The Masked Singer’s spin-off series The Masked Dancer was one of last summer’s notable small screen hits, with viewers left puzzled as to the identity of 12 celebrities strutting their stuff inside the format’s trademark colourful costumes.
Gymnast Louis Smith won the first season of the show as Carwash, ahead of Bonnie Langford as Squirrel – while other celebrities revealed included Kelly Brook, Howard Donald, Craig Revel Horwood and Tamzin Outhwaite.
Given its popularity, it’s no surprise to see the show return for a second series – this time in a primetime Saturday night slot which will see it compete against Strictly Come Dancing for viewers.
Joel Dommett will once again be presiding over proceedings as 13 new masked celebrities – including the show’s first ever dancing duo – will perform in a bid to keep their identities secret, but when does it start and what can we expect?
Here’s what you need to know…
When does The Masked Dancer series 2 start?
The second series of The Masked Dancer begins on ITV on Saturday September 3 at 6.30pm.
The show runs for 90 minutes, with the first batch of mystery celebrities showing off their footwork for the judging panel – who will be trying to guess, from the clues given, who is inside each of the costumes.
After each of them has performed the studio audience will be asked to vote for their favourites, with the most popular remaining in the competition.
However the two who finished bottom of the vote will face the judges, who will have to decide which to save and which to send home.
The eliminated performer will then remove their mask and reveal their identity – with the panel finding out if any of their guesses were correct.
The second lot of celebrities will make their dancing debut the following weekend, on Saturday September 10.
If you miss the show on Saturday night, you can catch it again on Sunday morning on ITV at 11.25am, or on the ITV Hub.
Who is in The Masked Dancer line-up?
Obviously we don’t know that yet – but this year’s costumes have been revealed, meaning all we have to do now is guess who’s inside them.
Here’s who you’ll be watching though.
Astronaut
Cactus
Candlestick
Odd Socks
Onomatopoeia
Prawn Cocktail
Pearly King
Pig
Pillar and Post
Sea Slug
Scissors
Tomato Sauce
The first show of the series will see Astronaut, Odd Socks, Candlestick, Pillar and Post, Prawn Cocktail and Scissors take to the stage
Who are The Masked Dancer judges?
The Masked Dancer judging panel features two of The Masked Singer regulars, Jonathan Ross and Davina McCall.
Oti Mabuse is also returning as a judge, after appearing on the panel in the first series of the show – while season two will also welcome Peter Crouch, who is stepping in as replacement for Mo Gilligan.
The former footballer is taking Mo’s spot on the panel after the comedian dropped out of the series due to work commitments in the US.
‘The show is a firm favourite in our household and when asked I jumped at the chance to take part,’ enthused Peter.
‘I am competitive and I’m currently scrolling through friends’ socials looking for those tell-tale dance moves.
‘Another plus is that by being on the panel my social media, family and friends won’t be constantly speculating that I’m hiding behind one of the masks!’
The Masked Dancer begins on ITV on Saturday night at 6.30pm.