Harry Hill Revealed as Red Panda on ITV's The Masked Singer
In a night full of surprises and laughter, ITV's beloved guessing game show The Masked Singer unveiled one of its most entertaining secrets yet. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the whimsical Red Panda character was unmasked to reveal none other than comedy legend Harry Hill. The reveal, which took place during a vibrant performance of the Black Eyed Peas' 'I Gotta Feeling,' left audiences both at home and in the studio buzzing with excitement. This episode not only highlighted Hill's versatile talents but also underscored ITV's knack for delivering prime-time entertainment that keeps UK viewers hooked.
The Thrilling Performance and Unmasking
The Red Panda's journey on The Masked Singer has been a highlight of the 2026 series, with its quirky clues and energetic stage presence captivating fans week after week. Dressed in a fluffy red ensemble complete with oversized ears and a mischievous grin, the character brought a playful energy to the panel's guesses. Host Joel Dommett, known for his quick wit, guided the unmasking with his signature flair, building suspense as the audience held its breath.
Guest judge Olly Murs stole the show with his accurate prediction, correctly identifying Harry Hill beneath the costume. Murs, drawing from subtle hints like references to Hill's iconic TV shows and stand-up routines, nailed the guess amid cheers from the crowd. Hill, stepping out with his trademark glasses and infectious smile, shared his delight: 'I've thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this show.' His words echoed the fun spirit of the series, which transforms celebrities into fantastical creatures for a mix of mystery and music.
Clues That Fooled the Panel
Throughout the competition, the Red Panda dropped enigmatic clues that had viewers and judges alike theorizing. Hints included nods to Hill's long-running TV career, such as his time on TV Burp and Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule, disguised as playful panda puns and comedy sketches. Earlier rumors swirled that the character might be Alan Carr, another British comedy staple, adding to the intrigue. However, Hill's distinctive voice and humorous flair during performances ultimately gave him away to keen observers.
Harry Hill: A Comedy Titan's Foray into Masked Madness
Harry Hill, born Matthew Hall, is no stranger to the spotlight. The 62-year-old comedian rose to fame in the 1990s with his surreal stand-up routines, blending absurd humor with medical-themed props—a nod to his former career as a doctor. His breakthrough came with the BAFTA-winning Harry Hill's TV Burp, where he hilariously dissected television moments for over a decade on ITV. More recently, Hill has ventured into children's entertainment and panel shows, showcasing his enduring appeal across generations.
Participating in The Masked Singer marks a fresh chapter for Hill, allowing him to step away from his familiar persona and embrace the anonymity of the costume. In a post-reveal interview with Dommett, Hill reflected on the experience: 'It's been a blast hiding behind that fur—reminds me of my early days in comedy clubs.' Fans have praised his performance for injecting pure joy into the show, with social media lighting up posts like '#RedPandaHarry' trending across platforms.
Impact on Hill's Career and Public Image
This appearance could reignite interest in Hill's work, drawing in younger audiences unfamiliar with his classic sketches. As one of the UK's most beloved comedians, Hill's involvement validates The Masked Singer's role in bridging generational gaps in entertainment. Analysts note that such crossovers boost streaming numbers on ITV Hub, where episodes often see spikes post-reveal. Hill's lighthearted take on the show also aligns with his philosophy of comedy as escapism, especially timely in a post-pandemic world craving feel-good content.
ITV's The Masked Singer: A UK TV Phenomenon
Since its UK debut in 2020, The Masked Singer has become a cornerstone of ITV's Saturday night lineup, adapted from the South Korean format that swept global airwaves. The show's formula—celebrities performing incognito while a panel of judges and viewers guess their identities—has proven irresistible, pulling in millions of viewers per episode. This season, airing amidst a competitive TV landscape, continues to dominate ratings, outpacing rivals like BBC's Strictly Come Dancing reruns.
ITV's investment in the series, complete with elaborate costumes and high-production values, reflects its strategy to capture family audiences. The 2026 edition features an eclectic mix of panels, including regulars like Davina McCall, Rita Ora, and Jonathan Ross, alongside rotating guests like Murs. Executive producer Kate Phillips commented on the reveal: 'Harry's energy was infectious; it's moments like these that make the show unmissable.' With more unmaskings on the horizon, anticipation builds for who might be next—will it be a pop star or another comedy surprise?
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Post-episode, Twitter and Instagram exploded with reactions. Fans lauded the reveal as 'the best yet,' with memes of Hill's shocked expression circulating widely. One viewer tweeted: 'Harry Hill as Red Panda? Genius! #MaskedSingerUK.' The online engagement has already boosted related searches for Hill's past work, demonstrating the show's SEO-friendly ripple effect on digital content consumption.
What’s Next for The Masked Singer and ITV?
As the series progresses toward its grand finale, ITV teases even wilder costumes and star-studded reveals. The network's success with The Masked Singer signals a broader trend in reality TV: interactive, inclusive formats that encourage viewer participation via apps and polls. For Hill, this could lead to new projects, perhaps a comedy special inspired by his masked adventure.
In the ever-evolving world of UK broadcasting, ITV remains a powerhouse, blending nostalgia with innovation. Shows like this not only entertain but foster community, proving that in an age of streaming fragmentation, live TV still holds magic. Stay tuned for more updates as The Masked Singer continues to panda to our curiosities.
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