The Masked Singer host Joel Dommett made a major blunder during the recording of the upcoming Christmas special.

The star, 40, did the one thing a host of the show isn’t meant to do!
Joel hosts The Masked Singer Christmas special (Credit: ITV)

Joel Dommett reveals The Masked Singer Christmas special star’s name

The upcoming festive special of the show will be thrown into chaos by an unlikely source on Boxing Day – show host Joel!

During the episode, which has already been recorded, will see celebs hiding in costumes perform for the judges.

The Masked Singers taking part in this year’s special include Mistletoe, Figgy Pudding, Goose-a-laying, and Santa’s Sack.

It was during Mistletoe’s appearance that Joel let slip their identity, much to his own embarrassment.

The identity of the star hasn’t been revealed, so viewers will have to wait just over a week until they find out who’s under the mask!

He opened up about the hilarious incident during a chat with The Sun.
Joel let slip Mistletoe’s identity (Credit: ITV)

‘I can’t believe I did it’

Speaking to the publication, Joel said, “I can’t believe I did it. This person was chuckling in the costume and it’s a chuckle I know well, and I said their name. It just came out. Their actual name!

Joel then went on to say that the judges – Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Maya Jama, and Mo Gilligan – had “pretty much guessed” who the star was before his slip-up.

However, the producers weren’t impressed.

“But producers did reiterate to me that I wasn’t to do that again. I was on the naughty step.”
Famous faces will appear on The Masked Singer (Credit: ITV)

Who else will appear on the show?

The masked celebrities won’t be the only famous faces appearing in the show (when they finally take their masks off).

A string of pantomime stars will also be making an appearance.

Su Pollard will appear as Fairy Godmother, whilst Christopher Biggins will make an appearance as the Panto Dame.

Lesley Joseph will turn up as the Wicked Stepmother, and Basil Brush will also be popping in as Prince Charming.

Previous Masked Singer Christmas special contestants include Josie Gibson, Motsi Mabuse, Davina McCall, and Carol Vorderman.

The festive sparkle of The Masked Singer Christmas special is built on secrecy, surprise, and the collective joy of guessing who might be hidden beneath the elaborate costumes. It is a format that thrives on suspense, on the careful preservation of mystery until the perfect moment of reveal. That is why the atmosphere shifts so dramatically when Joel Dommett, the show’s charismatic host, throws everything into chaos by accidentally revealing a star’s real name. In a programme where secrecy is sacred, one slip of the tongue can ripple outward, changing the tone of the entire evening.

At Christmas, expectations are even higher. The special episode is designed to feel indulgent and playful, a festive gift to viewers who have followed the show’s twists and turns throughout the year. Families gather, guessing games are played from sofas across the country, and the excitement lies in the shared uncertainty. The masks are more extravagant, the performances more theatrical, and the sense of anticipation more intense. Against this backdrop, Joel Dommett’s revelation lands not as a small mistake, but as a moment that threatens the very heart of the show’s appeal.

Joel has always been central to The Masked Singer’s success. His warm humour, quick wit, and ability to balance chaos with control make him the perfect guide through the show’s unpredictable world. He is trusted by viewers and contestants alike, someone who understands the importance of timing and restraint. That is why his accidental reveal feels so shocking. It cuts against everything the show stands for, exposing how fragile even the most polished productions can be.

The moment itself unfolds in a way that feels almost surreal. What begins as light-hearted banter, a familiar rhythm of jokes and teasing, suddenly veers into dangerous territory. A name slips out, perhaps before Joel has fully realised what he is saying. There is a beat of silence, a collective intake of breath from the panel, the audience, and those watching at home. In that split second, the spell is broken. The mystery, so carefully constructed, wobbles.

For viewers, the reaction is immediate and visceral. Some gasp, others laugh in disbelief, and many scramble to process what they have just heard. Was that really the name? Did he actually say it? Social media lights up almost instantly, with fans replaying the moment, debating whether it was intentional, and speculating on how the show will recover. In a format built on guessing, certainty arrives too soon, and it feels oddly unsettling.

Behind the scenes, the chaos is just as real. Producers are acutely aware of how much effort goes into maintaining secrecy. Contestants sign strict confidentiality agreements, crew members are carefully briefed, and every detail is controlled to prevent leaks. An accidental reveal by the host is a nightmare scenario, because it bypasses all those safeguards in one unguarded moment. Suddenly, damage control becomes the priority.

Joel’s reaction in the aftermath reveals the human side of live or semi-live television. There is visible shock, a dawning realisation that something has gone wrong. His usual confidence falters briefly, replaced by embarrassment and concern. He knows better than anyone how important the mystery is, and the weight of that responsibility lands heavily. The charm that usually defines his presence is still there, but now it is tinged with apology and self-awareness.

The panel’s response adds another layer of complexity. Judges who are normally playful and competitive suddenly find themselves navigating an awkward situation. Do they acknowledge the reveal directly, or try to steer the conversation back into safer territory? Their reactions range from stunned silence to nervous laughter, each reflecting a shared understanding that something significant has just happened. The usual rhythm of clues and speculation is disrupted, replaced by improvisation.

For the contestant whose name has been revealed, the moment is particularly strange. The Masked Singer is as much about the journey as the destination. Performers relish the chance to hide in plain sight, to be judged solely on their voice and stage presence rather than their fame. Having that anonymity stripped away prematurely alters the experience. What was meant to be playful secrecy becomes an exposed reality, changing how audiences perceive subsequent performances.

The Christmas special, in particular, relies on warmth and goodwill. It is designed to feel joyful rather than competitive, a celebration rather than a contest. Joel’s slip introduces tension into that atmosphere, a reminder that even festive television is vulnerable to mistakes. The contrast between the glittering set and the sudden sense of unease makes the moment all the more striking.

Public reaction to the reveal is mixed. Some viewers are forgiving, recognising that live television is unpredictable and that mistakes happen. They see the humour in the situation, appreciating the chaos as part of the show’s charm. Others are more critical, arguing that the reveal undermines the integrity of the format. For them, the mystery is everything, and losing it feels like a betrayal of trust.

The incident also reignites conversations about the pressures faced by television presenters. Hosting a show like The Masked Singer requires constant alertness, juggling scripted elements with spontaneous moments. Joel must guide the audience, manage the panel, interact with contestants, and maintain suspense, all while being entertaining. One lapse does not erase his skill, but it does highlight how demanding the role truly is.

From a production standpoint, the aftermath becomes a balancing act. Editing choices, on-screen reactions, and narrative framing all come into play. If the episode is pre-recorded, decisions must be made about whether to cut or blur the reveal, or whether to embrace it as part of the broadcast. If it is live, the focus shifts to containment, managing audience expectations and preserving as much mystery as possible.

The Christmas special’s unique status complicates matters further. Unlike regular episodes, it is designed as a one-off event, with surprises that may not be revisited. The reveal cannot be undone, and the festive nature of the programme makes heavy-handed corrections feel out of place. Producers must weigh the importance of the format against the spirit of the season, choosing whether to lean into the chaos or downplay it.

Joel’s own response in interviews and public statements becomes crucial. His willingness to acknowledge the mistake, to laugh at himself while expressing genuine regret, shapes how the incident is received. Viewers are often generous when they sense authenticity, and Joel’s reputation for humility works in his favour. By owning the moment rather than deflecting it, he reinforces the trust that made him a beloved host in the first place.

The reveal also prompts reflection on why The Masked Singer resonates so strongly with audiences. At its core, the show is about play. It invites viewers to suspend disbelief, to enjoy guessing without needing certainty. Joel’s slip disrupts that playfulness, reminding everyone how carefully the illusion is maintained. In doing so, it paradoxically draws attention to the artistry behind the show.

For the contestant involved, the experience becomes a different kind of performance. Knowing that many viewers now suspect or know their identity changes the dynamic. Subsequent appearances are watched through a different lens, with attention shifting from guessing to confirmation. While some of the magic is lost, a new layer of interest emerges, as audiences observe how the performer navigates the altered situation.

The panel, too, must adjust. Their usual role as detectives becomes less convincing once a name has been spoken aloud. They may lean more heavily into humour, exaggeration, or deliberate misdirection, attempting to restore some sense of unpredictability. This shift subtly alters the tone of the show, making it more self-aware and playful in a different way.

Social media continues to buzz long after the episode airs. Clips are shared, memes created, and debates sparked. Some fans celebrate the chaos as a memorable television moment, arguing that it will be remembered long after more polished episodes fade from memory. Others lament the loss of suspense, wishing the moment could be erased. In either case, the show dominates conversation, which is, in itself, a form of success.

The incident also highlights the delicate balance between control and spontaneity in entertainment. Shows like The Masked Singer rely on strict rules to create surprise, yet their appeal lies in moments that feel unscripted and genuine. Joel’s reveal sits at the intersection of these forces, a reminder that authenticity can sometimes clash with format.

As the Christmas special continues, there is a sense of adaptation. The show finds its footing again, leaning into festive cheer and collective enjoyment. The initial shock softens, replaced by laughter and acceptance. Viewers adjust their expectations, focusing less on the mystery and more on the performances and atmosphere. The chaos becomes part of the story, a footnote in a night designed for entertainment.

Looking back, the reveal becomes one of those television moments that encapsulate both the risks and rewards of live entertainment. It is imperfect, surprising, and undeniably human. Joel Dommett’s slip does not define the show, but it adds a layer to its history, a reminder that even the most carefully curated spectacles are vulnerable to human error.

For Joel, the incident is likely both mortifying and oddly affirming. It underscores the responsibility he carries, but also the affection audiences have for him. His ability to recover, to steer the show forward despite the misstep, demonstrates professionalism under pressure. In the end, his role as host is not diminished, but humanised.

The Masked Singer Christmas special may have been thrown into chaos, but it emerges with its spirit intact. The festive atmosphere, the shared laughter, and the joy of performance still shine through. The reveal, while disruptive, becomes part of the collective memory of the show, a reminder that unpredictability is not always a flaw.

As viewers reflect on the episode, opinions may differ, but one thing is clear: the moment will be remembered. In a crowded television landscape, memorability is a rare currency. Joel Dommett’s accidental reveal ensures that this Christmas special will be talked about for years to come, not just for who was under the mask, but for the moment when the mask slipped too soon.

In the end, the chaos serves as a testament to the power of live entertainment. It reminds us that behind the costumes, lights, and scripts are people, capable of mistakes as well as magic. The Masked Singer thrives on surprise, and while this one arrived earlier than planned, it reinforced the very unpredictability that keeps audiences coming back.

As the Christmas special continues to unfold after Joel Dommett’s accidental reveal, a subtle but profound shift settles over the studio. The glitter still shines, the costumes still dazzle, and the music still fills the air, but something intangible has changed. The mystery that once wrapped itself around every note and every movement has been punctured, and in its place arrives a heightened awareness of how fragile television magic really is. This is no longer just a guessing game; it becomes a shared human moment, one defined by vulnerability, shock, and an unexpected intimacy between those on screen and those watching at home.

Joel stands at the centre of it all, visibly recalibrating in real time. The effortless confidence he usually exudes gives way to a more careful presence, as if every word must now pass through a filter of heightened awareness. There is humility in this shift, and it resonates. Viewers can see that he understands the weight of what has happened. He does not attempt to bulldoze past it or laugh it off entirely. Instead, he carries on with a quieter sincerity, allowing the show to breathe while acknowledging, without words, that something unscripted and irreversible has occurred.

The emotional texture of the evening deepens rather than collapses. What might have been a purely chaotic mishap evolves into something strangely connective. Audiences at home, who are used to consuming perfectly packaged entertainment, suddenly feel closer to the people on screen. The illusion cracks, and through that crack comes authenticity. This is no longer just about guessing celebrities; it becomes about witnessing how people respond when plans unravel in front of millions.

For the revealed contestant, the experience is layered and complex. Beneath the costume, they had likely been enjoying a rare kind of freedom, performing without expectation, shielded from judgement tied to their public persona. That freedom evaporates in an instant. The mask remains physically in place, but symbolically it has slipped. Now, every note they sing carries a new weight. Viewers listen not just with curiosity, but with recognition. The performance becomes more exposed, more vulnerable, and perhaps more powerful because of it.

There is a quiet dignity in how the contestant continues. No dramatic reaction, no visible frustration, just professionalism. In that composure lies a reminder that entertainment is a collaboration, one built on trust not just between producers and presenters, but between performers and audiences. That trust has been shaken, but not destroyed. If anything, it becomes more visible, more fragile, and therefore more meaningful.

The judges, too, adjust their energy. Their usual exaggerated theorising softens into something more reflective. They still joke, still play, but there is an undercurrent of care now, an awareness that the game has changed. They are no longer simply detectives hunting for clues; they are co-navigators in an unexpected situation. Their reactions mirror those of the audience: surprise giving way to acceptance, frustration tempered by empathy.

As the show progresses, something unexpected happens. The loss of mystery begins to give space to a different kind of engagement. Without the pressure of guessing, viewers find themselves listening more closely, watching more intently. The performance itself moves to the forefront. Stripped of speculation, the music stands on its own. Emotion replaces curiosity, and in many ways, that shift feels fitting for a Christmas special, where sentiment often matters more than suspense.

Joel’s role in guiding this transition becomes quietly impressive. Hosting is often an invisible skill until something goes wrong. Here, his ability to steady the tone, to keep the atmosphere warm without ignoring the reality of the moment, becomes apparent. He does not overcompensate. He does not disappear. He simply shows up, present and human, and that presence anchors the show through its most uncertain moments.

At home, viewers’ reactions evolve as the initial shock fades. Social media, once frantic with disbelief, begins to soften. Jokes give way to reflection. Many express sympathy for Joel, recognising the pressure of live television. Others note how the moment made the show feel more real, more alive. In a landscape saturated with polished perfection, this rawness stands out.

There is also a sense of shared ownership over the moment. The reveal does not belong solely to the production or the presenter; it belongs to everyone who witnessed it. It becomes a collective memory, a “do you remember when” moment that will be referenced in future seasons, interviews, and fan discussions. In this way, the chaos cements the episode’s place in the show’s history.

Christmas television has always thrived on moments that feel communal. From festive specials to live broadcasts, the appeal lies in knowing that millions are watching together, reacting in real time. Joel’s accidental reveal taps into that tradition. It is not planned, not polished, but undeniably shared. That shared experience becomes part of the holiday fabric, something remembered alongside family gatherings and seasonal rituals.

As the final performances draw nearer, the atmosphere settles into something gentler. The urgency of secrecy is gone, replaced by appreciation. Applause feels warmer, less competitive. The audience leans into enjoyment rather than anticipation. The show, in adapting to its own disruption, reveals an unexpected flexibility, proving that its heart is not solely dependent on format.

For Joel, the emotional journey of the evening lingers beyond the final credits. The weight of responsibility, the sting of embarrassment, and the relief of having navigated the moment without derailing the entire show coexist. This is the reality of live entertainment: success and misstep intertwined. His ability to acknowledge imperfection without letting it define him is a quiet testament to his professionalism.

In the days that follow, the incident is dissected, replayed, and debated. But beneath the commentary lies a broader truth. Audiences do not just tune in for flawless execution; they tune in for connection. They forgive mistakes when they sense sincerity. Joel’s reveal, while disruptive, does not alienate viewers because it is rooted in humanity rather than carelessness.

The Masked Singer Christmas special ultimately becomes something more than its premise. It transforms into a reminder that unpredictability is not the enemy of entertainment, but one of its most powerful ingredients. While the mystery may have been compromised, the emotional engagement was not. If anything, it was heightened.

As viewers reflect on the episode, many realise that they will remember how it felt more than what went wrong. The gasp, the laughter, the awkward pause, the recovery. These moments linger because they mirror real life, where things rarely go exactly to plan, yet meaning is found in how people respond.

The chaos Joel Dommett inadvertently unleashed does not overshadow the show; it humanises it. It strips away a layer of artifice and reveals the beating heart beneath. In doing so, it reinforces why people return to live television year after year, especially at Christmas. Not for perfection, but for presence.

In the end, the reveal becomes a story not about failure, but about resilience. About a show adapting in real time. About a presenter owning a mistake. About performers continuing despite altered circumstances. And about an audience willing to embrace imperfection when it is met with honesty.

As the festive lights dim and the Christmas special comes to a close, there is no lingering bitterness, only a sense of having witnessed something genuine. The mask may have slipped too soon, but behind it was something far more enduring than mystery: connection. And in a season defined by togetherness, that connection is perhaps the greatest reveal of all.