ITV The Masked Singer in 'fake' row as viewers claim 'everything feels forced'

The Masked Singer fans have accused the ITV programme of being 'fake', after many viewers became convinced that TV bosses have influenced the judges' predictions. The fifth series of the popular show has begun airing on ITV1, with Joel Dommett taking on hosting duties once again. Davina McCall , Mo Gilligan and Jonathan Ross are all back on the judging panel, but this time they're joined by Maya Jama , who has replaced Rita Ora .

Olympian Mo Farah joined the panel in the latest episode as a special guest judge, with the five judges watching Dressed Crab, Spag Bol, Snail, Tattoo, Teeth and King Fisher all perform. The panel then proceeded to guess which celebrities were under the masks. However, fans of The Masked Singer accused the judges of having their guesses influenced by TV bosses.



Taking to social media, viewers shared their thoughts on the situation. One person said: "The fact that the judges are pretending not to immediately know Kingfisher is Harry Hill, just proves they're not allowed to make any real attempt at guessing who it is." A second wrote: "Everything feels forced.

I don't get the point in judges picking who sings next. Are they just coming up with new ways to make the episode longer. I prefer series with Rita involved.

" The episode also ended with a huge cliffhanger, as Spag Bol was about to be unmasked after the panel saved Teeth. However, Joel announced the show was over and viewers would have to wait until Sunday to find out who was being the mask. Fans at home have been left impressed by newcomer Maya however, with many praising her following her debut as a judge.

Rushing over to X, one person said: “Replacing Rita Ora with Maya Jama was a genius idea." Someone else added: “Dear ITV , thank you for putting Maya Jama on the panel. Yours truly, from everyone.

” A third chimed in: “I love Maya.” Echoing their thoughts, another proclaimed: "Replacing Rita Ora with Maya Jama was clearly already an amazing call." Maya said she is "thrilled" to have joined the show, which returned to screens on Sunday 5 January.

Writing on X, the Love Island presenter told fans: "Thrilllled to be joining The Masked Singer family. Felt well official with my notepad, nervous being the newbie but this series is so much fun! & it starts TONIGHTTT at 7pm & tomorrow at 6:30pm. Get your detective skills out & tune in to watch on ITV & ITV.

" The Masked Singer continues on ITV1 on Sunday 12 January..