ITV’s The Masked Dancer made a comeback this weekend with the first six characters taking to the stage.
Joined by the detective panel, which this year includes Peter Crouch, Oti Mabuse, Davina McCall and Jonathan Ross, presenter Joel returned to present the epic 90-minute long episode.
For the first night of performances, it was time for Candlestick, Scissors, Astronaut, Odd Socks, Prawn Cocktail and Pillar and Post to show off their dance moves.
One-by-one each character performed their routine, as the judges tried to guess who was behind each mask, with guesses ranging from Jonathan’s fave, Mary Berry, to olympians Jessica Ennis-Hill and Rebecca Addlington.
For one celeb it was the end of the road, as the first Masked Dancer for season 2 was unveiled.
So, who is in the line-up?
Read on for everything you need to know about this year’s characters, including who has already been unmasked, the latest clues and guesses.
Who is in The Masked Dancer 2022 UK? Contestants, spoilers, and theories
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia will be dancing to their own tune when they take to the stage, but will viewers be able to guess who is behind the mask?
Tomato Sauce
Ready to paint the dance floor red is Tomato Sauce.
Sea Slug
The worm has got nothing on The Masked Dancer’s Sea Slug, who’ll be slipping and sliding all over the stage.
Scissors
Scissors will be cutting up all the shapes this year.
Songs:
- Episode 1 – Sorry by Justin Bieber
Clues:
- “It’s been said that I’m something of a funny girl.”
- “I’ve not always been described as the sharpest tool in the box.”
- Writing on the mirror in lipstick similar to what they do on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
- American accent.
- Dalmatian cereal bowl.
- Mention of a talent show.
- Hair salon in the VT.
- “These peepers are feline like they could use forty winks”
Guesses:
- Cat Deeley
- Emma Stone
- Maya Jama
- Emily Blunt
- Ashley Roberts
Cactus
You’re in for a spiky performance as Cactus takes to the stage. We wonder if they’ll prickle your fancy.
Astronaut
Astronaut was the first contestant to be unmasked on season 2 as Desperate Housewives actor Jesse Metcalfe.
Songs:
- Episode 1 – Blinding Lights by The Weekend.
Clues:
- Science theme in VT.
- A small white van and a tent in the VT.
- “This isn’t the first time i’ve had a mark on my head.”
- “Tonight, I’ll make you believe that a man can fly.”
- There was a green rock in the VT.
- Mention of cheeses in the VT.
- “Space might be the final front-‘ear’, but you may have heard of me by the same name more than once.”
Guesses:
- Denise Van Outen
- Henry Cavill
- Dean Cain
- Alex James
- Bear Grylls
Pillar and Post
Also taking to the stage is Pillar and Post – the show’s first masked duo.
Songs:
- Episode 1 – Please Mr. Postman by The Marvettes
Clues:
- “Mostly I follow instructions and just do what I’m told.”
- “Being posties, thats keeping it in the family.”
- A small cruise ship in their first VT.
- Pillar and Post delivering a cheque of money in their first VT.
- Hearts on the trees during the performance.
- JL5 written on one of the letters in the VT.
- “We’ve ‘toe’-tally seen stars together.”
Guesses:
- Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston
- Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart
- Rochelle and Marvin Humes
- Diane Buswell and Joe Sugg
Candlestick
Hoping to light up the stage with their flaming moves is Candlestick.
Songs:
- Episode 1 – Relight My Fire by Take That
Clues:
- Something to do with a judge.
- “I might be an authority”.
- Names of metals in the VT – platinum, pewter and brass.
- Lemon in glass of water.
- “I know what it is to lose, but win.”
- “I kneed to let you know, I went via Tinseltown on my way to success”
Guesses:
- Judge Rob Rinder
- Olly Murs
- Jack Whitehall
- Keith Lemon
Pearly King
Will Pearly King’s dancing skills be just as regal as their name?
Pig
Pig will be showing off their dance moves this September, but we hope they won’t be hogging the dance floor.
Prawn Cocktail
Hoping not to pull a mussel when they take to the dance floor, it’s Prawn Cocktail.
Songs:
- Episode 1 – One Night Only by Dream Girls.
Clues:
- “Hiya, Pet!”
- Very feminine outfit.
- “I certainly didn’t used to look like what you’d quite expect”
- “Surprise, surprise”
- Animal friendly establishment sign in first VT.
- “I’m hoping to be strictly the best” – possible Tina Turner reference in first VT.
- The words “The Gold Shrimp Club” on the set of their first performance, which could hint to them being a gold medalist.
- Reference to boats in their first VT.
- “I may be an ‘appetiser’, but I’ve got an insatiable appetite for success.”
Guesses:
- Jessica Ennis-Hill
- Alison Steadman
- Shirley Ballas
- Rebecca Addlington
Odd Socks
They might be odd by name, but these happy feet won’t be uncoordinated when they step onto the dance floor.
Songs:
- Episode 1 – What a man Gotta Do by the Jonas Brothers
Clues:
- Half 7 was on the clock.
- Ergo soap powder in h
- Hints to someone who does multiple jobs.
- “I like to dip my toe in different adventures.”
- Mention of a circle, which could be a link to Channel 4’s The Circle.
- “I ‘nose’ how to sniff out talent like a pair of stinky socks.”
Guesses:
- Nadia Sawalha
- Emma Willis
- Jessie Wallace
- Maisie Smith
