ITV has been forced into damage control after a controversially themed performance from the new series of The Masked Singer was leaked online. The segment, featuring the character Red Panda, was pulled from broadcast just hours before airing due to its perceived insensitivity following a deadly New Year's Eve fire in Switzerland that killed 40 people.
Why ITV Bosses Pulled the Plug
The seventh series of the popular guessing game returned to ITV1 on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, with host Joel Dommett and judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Maya Jama, and Mo Gilligan all back on the panel. However, a last-minute editorial decision saw the debut of the Red Panda character completely removed from the episode.
ITV confirmed the move, stating the performance was scrapped "owing to potential insensitivities within the theme and lyrics of the song." The mystery celebrity inside the Red Panda costume was set to perform The Trammps' 1976 hit 'Disco Inferno', with dancers reportedly wearing firefighter-style suits. The character's introductory video also featured the panda in a fire station setting.
This staging was deemed profoundly ill-judged in the wake of the devastating tragedy at the Le Constellation bar in the Valais ski resort. The blaze, which erupted in the basement in the early hours of New Year's Day, resulted in one of of Switzerland's worst fire disasters in decades.
The Leaked Performance Surfaces
Despite ITV's efforts to remove the segment, the performance has now been made public. According to reports, the full routine was accidentally made available on a catch-up service in Scotland before being shared more widely online.
The leak confirms the details of the act, showing Red Panda's full performance of 'Disco Inferno'. ITV has stressed that the celebrity inside the Red Panda costume will remain part of the 2026 series and is scheduled to return in a different performance in the coming weeks.
Series Seven Kicks Off with Unmaskings
The opening episode of the new series proceeded with other contestants, introducing two band-themed acts: Goldfish, lead singer of 'No Trout', and Emperor Penguin, fronting the 'Antarctic Funkeys'.
The premiere featured a double elimination, unveiling pop star Anne-Marie as Goldfish after her performance of 'APT' by Bruno Mars and Rose. Later, Alex Jones, host of The One Show, was revealed as Disc Jockey following her rendition of 'Pink Pony Club' by Chappell Roan.
Host Joel Dommett had previously teased that this season would feature "the most unmaskings ever," with four celebrities reportedly set to be unveiled across the first two episodes alone. The show continues the format that last year crowned stage and screen actress Samantha Barks, disguised as Pufferfish, the winner.
The Masked Singer airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
