The Masked Dancer UK 2022 is back for its second series, and if you loved The Masked Singer UK season 3 then you’ll enjoy this masked extravaganza, which promises to be the 'most bonkers' yet.
Instead of singing, 12 celebrities will try to keep their identities secret as they perform dance routines in outrageous costumes.
Last year, Olympic gymnast Louis Smith was crowned the winner of the show as he was unmasked as Carwash. He competed against an array of crazy costumes in the first series, including Knickerbocker Glory, Rubber Chicken, Scarecrow, Beetroot, Flamingo, and many more!
Bandicoot managing director Derek McLean and creative director Daniel Nettleton said: “The Masked Dancer wowed audiences last year and we’re thrilled to bring back the show for another series of crazy costumes, mind-blowing moves and maddeningly compelling clues.
“With the mayhem, we’re lining up for 2022, we are already planning for the most bonkers series yet.”
Here’s everything we know about The Masked Dancer UK 2022…
The Masked Dancer UK 2022 release date
The new series of The Masked Dancer began on Saturday, September 3 at 6:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub. The final aired on Saturday, October 22 and the full series is now available to stream on ITV Hub.
Who won The Masked Dancer UK 2022?
Scissors was crowned the winner of The Masked Dancer UK 2022, who was eventually unmasked as American actress and dancer Heather Morris. She is best known for her role as Brittany S. Pierce in the hit musical comedy series Glee.
Talking about why she took part, she said: "My kids and I have been watching the US versions since the beginning. They are obsessed with the show. They have made multiple masks that we have in our closet. I really did it for them. I’m down for doing anything so dancing in a fun costume was a challenge for me and I was just excited for that part of it. "
Who was unmasked on The Masked Dancer UK 2022?
As twelve new masked celebrities performed their best dance moves to win The Masked Dancer UK 2022.
From Odd Socks to Sea Slug and the show's first-ever double act with Pillar and Post, there was an array of kooky ensembles this year... but who was behind each of the outrageous costumes?
Onomatopoeia
Who is behind the Onomatopoeia mask?
Onomatopoeia was unmasked as Australian TV, stage and film actor Adam Garcia, who is notable for his roles in the musicals Saturday Night Fever and Kiss Me, Kate.
The trained tap dancer and singer said after his unmasking, he said: "I always step away from dancing and then something brings me back — and I realise, that’s right, I love dancing… it brings joy."
Pearly King
Who is behind the Pearly King mask?
Pearly King came third in the competition and was unmasked as former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli.
After the professional dancer and choreographer was unmasked, he joked to Joel Dommett: "It was a terrible mistake, I thought Masked Singer? I'll do it, but Dancer?! You're kidding me. You should always read your contract!"
Odd Socks
Who is behind the Odd Socks mask?
Former Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh was behind the Odd Socks mask.
She commented: "My kids and my nephews are obsessed with the show and do Masked Dancer competitions every weekend so I wanted to do it for them."
Sea Slug
Who is behind the Sea Slug mask?
Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis OBE was unmasked as Sea Slug.
She said of appearing on The Masked Dancer: "It's been outstanding, seriously! The mask gives you wings!"
Candlestick
Who is behind the Candlestick mask?
Candlestick was unmasked as TV presenter and The Great British Bake Off Star Liam Charles.
Talking about why he decided to take on the challenge he said: "I thought it was very different to what I do normally, so I thought why not."
Tomato Sauce
Who is behind the Tomato Sauce mask?
Tomato Sauce was unmasked as popular daytime TV presenter and journalist Steph McGovern!
The Steph's Packed Lunch presenter was the fifth celebrity to be eliminated from the competition.
Pillar and Post
Who is behind the Pillar and Post mask?
Pillar and Post were forced to quit the show due to Pillar sustaining an injury, which led to their identities being revealed as legendary England goalkeeper David Seaman and his wife, Dancing On Ice professional skater Frankie.
Frankie said in a statement: "We were gutted as we absolutely loved every minute! It was great fun but a tumble meant our Masked journey came to an end too soon, we had such a blast and we were sad that we had to hang up our masks without being able to share our final dance with you all!
"We have loved being part of this series and we wish the other competitors the best of luck as we continue to watch at home and try to guess who all the other celebrities are!”
Cactus
Who is behind the Cactus mask?
Cactus was unmasked as choirmaster Gareth Malone.
Talking about why he had decided to take part in the show, he said: "I have never danced before other than around my kitchen or in night clubs in my youth and I’ve always really liked it and always felt like it was something I should do, should try and I thought this was a really fun way to do it.
"I really like the show and I thought it would be very unexpected for me to do this. Lots of people have actually tweeted before about whether or not it was me in one of the costumes or The Masked Singer but never on The Masked Dancer."
Prawn Cocktail
Who is behind the Prawn Cocktail mask?
Prawn Cocktail was revealed to be TV presenter Stacey Dooley!
The former Strictly Come Dancing winner told host Joel after being unmasked that: "You know, I had the time of my life. I loved it, I loved it! I just wanted to pretend to be like a daft, drunk, annoying aunt.
"It's been a scream, it's been a total, total scream. Really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for being really lovely."
She recently announced that she was expecting her first child with Kevin Clifton.
Pig
Who is behind the Pig mask?
Pig was the second unmasking of the competition and it turned out to be Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page!
After she was unmasked she told host Joel Dommett: "I had a fantastic time. It's been absolutely amazing. The children don't know or anything. I'm very excited as this is their favourite programme."
Astronaut
Who is behind the Astronaut mask?
Astronaut was unmasked as US actor Jesse Metcalfe, who is famous for his role in Desperate Housewives.
When asked why he decided to take part, Jesse said: “I thought it would be fun because dance is something that really intimidates me so it's a fear that I wanted to face. This has been unbelievable, it's one of the most zany things I’ve ever done in my career but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
The Masked Dancer UK 2022 host
Comedian Joel Dommett resumed his hosting duties for this series after presenting the last 3 series of The Masked Singer and last year’s The Masked Dancer.
The Masked Dancer UK 2022 judges
The judging panel has been confirmed, with last year's judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse all taking their seats once again for the upcoming season.
However, it has been announced that comedian Mo Gilligan will be replaced by football legend Peter Crouch on the judging panel as Mo is unavailable to appear on this year's show due to touring commitments.
Peter said: “The show is a firm favorite in our household and when asked I jumped at the chance to take part. I am competitive and I'm currently scrolling through friends' socials looking for those tell-tale dance moves.
“Another plus is by being on the panel my social media, family and friends won’t be constantly speculating that I’m hiding behind one of the masks!”
But don't worry, Mo will be making a surprise appearance during the show, along with some other very special guests.
Mo revealed: “I love being a part of the Masked Team so I’m gutted to be missing most of the series this year as I’ll be working in the US. BUT I’ve got the perfect sub to take my place. A legend on and off the pitch and one of the nicest guys in the industry, Crouchy knows a thing or two about fancy footwork, we’ve got this!”
Oti was confirmed to be returning as a judge back in February, with Bandicoot TV chief Derek McLean saying: “Yes, Oti will be back. She is great. She has that level of dance skill and her critical eye is so good for dance. It is a no-brainer that she is coming back.”
Oti managed to successfully guess professional dancer Craig Revel Horwood and model Kelly Brook in the semi-final, with the other judges guessing completely wrong.
The first season also welcomed guest judges such as John Bishop, David Walliams and Holly Willoughby.
The Masked Dancer UK 2022 trailer
ITV has released a first-look promo for this year's competition, where we're introduced to the whacky characters taking to the stage!
