The Masked Singer UK set to return for a third series after huge ratings

The Masked Singer UK is set to return for a third outing after proving a huge ratings hit.

The Masked Singer UK season 2 concluded with its final on Sunday night.

The mystery singing competition sees celebrities sing-off to put on the best musical performance while their real identities are kept secret under outrageous masks and costumes.

Over 10 million viewers tuned in to the latest episode on Saturday night, a record high.

Although ITV has yet to officially announce another series, the Daily Star reports that plans are already underway behind the scenes.

A source shared: “After some discussions, ITV agreed to splash the cash for another series. The format is such a hit with viewers, so they know it’ll be worth it.

“They are already making plans for when to film it and which celebs they’d love to sign up.

“They want the third series to be the best yet.”

Currently The Masked Singer UK is fronted by Joel Dommett joined by celebrity judges Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross.

And Jonathan has suggested that line up will remain the same in 2022.

He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “We love doing it, I’m looking forward to doing it again because it’s a fun way to spend the evening.”

The Masked Singer series 2 finished Sunday night on ITV. Saturday evening on ITV.

Spoilers from the final episode follow below!

Sausage, Badger and Robin faced off for the title with Sausage crowned the winner before being unmasked as Joss Stone.

Runner up Badger was unveiled as Ne-Yo while it was JLS singer Aston Merrygold who was behind Robin’s mask.

Joss said after the episode: “Singing can be an emotional thing. It helps you and others get through so much, music is truly therapy for your soul.

“With that being the focus for so long you can get caught up in the deepness of it. It doesn’t have to always be so serious and heavy. Life doesn’t have to be like that if you don’t want it to be.

“It made me laugh every day and it made everyone I walked past laugh. What a brilliant way to live life. I wish I never took it off really. My actual face and body are just not half as entertaining for people!”

An peak audience of 10.6 million and an average of 8.6 million tuned in to the 90 minute show, up 2.2 million on last year’s final.

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment, said: “In these testing times, we’re delighted that The Masked Singer has brought some escapist joy and light relief to so many viewers at home.

“At the end of a long week in lockdown we’re all coming together and trying to guess who’s dressed as a giant sausage, and quite frankly, it’s been a brilliantly entertaining tonic.”

You can catch up with The Masked Singer UK online now via the ITV Hub here.

For 2021 there is also new spin-off show The Masked Singer: Unmasked on the ITV Hub and ITV2.

Picture: ITV