ITV EDIT THE MASKED SINGER TO REMOVE PERFORMANCE FROM FIRST EPISODE

EXCLUSIVE

ITV have made major edits to tonight's opening episode of The Masked Singer, editing out one celebrity's performance from the first episode completely, TV Zone understands.

Joel Dommett and the panel

Earlier today (Saturday 3rd January) ITV announced a schedule change which saw the first episode of the series reduced from 90 minutes to 80 minutes, starting at 6:40pm rather than the billed 6:30pm.

An ITV spokesperson told TV Zone: "In light of the tragic events in Switzerland, we took the decision to remove Red Panda's performance on The Masked Singer in tonight's programme owing to potential insensitivities within the theme and lyrics of the song. Viewers will get to see Red Panda perform in the coming weeks. "

Red Panda

This series, Davina McCall, Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan are heading back to their detective chairs as the nation’s favourite guessing game begins all over again. The panel will be joined by an array of guest panelists throughout the series who will be joining in on all of the action and hoping that they can guess who is masquerading behind the mask.

The affable Joel Dommett returns as host as the hit BAFTA-winning show that continues to grip the nation returns for its seventh series. A fresh batch of famous faces will don a line-up of extraordinary and elaborate costumes, in a bid to disguise their identities, as they sing in front of a studio audience and our celebrity judging panel.

This year’s cast follow in the footsteps of an array of superstars including Dionne Warwick, NeYo, Richie Sambora, Prue Leith, Daisy May Cooper, Gregory Porter, Grayson Perry, Glenn Hoddle, Mel Giedroyc, Lorraine Kelly, Jason Manford, Jake Shears, Sir Lenny Henry, Joss Stone and more.

The Masked Singer continues Sunday 4th January at 6:30pm on ITV1.