam Thompson became the bookies’ favourite. The Made in Chelsea star has added fuel to the fire by teasing fans online about The Masked Singer, prompting many to wonder if he’s hiding behind the mask,” Shane said.
Can Of Worms linked to a ‘prime-time favourite’
Can Of Worms opted for a show tune, performing Be Our Guest from Beauty And The Beast.
Right now, JLS singer Marvin Humes is the bookies’ top pick at 10/11.
Ben Shephard (2/1) and Roman Kemp (4/1) are also strongly fancied, while Alan Titchmarsh (25/1) and Robbie Williams (50/1) remain longer shots.
“Can of Worms has viewers split, with guesses narrowing in on either Marvin Humes or Ben Shephard. With Marvin currently leading the odds and Ben close behind, fans are divided over whether this mask is hiding a pop star or a prime-time TV favourite,” Shane added.
The Masked Singer: Arctic Fox tipped to be a Strictly favourite
Arctic Fox has quickly become one of the standout costumes of the series, and bookmakers appear increasingly certain about the identity beneath the mask.
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Anton Du Beke is currently the clear frontrunner at 2/5. Singer Rhydian Roberts follows at 3/1, while Adam Lambert remains in contention further back at 9/1.
Also included in the betting are Ncuti Gatwa (12/1), Tia Kofi (16/1), and Ade Edmondson (18/1), with Ru Paul (25/1) and Queen Camilla (500/1) listed as outsiders.
“Arctic Fox has already sparked intense speculation, with bookies strongly backing Anton Du Beke,” the spokesperson said. “The Strictly favourite sits well ahead of the competition, though names like Rhydian Roberts and Adam Lambert are still firmly in the mix.”
Conkers could be hiding a chart-topper or TV star
Conkers is shaping up to be one of the closest battles so far, with the odds suggesting a tight contest between music and television.
Olly Murs currently leads the betting at 6/5, closely followed by Take That’s Mark Owen at 2/1. Ben Shephard is also strongly fancied at 4/1, while Matthew Baynton (7/1) and Tom Daley (8/1) remain popular picks.
Further down the list are Martin Freeman (14/1), Mark Ronson (16/1) and Peter Crouch (25/1).
“Conkers is shaping up to be a tight race, with Olly Murs currently edging the odds,” the spokesperson explained. “Close behind are Mark Owen and Ben Shephard, leaving fans split between a pop star reveal or a familiar TV face.”
Monkey Business sparks pop star speculation
Monkey Business has viewers convinced there’s a major name behind the mask, with the betting leaning heavily towards a pop connection.
Spice Girls star Emma Bunton leads the odds at 6/4, with Kate Nash next at 3/1. Martine McCutcheon (5/1) and Katherine Parkinson (11/2) are also firmly in the mix.
Karren Brady (8/1), Charlotte Crosby (12/1), Diana Vickers (14/1) and Sara Davies (20/1) complete the current shortlist.
“Monkey Business has fans and punters convinced there’s a major pop name behind the mask,” the spokesperson said. “Emma Bunton leads the betting, with viewers also throwing around guesses including Kate Nash and Martine McCutcheon as the clues continue to be dissected.”
Toastie odds point to a near-certain reveal
Toastie appears to be one of the least mysterious characters remaining, at least according to the bookies.
Brenda Edwards is the overwhelming favourite at 1/3, with the rest of the field trailing significantly behind. Judi Love sits at 5/1, while Alison Hammond (11/2) and Sonique (7/1) are also being considered.
Rebecca Ferguson (12/1), Justin Fletcher (14/1), Anastasia (20/1) and Fergie (50/1) round out the betting.
“Toastie looks close to a done deal according to the bookies, with Brenda Edwards installed as the overwhelming favourite,” the spokesperson said. “Familiar TV names like Alison Hammond and Sonique are also in the frame, but the odds remain firmly one-sided.”
Yak shaping up to be one of the toughest guesses
Yak has quickly emerged as one of the most difficult characters to pin down, with comedy and broadcasting names dominating the odds.
Gyles Brandreth currently tops the betting at 6/4, followed by Reece Shearsmith at 3/1 and Bob Mortimer at 4/1. Joe Lycett (7/1) and Ade Edmondson (8/1) are also strong contenders.
Brian Conley and Steve Pemberton are both priced at 12/1, while Harry Enfield sits further back at 25/1.
“Yak has become one of the trickier puzzles of episode two, with Gyles Brandreth topping the betting,” the spokesperson added. “Comedy heavyweights Bob Mortimer and Reece Shearsmith are also strongly fancied, keeping this race wide open.”
Read more: The Masked Singer fans convinced they’ve ‘worked out’ Toastie as Loose Women favourite
The Masked Singer continues Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX on January 10, 2026.
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