Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are set to join The Masked Singer as guest panellists in a new rival panel twist for the upcoming series of the ITV singing contest.
The This Morning hosts revealed their roles live on Tuesday during a chat with Mo Gilligan. Ben said on This Morning: "We were lucky enough to be invited this year!"
After Mo admitted the pair were "amazing," Cat joked: "I think we were fairly average." With Ben laughing, she added: "We were fair to middling."
Rival panel format
The new series will feature the usual four judges—Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Maya Jama, and Jonathan Ross—alongside a "rival panel" headed by Alan Carr. The rivals will work together to compete against the original panel, battling to prove they are the best guessers.
Other stars joining the rival panel in the upcoming series, set to launch in January, include Stacey Solomon and Paloma Faith.
Ben Shephard's previous appearance
Ben was part of the mystery celebs in the last series as Conkers. After being unmasked, he told host Joel Dommett: "It's an extraordinary experience, having turned 50, I thought I've got to do a few more scary things.
"And I think tonight was probably my favourite, and it felt like I'd won just being able to come on the show, so I could just really enjoy that song (The Killers' Mr Brightside), I know my boys love that song. It's been such an extraordinary journey."
In the final, Toastie was revealed to be soul singer Mica Paris, which three of the panel guessed correctly. Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan won the series as Moth.
Stars react to new roles
Speaking about her new role, Stacey said: "I'm so excited to be joining Alan Carr's team on The Masked Singer. Me and my family are huge fans of the show. I can't wait to start sleuthing and hopefully unmask a few more superstars."
Alan Carr added: "I can't wait to play detective - so excited to be shouting 'take it off' in the actual studio rather than on my settee at home. A dream come true."
